By Nick Zalle ’23
THE ROUNDUP
Last Spring, Brophy’s James DeCremer ’23 committed to play baseball at the collegiate level. Although only being a freshman, DeCremer committed to play baseball at one of his “dream schools” Oregon State.
“I was in the car driving home after a game I pitched, and I found out I got the offer,” said DeCremer.
The right-handed pitcher has always had an interest in playing baseball for Oregon State, describing it as one of his “dream schools”.
Oregon State has the most college world series wins since 1998 and has one of the top baseball programs in the nation. DeCremer describes his experience watching Oregon play as more than just watching baseball.
“I’ve grown up watching them dominate with dignity and class, and I’ve always wanted to be a part of it,” DeCremer says.
DeCremer feels that Oregon is a place where he can thrive, commenting on how, “The small setting of Corvallis will give me the opportunity to focus on my craft, and the culture there is very tight-knit.”
DeCremer describes Oregon State, saying, “Every home game has been sold out for years, and the campus is beautiful.”
Oregon was one of DeCremer’s main schools of interest. DeCremer says, “The only other school I wanted was Texas, the reason being that my mother went there.”
Having his first season playing for Brophy cut short to COVID-19 was unfortunate, but that doesn’t diminish DeCremer’s love for Brophy’s baseball program.
“Brophy highschool baseball is something I’ve dreamed of for years, and nothing changes that.”
DeCremer comments on the rest of his Brophy athletic career, commenting on how committing doesn’t change his competitive mindset.
“Committing is cool, but a state championship is the only thing on my mind right now. Our squad is ready to do some great things on the national level and the pressure of winning for my high school is the only thing I’m caring about for the next few years.”
In regards to getting seen by colleges, DeCremer says that he is “forever grateful” for his coach, Mr. Josh Garcia ’07, who played a big part in getting DeCremer noticed.
DeCremer has worked hard to garner the attention that he has received from coaches at the collegiate level.
His advice to those high school athletes who are trying to get noticed is, “To focus on being a positive person in the dugout and play like your hair’s on fire.”
DeCremer concludes, “High School baseball is something so special and irreplaceable, so make it count every day. Important people in your life will definitely see that, and your coach will vouch for you.”
