Ben Dines '15
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Senior 1B/OF CJ Jacobe (CJ) of the baseball team tasted success on the field last year. He talked with Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) about his hunger for more.
SCB: Tell me about your summer. What were you up to in the last few months?
CJ: I had an unforgettable experience getting to play some outstanding baseball in Florida for College Park Freedom. I was blessed to stay with the Butera family, where the host dad Sal Butera won a world series with the Twins, and the son Drew Butera is a catcher for the Dodgers. I learned a lot from them and it was a true blessing to be a part of that family. As for being home, it's been relaxing and fun getting to spend time with my brother and family.
SCB: Two years ago, you guys had a pretty rough season. What was the mindset of you and the team going into last year's season?
CJ: True, we did have a rough season a couple years ago, but that happens to every team at some point. You can either let it defeat you, or use those experiences to make you a stronger person and player; that difficult year helped bind us together as a team, which showed in our record. As for our mindset as a team, I can't pinpoint what we did exactly, but from my point of view, I felt that we developed a "non-panic" mentality and everyone played like they had each others' backs. We became a true brotherhood.
SCB: You certainly rebounded last year as the Broncos finished 16-11 in WCC play and pushed Santa Clara into one of four spots in the WCC Baseball Championship. What was the turnaround like? And what was it like taking part in the postseason?
CJ: Last season was a great season indeed. We fought and clawed our way through and it felt good. Honestly, I never really thought about the turnaround. I stayed in the present moment, focused and fought hard and I think the rest of my teammates did the same as well. That was my first postseason since being at Santa Clara and I have to say it felt good. We're definitely going to get there again this year!
SCB: What were some other highlights from last year?
CJ: As for highlights from last year, it all started in Texas where we swept the tournament. Then we went into conference and swept San Diego to spark our push into the playoffs. As for my favorite highlight, it had to be seeing TJ Braff hit the game-winning hit to send us into the playoffs. It was special because TJ and I were roommates all year long, and we would always rely on one another when things got tough.
SCB: What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?
CJ: Since I'll be a senior this year, I'm sure it's going to be filled with some very special moments. I'm going to play like every game it's my last and leave it all on the field. Baseball is a humbling game, so I am going to take what I have learned and apply it to the best of my ability, because I am a student of the game. Ultimately, I'm going to enjoy each moment as much as possible and celebrate the victories with my team and family. Go Broncos!
Go Broncos!
