“The club baseball team is a great way to connect with a group of guys who share a love for the game. It's also a great way to continue playing the game you loved as a kid,” said, club baseball president Peter Herman. Club baseball is just one of the 40+ clubs available to join at the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). These clubs compete inter-collegiately on the national level. We sat down with baseball club vice president, Peter Herman to learn more about his team and what you can expect from fall and spring ball at the CRC.

What makes club baseball at the CRC unique?

Our club generally consists of guys who have played high school baseball, but it's by no means a requirement. We have skill levels ranging from guys who used to play varsity here or at other colleges to guys who are just picking the game back up… We do not have official tryouts or cuts in either the fall or spring.

In the fall we typically schedule games against other Georgia schools and will schedule one away series. The fall season is much more relaxed and we aim to ensure everyone receives equal field time. The spring season is much more competitive. We participate in the Division I National Club Baseball Association (NCBA). This acts similar to the NCAA, but for club baseball. We play against other college's club baseball teams in a three-game weekend series. We usually play 18-24 games a year, and some of our participants may play in the all-star game or home run derby that I believe is held in Tampa Bay, Florida. Practice is still free and we do not cut anyone in the spring, but instead, we release a depth chart to the team.

When does your season take place and what is your typical schedule? 

We have both a fall season and a spring season. We typically begin in the fall in mid-late September and will play 2 games each weekend. The fall season ends in November before Thanksgiving break. We begin our spring season in early February and will play 3 games each weekend until the beginning of May.

What are some reasons for joining club baseball?

The club baseball team is a great way to connect with a group of guys who share a love for the game. It's also a great way to continue playing the game you loved as a kid. Not to mention getting to travel and visit other schools is a blast. 

What advice do you have for people interested in baseball?

To anyone interested in club baseball I recommend coming to practice on weeknights. Practice is 100% free and there is no commitment required.

As a member of the team, do you have a favorite memory or experience?

My favorite club baseball memory has to be beating UGA in Athens in a tight ball game.

What was the greatest lesson you've learned from baseball that has helped you succeed in college?

The great lesson I've learned from baseball is perseverance. The game of baseball is funny in that the outcome is never predetermined or set in stone. That's why you can't give in early.

What athlete do you admire the most and why?

The athlete I admire most has to be former club president, Luke Bumgardner. He has an appreciation for the game like no other I've had the opportunity to play with. 

How can students join the Baseball Club?

Students can join the baseball club by signing up for our email list gtclubbaseball@gmail.com and attending practice.