America's League

Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight!

News

Reynolds Finding a Balance Between the Diamond and the Books

07/20/2011 8:13 AM

Article By:

WAREHAM, Mass--The demanding college workload of prestigious Harvard University paired with the pressure of playing on a Division I Ivy League baseball team may seem like an impossible challenge. Not for Jeff Reynolds (Harvard), who has found a way to make an impact on the field while maintaining a strong work ethic with his studies.

     “He’s very disciplined, just a good kid,” said his manager on the Cape, Wareham’s Cooper Farris. “He comes out and plays hard every night. He’s a tough kid, smart, and we love having him here.” 

     Starting as a freshman at Harvard, Reynolds appeared in twenty games, in whichhe was able to display his skills as a versatile player, playing a total of seven different positions on the field, including pitcher. Reynolds was a stand out from the start. 

     Reynolds made seven relief appearances coming out of the Harvard bullpen earning a 2-0 record. Looking back to those trips to the mound Reynolds laughs, “I think my pitching days might be behind me.”

    Continuing to perform on the diamond for Harvard through his sophomore year, Reynolds was awarded the Ivy League Honor Roll and batted a .358 average during Ivy League play.

    As a junior this past 2011 season Reynolds had the team best regular season average of .301 with eleven doubles, two home runs and nineteen RBIs.

    Working hard to earn a top spot on Harvard’s baseball team wasn’t the only thing on Reynolds mind while at Harvard, who recruited him in high school.

    “It was definitely a baseball decision, I figured it would open some doors off the field and kept the baseball doors open with the chance to play Division I, and the coaching staff is great,” said Reynolds.

    An economics major Reynolds has found a successful way to balance schoolwork and his work on the baseball field with the help of Harvard’s professors.

    “Its definitely a challenge with time management but we’re pretty lucky at Harvard, the professors are usually pretty understanding, so as long as you work with them they’ll work with you as far as scheduling midterms and all that sort of stuff.”

    Reynolds also acknowledges the coaching staff at Harvard and how they ease the stress of both commitments. 

    “We’re expected to know what we’re doing with academics so the coaches are real helpful and work with you too. They understand it’s a big load to deal with,” Reynolds said.

    Reynolds, well deservingly, received the All Ivy Honors for the second time while at Harvard.

    “It was a great honor; we had a pretty tough year as a team and obviously it was a very small consolation to that but it was nice to be honored,” Reynolds shared.

    Reynolds has continues to display his talent for the Gatemen this 2011 season. Batting a .254 average and appearing in 21games, Reynolds has contributed six runs, 17 hits, four doubles and eight RBIs towards the Gatemen’s success.