Club baseball is in full swing

If you love baseball and you’re looking for fun people to build a roster with, look no further than USF’s club baseball. The 13 member team is open to all genders and is always looking to welcome new recruits who want to share their passion for the sport. 

Club president and third-year sports management and finance double major, Alex Franco-Schmidt said that no experience is necessary to join the team. “Whether you didn’t make the DI team or don’t have time, if you used to play in high school, or if you just want to try it out, it’s a real great time with a fun group.” 

Though the team has a head coach, Franco-Schmidt is responsible for coordinating the team’s game scheduling and travel itinerary. He also facilitates communication with opposing schools, the club sports director, and team members. The head coach coaches the games, and Franco-Schmidt runs practices. 

The team meets twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Benedetti Diamond. They play a total of five games per season, but according to Franco-Schmidt, the team is currently in search of new opponents. 

Each season, there is a three game series on the weekend with a doubleheader one of the two days. Stanford, St. Mary’s, Sacramento State, and Humboldt State are among those in USF’s conference. USF hosts two conference series and travels for the other two, alternating every year for the annual fifth series against a non-conference opponent, which is required in order to qualify for playoffs. Transportation is provided for all away games. “We play in a nationally recognized league with 143 teams, it is competitive and ranges in skill level,” explained Franco-Schmidt. This season, the team’s record is 3-6. 

“A highlight of the year is when we won our doubleheader here at home against Humboldt State,” said Franco-Schmidt. “Jack Steck and I both pitched complete games and we won both games by one run. We made no defensive errors and everyone contributed to the victories, it was a really great day for the club.” 

For Cody Tam, a third-year nursing major and the team’s equipment and safety officer, a highlight of the season was the team’s first win. “We were able to come together as a team and see all of the hard work we put in during practice pay off,” he said. “I also think it really gave us confidence going into our first games following that first win.” 

Tam explained what makes the team so valuable to him. “I’ve been able to improve in my skills and enjoy playing in multiple series against other schools,” said Tam. “It allows for people who may be new to the sport or just interested in it to give it a try and play.” 

He continued, “I think it’s important to have a club baseball team on campus in order for those who want to continue playing baseball in college to have time and space for it.” 

Not only does the club serve as an outlet for baseball lovers to develop their skills, it also fosters strong connections. “Several of us are friends outside the club and we spend time together often,” Franco-Schmidt said. 

“We are hoping to plan an outing in May to a Giants or Athletics game,” he continued. “Last year, we traveled to Humboldt state and spent two nights at a hotel. That was a really fun time and we had a great chance to go out and enjoy ourselves.”

For those interested in joining, the club will have tabling events at Koret Night on Aug. 16, as well as at Day on the Green on Aug. 18 in the upcoming fall semester. If you would like to get involved sooner or are unable to attend these events, there are currently sign ups and information available at Koret. Prospective members can also email tye3@usfca.edu to connect with club baseball officers.