Northwoods Green Bay Rockers

Bullfrogs Baroniel Sees Baseball as More Than Just a Game

July 16, 2014 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Green Bay Rockers News Release


Green Bay, Wis. - Green Bay Bullfrogs starting pitcher Roberto Baroniel (Nova Southeastern) comes into Wednesday's game against the Madison Mallards with a 4-1 record and a 2.00 ERA, having won in his last four starts. "Bubba" has also given up only three earned runs in his last five starts. Baroniel's accomplishments thus far were enough for him to be named to the 2014 Northwoods League All-Star Game.

However, despite all of Baroniel's accomplishments with the Bullfrogs this season, he may be the first to tell you that it is his work off the field at his college, Nova Southeastern a Division II school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that he is most proud of.

Baroniel is currently serving as a member of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, representing the Sunshine State Conference and Nova Southeastern University. He is one of just 29 student-athletes across Division II that serves on the SAAC. The SAAC exists to serve as a liaison and voice between the NCAA and student-athletes.

Serving on the national committee since this past January, Baroniel has worked to ensure that student-athletes in Division II are heard and that their opinions are known to the NCAA. He is even the head student representative of the NCAA Division II strategic planning task force.

But Baroniel also goes beyond just serving his fellow student-athletes at Nova Southeastern, as he makes sure that his university is heavily involved in the community, using baseball, and his university, as a means to serve those in the community.

Baroniel has been at the forefront of the Make-A-Wish Foundation at his school. He has helped grant children's wishes, using baseball, or other sports to do so. This past year, Nova Southeastern, led by Baroniel, met their goal of raising $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"A lot of kids understand just the importance of community service," Baroniel said. "But it's not just giving things, not just donating things. It's really about talking with someone and creating a relationship with them. That is what really goes a long ways."

With the Northwoods League 2014 season in full swing, Baroniel has been working on improving his game on the field. Honing their craft is one of the main reasons Baroniel, and other college players, play summer baseball, especially in the Northwoods League.

Nevertheless, Baroniel is once again doing more than just playing a game. He's constantly talking with his fellow teammates, who come from all divisions of baseball, to hear their story. Baroniel is always thinking of how he can use what he sees in the NWL, to bring back to Nova Southeastern, Division II, and better represent his fellow student-athletes.

"Being here and seeing how all of the Northwoods League works, it's amazing to me," Baroniel said. "In other summer leagues I've played in, there is no food after games. There aren't even hotels. To see how this [Northwoods League] functions, I think, 'Can this work in Division II?'"

Baroniel will be back on the mound on Wednesday night against the Madison Mallards, looking for his fifth straight win. Wednesday may be one of the few days where the day might only be about baseball for Baroniel. Regardless, Baroniel realizes that his talents have put him in a unique spot that lets him make a difference in people's lives.

"Baseball is my stage that lets me do what I want to do," Baroniel said. "It's not just about sports, it's not just about school, it's about putting everything together to go further and serve the community."



Northwoods League Stories from July 16, 2014


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