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 Dylan Lynch
Seever, the left-handed pitcher from Castro Valley High School, was second in relief appearances on the team last season with 29. As only a freshman, Seever finished the season with a 3-2 record and a 3.12 ERA while recording 30 strikeouts in 40 innings.
With his sophomore season coming up, Seever has helped lead the Prune Packers to a 30-15 record this summer, notching 30 strikeouts in his two wins (in late July). As Healdsburg remains in second place in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League, Seever has continued to train in his spare time to prepare for next season.
"I have been sticking to our Sparta training workout program, trying to be in better shape this next season than I was in the last," said Seever.
With the season nearing an end, Seever is looking forward to playing a few more games at Recreation Park, the Prune Packers home stadium.
Seever explained, "All the local people come out and support our team. It's also only 285 feet to the left field wall so we celebrate many homeruns."
While playing in Healdsburg this summer, Seever is fortunate to be staying with a local host couple in the area.
"I am staying with a host couple that lives right on the Russian River in Healdsburg. They are the nicest people and treat me like a grandson. I'm very lucky that I get to stay with them."
With a busy team and training schedule, Seever has still been able to find some free time away from the diamond.
"I like to hang out with teammates and get to know their host parents," Seever said. "Overall, the place I spend most of my time is on the river because I like fishing and being outside. It's like camping every day!"
