OHIO — Three baseball players at Otterbein University will get the chance to make up for lost time after only participating in about 16 games in a 60-game season. They’ll also get a chance to capitalize on their education.
That’s in large part due to the NCAA, which decided to allow college athletes around the country to have an extra year of playing time after COVID-19 cut last season short.
First baseman Luke Barber is one of those students who’s taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility after being disappointed last year because the season was canceled.
“That’s something that I’m excited for, you know. I’m excited to be able to play again and we’d be around the guys for another year and just be able to enjoy the experience one more time and get the year back that we did lose, unfortunately,” he said.
Left fielder Matthew Gibson said he’s coming back to play, too, even though he’ll finish his undergraduate degree and get his diploma on Sunday, he said.
“Hopefully, our last practice isn’t for a while so hopefully we make a pretty deep tournament run,” he said.
With about 12 games left in the season, the business administration and management major also plans to begin work on his master’s degree.
“I really wasn’t even planning on getting my masters until I got offered the extra year and I kind of knew that if I didn’t do it, 20 years from now, I’d be kicking myself that I didn’t play baseball, so it just makes sense now,” he said.
He’s just one of three baseball players taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility.
Andy Caddas believes playing and pursuing a master’s degree is the best of both worlds.
“I think if you have a love for the game as well as the drive to pursue both, it’s gonna be a challenge but I’m really excited to take it on and see where it takes me,” he said.
Whether on the field or off, all three players look forward to taking on the challenge, graduating and celebrating soon.
Barber, Gibson and Caddas graduate Sunday from Otterbein University, but will finish out their baseball season. They have about 12 games to go. After the season is over, some will start their master’s program in the summer with hopes of landing a job after they graduate.
