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DICKINSON, N.D. (KFYR) – It’s common for a large number of players to join a collegiate summer baseball team, but it’s often limited to one region of the country. Jeff Roberts tells us how that’s not the case with the big sticks of the Badlands in this week’s Gym.

A new league and new coaching staff for the Badlands Big Sticks this summer felt like a fresh start for the organization. When assembling a team from scratch, no stone is left unturned.

“On the first day, it was all my contacts that I know that I’m close with. Guys from all over the country that are coaches, players. Plus there’s a lot of connections made. I’m calling some guys that I’ve never talked to before, just networking and getting guys here bringing,” Big Sticks head coach Cam Johnson said.

“So it’s a matter of who you know and the more you’re in the game, the more relationships you build with coaches around the country. Even though I’m coaching high school now, I’m actually sending guys to the next level so I know who’s who and I can make those connections,” Big Sticks assistant coach Jordan Price said.

With athletes from all over and a short summer to make an impact, you have to work with what you’re given.

“Going into it, you have to have an open mind. People come from different backgrounds, different styles, different coaching. Giving them some kind of structure and foundation to work from and getting to know each one of them individually. Because every one of our players is so different,” Price said. .

“You know, I think baseball players really love the game. The rosters are so big, there’s always spots to fill. Guys are willing to play anywhere. Baseball has a way of connecting people, and I’ve played other sports growing up, but I don’t interact with people like baseball,” Big Sticks pitcher Daniel Rivera said.

Connections that make athletes comfortable enough to play across the county. Of the 32 players on the current Big Sticks roster, 18 different states are represented.

“From San Diego, to Wyoming, to Texas, kind of everywhere. So they all come together. Personalities, lifestyle. It’s really cool to see them react and get to know each other. I think the relationship factor is really cool because when we leave here, these guys are going to get 30 to 40 new brothers, so I think that’s the coolest thing about it,” Johnson said.

Different regions of the country, different opportunities to get involved in the game. Even as trainers, they pick up just as much in a short amount of time.

“I’ve had to learn a lot just because we’re on a very busy schedule right now. It feels like I have to learn everything about this guy, how he reacts, how he absorbs information. It’s been a challenge, but it’s been fun,” said Johnson.

“The best thing I can say is that when an opportunity presents itself, it’s probably better to take it than to say, ‘What if?'” in life, Rivera said.

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