Greg Harisis is one of 3 Broncos playing in the Northwoods League this summer
Looking to improve their skills and continue to learn the game, 21 Bronco baseball players will participate in summer ball all over the country. Several players will be in local leagues but there will be players in Alaska, New England and Kansas.
"Summer ball is an outstanding experience for all of our guys," said associate head coach Gabe Ribas. "They get a chance to get away from the confines of our program and see what other people are doing. From a development standpoint, they get more at-bats, more repetitions, more innings on the mound and they get to test their wares against people from all over."
Justin Viele was drafted in the 37th Round of the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles
Four-year Santa Clara starting shortstop Justin Viele will get a chance to continue playing baseball as he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the 1,119th overall pick in the 37th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. He joins former teammate Lucas Herbst who was drafted by Baltimore in 2012 in the 26th round.
"This is one of the best feelings in the world," said Viele. "I talked to an Orioles scout last week so I knew they had some interest in me. I'm so fired up."
"I'm excited for Justin and proud of him for the work he put in to earn this opportunity," said Bronco head coach Dan O'Brien. "He's everything you can ask for in a ballplayer. He's a fierce competitor, a tireless worker, a loyal teammate and a flat-out winner. Ballplayers like Justin deserve to play this timeless game forever."
RD Academy Summer Youth Camps at Santa Clara University are still accepting registrations for kids between the ages of 7-13 years old. The week-long camps are designed for kids of all skill levels who want to improve their game and have fun playing baseball with their peers.
"We feel that to be successful you must develop the individual as well as the athlete," said head coach Dan O'Brien. "RD Academy is about teaching young players the way the game should be played, while emphasizing the life skills they will learn in the process."
Former Bronco John Savage ('86) Leads UCLA Baseball to National Championship
John Savage Played Baseball at SCU from 1984 - 1986
John Savage (Santa Clara Alum and Head Baseball Coach at UCLA) stood off to the side of the makeshift stage that had been erected around home plate, cradling the national championship trophy in both hands, a huge grin plastered across his face.
"Can you believe we did it?" he said, as his grin turned sly. "And the way we did it!"
UCLA won its first national championship with an 8-0 victory against Mississippi State on Tuesday night. The way the Bruins marched unbeaten through the postseason wasn't quite like any champion that came before them...