After a winter hiatus for the All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week, we are featuring ASBA Alum Nick Umberger, a senior left-handed pitcher for Shippensburg University. In three starts this season, Nick is 3-0 with a miniscule 1.29 ERA. Nick went the distance in two of his three starts, and already has two shutouts on the season. He also has walked just six batters while striking out 17 in 21 innings of work. We had a chance to ask him a few questions about his time with All Star, as well as his college experience and future plans. Here’s what he had to say:
How would you describe your experience with All Star?
It was very beneficial for me. I took a lot of pitching lessons, which really helped me out. I learned a lot from them, and I’m now able to make adjustments on my own during a game.
What ASBA teams did you play for?
I played for the ASBA Downingtown, Blue Claws, ASBA Downingtown Fall Ball, and an ASBA Fall Showcase team that played at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank, New York.
Who were your ASBA coaches?
My coaches were Jim Freeman, Creighton Gubanich and Mark Freed.
What has been the highlight of playing college baseball for you so far?
I think the best part for me has been the opportunity to play with some of the best kids from around the state. You get to make lifelong friends because you’re around them all the time. It makes it a better college experience all around because they become your brothers.
How did your experience with ASBA prepare you for playing college baseball?
All Star Baseball Academy prepared me for playing at a high collegiate level. I was able to play against some of the best competition from around the country, which prepared me once I got to college.
What’s the hardest part about playing college baseball?
The number of games is a lot different. It’s a big jump to go from 15 games to 50 games. I’ve learned that conditioning and staying in shape is important in order to make it through the season. Usually I’ll make a start in a Conference game during the weekend and pitch in relief during the week, so I really have to make sure that my endurance is at a high level. Training throughout the year really prepared me for the jump.
What are you majoring in/what are your future plans?
Right now I’m majoring in marketing. I’m hoping to do something with promotional and community relations with a minor league or major league team. I would like to be involved with community outreach.
Congratulations to Nick for being named this week’s ASBA Player of the Week, and we wish him the best of luck as he continues his season. Stay tuned each week for the next ASBA Player of the Week. For more information, please contact your local ASBA facility.
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