Note: Summer and baseball have always seemed to fit together perfectly. For fans of the game, summer is a time to enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of America's pastime, but for college baseball players, it is a time for development. College players across the country, including members of the Santa Clara baseball squad, have already left for their summer experiences just weeks after finals as they begin preparation for the 2015 season.
After a much-improved 2014 campaign on the Mission Campus, Bronco ball players now occupy rosters throughout the nation in summer leagues that are helping them grow as players. Santa Clara is represented in twelve different leagues from the Bay Area to New England, while others play for independent teams. The "All Summer Long" series, in its fourth season, will chronicle the Broncos as they play in various summer leagues nationwide.
By Jessica Shusko '15
HEALDSBURG, Calif. – After his first season as a Bronco, Tyler Meditz has stayed in Northern California to play summer ball for the Healdsburg Prune Packers. The outfielder from Honolulu, Hawaii has enjoyed his time with the Prune Packers and playing for head coach and Santa Clara alum Joey Gomes '03.
Meditz is not alone this summer; Bronco teammates Jason Seever and Nick Gagliardi are apart of the Prune Packers this summer as well.
"Having Jason Seever and Nick Gagliardi here and playing for a Santa Clara alum, Joey Gomes, has been a great experience," said Meditz. "I feel like we all help each other out and make sure that we're all doing what we need to do this summer to get ready for the season."
As a freshman in the outfield, Meditz saw time in 24 games and made five starts. Most of his appearances came as being a pinch runner. For the Prune Packers, Meditz battled .314, was third on the team with 26 RBI and tied for second with four homeruns.
"Personally, I've been using this summer to get comfortable in the box and not do so much thinking which can get in the way of actually playing the game."
The Prune Packers wrapped up their season on Aug. 2, finishing third in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League (GSCBL), with a record of 22-13.
With all the teams in the GSCBL within driving distance, Meditz and the Prune Packers had some extra time for team bonding this summer. Meditz lived with a host family within a few blocks of other teammates, making it convenient to spend time together.
"Although there isn't much to do Healdsburg, the team has had river trips and BBQ's. The gym is an everyday thing here whether it be just to relax in the sauna, hot tub, steam room, or pool, or to get in a workout."
Meditz looks forward to seeing his Bronco teammates back on the Mission campus in the coming weeks. With a few words of advice from Gomes, Meditz is ready for his second season as a Bronco.
"I'm very much looking forward to returning to Santa Clara a new baseball player and taking the advice and instruction of Coach Joey to play at the highest level."
