Junipero Serra
Editor's note: This is the first of an ongoing series about the recruitment and college decisions of the ballplayers on the Peninsula. It's their stories of how they got here, what they hope to accomplish at the next level and how high school baseball has been a part of this journey.
SAN MATEO – Evan Bradshaw is a Pacifica kid who decided at a young age that baseball was his love – something not uncommon in the foggy coastal town.
“I knew that baseball was what I wanted to do, but it wasn’t until the summer after my freshman year that I realized it was achievable,” he said.
Playing against the area's best that summer, Bradshaw shined, and his confidence rose. He knew then – with hard work and dedication – he could play at the next level.
Now a senior, Bradshaw’s plan was achieved when he received a scholarship to play D-1 baseball at University of the Pacific in Stockton.
“We are excited to have Evan coming next year. He’s very versatile in terms of where he can play. Also, a good fit with rosters going down to 34 next year,” said Reed Peters, UOP’s head coach. “He’s a hard worker, athletic and a cerebral player. I love that he plays for my former pitching coach Mat Keplinger, Mat is great with the mental side of the game, so I know he will be well prepared.”
Bradshaw knows the opportunity he’s been given.
“I want to further grow academically and spiritually in my time at UOP, and this is an amazing opportunity to grow my future as a person and an athlete,” he said.
The goal is to find a career skillset while in Stockton, but make no mistake, his goal is to play baseball professionally.
“… Although my ultimate goal is to play past the collegiate level and make it to the MLB, I also want to gain a skill that I will use at the end of my career," he said. "I am still figuring out the specifics, But I plan to build a strong foundation for my future beyond baseball.”
Serra’s history of great ballplayers and athletes is ideal for any talented kid’s resume, Keplinger says.
“Evans commitment to UOP Is a wonderful accomplishment," Keplinger said. "Evan’s work ethic is second to none and he is a student of the game. He created opportunities for himself by being willing to learn the outfield last year in addition to being a very talented infielder."
Bradshaw is playing second base and batting second for the unbeaten Padres, but Keplinger says his versatility is what separates him at the next level and playing for Peters, who is in his first year there, is a plus.
“I know that Evan is the type of competitor that will thrive under coach Peters’ tutelage, and he gets to be part of his first recruiting class,” Keplinger said. “We are all very proud of Evan and the work he’s put into creating an opportunity to play Division I baseball.
Being one of the key pieces to Peters' first recruiting class at UOP says a lot, too, Keplinger said.
And the hard work won’t stop with his commitment, he promises.
“I plan on bringing a steady work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to the team," Bradshaw said. "I want to be the hardest worker on the field, hopefully inspiring my teammates to do the same thing and making us unstoppable on the field.”
-- Mike Sangimino
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