2013 alumnus shortstop Gabe Fyock swings the bat in an attempt to get to first base on Feb. 16. Fyock started in all 99 games of his two-year career at Harding. Jeff Montgomery Senior Victor Guerra rounds third base and heads home to score a run for the Bisons on Feb. 9. Guerra finished the season with 22 runs. Grant Schol Winding back, senior pitcher Bronson Smith prepares to pitch the ball towards a Maryville player on Feb. 18. Smith pitched in 33 games in the 2013 season. Jeff Montgomery DEDICATED Throughout the school year, collegiate sports demanded time and training, but the players received breaks during the summer. Baseball was an exception to that rule. During the summer months, many collegiate baseball players spread across the country and joined summer leagues to better their skills and become acquainted with professional scouts. According to head coach Patrick McGaha, the players who did not get a chance to pitch or hit during the season gained more experience by participating in the summer leagues. The summer leagues also allowed the players to continue encountering good competition. "It's a chance for them to come back better," McGaha said. "Then for some guys, it's a chance for them to be seen by professional scouts and hopefully gives them a chance to get drafted later." McGaha said the athletes played with other baseball players from across the country. Harding was in NCAA Division II, so this gave its players a chance to go up against pitchers and hitters from Division I teams. Playing against such skilled TO THE GAME athletes challenged them to improve before the school season started up again. Players from Harding's baseball program were encouraged to play in summer leagues, but it was not required. The summer leagues offered a valuable advantage to those who participated. McGaha said that those who played in the summer came back with confidence that helped them for the duration of the school season. Senior first baseman Matt Calhoun really noticed the difference. "You can tell in the fall who played and did not play,'' Calhoun said. "Staying around the game makes it easier to pick it up when school starts." Calhoun played for the Slippery Rock Sliders in the Prospect League during the summer of 2013. He was named Mike Schmidt Player of the Year and was appointed to the Prospect League Year-end All Star Team as a first baseman. With year-round competitive baseball, it was easy to get overwhelmed, but Calhoun said he would play again in a heartbeat if he had the chance. "I know some players that get burned out from playing too much," Calhoun said. "It is a mix between living your dream to the fullest, while making it fun. I know that in 20 years I would have regretted not playing every opportunity I could." Calhoun recommended summer league for all college baseball players, and he expressed interest in participating further. "I love it so much I could see myself coaching summer league team whenever my career ends,'' Calhoun said. For senior pitcher Cameron Walker, summer leagues were particularly valuable. Baseball was an integral part of his life, and it affected him in every season. "Yes, I would most definitely do it again," Walker said. "It's a gift just to be able to wake up each morning, so any chance you get to be at the field you should take it." Participation in summer leagues was a key part of preparation forthe NCAA season. Without year-round players, the baseball team could not reach its full potential in the spring. Alex Ezell 277
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