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
SANFORD, Maine - Rising sophomore and Saratoga, Calif. native Stevie Berman had a banner freshman season that earned him a number of accolades and helped the Broncos advance to the WCC Championship tournament. Berman took his game back East this summer, playing in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) for the Sanford Mainers.
"This is my first time in Maine," said Berman. "I live in a small town in Maine called Sanford. At first I thought it was bad because there's few activities to do, but after a couple of days I could see how much this town loves Mainer Baseball and how much they support us. The people in the town make it a real fun place to play."
In his first season for the Broncos, Berman led the team with 30 walks and a .433 on-base percentage. Berman also finished in the top three of several offensive categories including batting average (.322), runs scored (35), doubles (13), total bases (84), slugging percentage (.459) and home runs (4). Berman received a number of awards throughout the season including 2014 All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team, 2014 WCC Honorable Mention, Rawlings WCC Baseball Player of the Week (April 28) and College Sports Madness West Coast Baseball Player of the Week (April 28).
Being in a new place hasn't stopped Berman from continuing to play well. In his 101 at bats for the Mainers, Berman had 15 RBI and leads the Mainers with two home runs.
"My summer has been awesome," said Berman. "Going across the country to play is a great experience and it allows me to make new friends across the nation. The NECBL is a very competitive league, which makes coming to the ballpark every night something to look forward to."
The Mainers finished on top in the North Division, going 4-1. Berman and the Mainers will now head into a three games series against the Newport Gulls starting Aug. 11, to determine the champion of the NECBL. Berman will be seeing Bronco teammate Jose Vizcaino Jr. who is a member of the Newport Gulls.
The Mainers have had a busy schedule this summer, traveling all across the Northeast to Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. In their off-time Berman and the team spend time relaxing and exploring the outdoor activities Maine has to offer.
"In my free time we usually relax. We go bowling, golfing, and to the beach a lot. I have a new love for golf that Maine has brought out of me."
The off time has been important for Berman this summer, allowing him to recover from his rigorous practice and game schedule with the Mainers. Berman continues to set his sites on what to improve on next in efforts to keep playing at a top-notch level.
"This summer I am just tying to improve all assets of my game. I'm working on my defense along with becoming a better hitter. This summer is great for training."
Though Berman is the only Bronco on the Mainer team this summer season, Berman has been able to play alongside family friend Nick Lovullo from Holy Cross College.
"I knew one guy coming in to playing for this team. His name is Nick Lovullo. It's funny because his dad played with my dad at UCLA and his mom was my mom's maid of honor in her wedding. It is truly a small world and awesome that I can become really close to Nick, just like my parents were to his."
Berman has enjoyed his time playing with Lovullo and the rest of the Mainer squad but is ready to return to his Bronco teammates in a few weeks.
"I'm most looking forward to being back with the guys on our team. I love the guys we have at home and can't wait to be able to hang out with them, along with play by their sides again."
