Red Sox Draftee, Miami Standout Beauprez Makes His Pitch in the Valley
Published on June 18, 2014 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Valley Blue Sox News Release
HOLYOKE, MA--Summer days in the Valley are characterized by their heat. So is the fastball of Derik Beauprez of the University of Miami, a pitcher who has joined the Blue Sox in their quest for an NECBL Championship.
Originally from Cherry Hills Village, CO, Beauprez's decision to play college baseball at Miami after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 25th round of the 2013 MLB Draft wasn't a hard one to make.
"It was an awesome opportunity," Beauprez said. "But I didn't feel like it was in my best interest out of high school so I decided to go to college which is one of the better decisions I've made."
Beauprez verbally committed to the University of Miami Hurricanes for his freshman year. With the verbal commitment, Beauprez soon realized he wasn't only committing to a team but to a family.
"We have always stuck together," Beauprez said. "We always support each other and treat each other like brothers. We're all set on that one goal: to make it to Omaha and be back on top" Beauprez added, "I couldn't ask for a better bunch of guys to be around. Our seniors helped us all appreciate the opportunity we were getting and to take advantage of it."
As for handling the attention and pressure of constantly being under the watchful eye of professional scouts - it hasn't fazed him; as he's been followed since he was in the eighth grade.
After finishing his freshman campaign where he posted a record of 1-0, complimented with an ERA of 0.83 and 17 strikeouts in 21.2 innings pitched, Beauprez has come to the Valley, hoping to continue his momentum, grow as a player and impress pro scouts. But again - he was faced with another stark move - this time from sunny Miami to New England.
"It's not a huge adjustment, normally I'm used to playing summer ball all over the place. Having a host family and settling down is pretty interesting too," Beauprez said. "Right when I came in, I felt pretty welcome by all the players, and the team is really cool, they are all just really good guys".
Baseball players at this level are all facing the same challenges, including getting used to a new team, the area, and building chemistry with their teammates.
"We are all here to get better, we all know we're not from the same teams but we get along and we enjoy the time we get to have together." Beauprez added.
The 2014 season will represent the Blue Sox seventh season in the Pioneer Valley, playing at Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke. The Blue Sox have been a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL; www.necbl.com) since 2008. The NECBL is funded in part by Major League Baseball and is comprised of 12 teams throughout all six New England states who recruit the elite athletes and premier pro prospects from around the world.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 18, 2014
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- Mountaineers Edge Laconia 5-4 - Vermont Mountaineers
- Gulls Roll Past Westerners 10-5 at Cardines Field - Newport Gulls
- Swamp Bats snap six-game losing streak with walk-off win - Keene Swamp Bats
- Red Sox Draftee, Miami Standout Beauprez Makes His Pitch in the Valley - Valley Blue Sox
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