It was always a dream for SBHS shortstop Michael Breen to play college baseball. After Friday, that dream is now reality.
In front of friends, family and coaches, Breen, a senior, signed his letter of intent to play baseball at San Jose State starting in the 2014 season. The signing is nearly five months in the making after Breen verbally agreed to play for the Spartans last July.
“It’s kind of surreal because growing up that was a dream,” Breen said. “Playing in the big leagues is the big thing but, you know, as I’ve gotten older it’s become more realistic. It’s become how can I get into college and get my college paid for while I’m playing a sport I love playing. So signing this is just awesome. My hard work has paid off. I love it.”
On the San Benito High campus Friday, Breen was ready for the opportunity, he said.
“Well, we haven’t gotten into complete detail but hopefully I’ll be somewhere in the infield,” he said. “I will play anywhere as long as I get to play. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to a really good program.”
Breen will join the Spartans during the school’s second season under former Washington University assistant coach Dave Nakama, whose first season begins this spring. Long time Spartan manager Sam Piraro retired earlier in the year. San Jose State finished its 2012 season 22-29 record.
Breen still has one more season left in a Baler jersey. After helping San Benito reach the Central Coast Section title game two years in a row, Breen, who hit .312 with 10 RBIs last year, has more to accomplish at SBHS, he said.
“We have to finish that last game,” he said. “We’ve gotten there twice. We know what it takes to get there. Now we have to find something to finish it off. That’s my big goal this year.”
With his college plans already taken care of, the pressure is off, Breen said.
“It’s very nice,” he said. “It’s nice because I don’t have to stress myself over little things that really don’t matter. Obviously, college is a huge thing that’s always in the back of my mind. Now that it’s settled down I can play freely without worrying about that in the back of my head.”
The hard work, though, is far from over, SBHS athletic director Tod Thatcher said while introducing Breen.
“It doesn’t happen very often – every couple of years there is someone that has the talent and the grades to move on,” Thatcher said. “It’s really special. It’s kind of the end of a long journey for Michael. Many years of playing and he put a lot of work into this. I want to remind him that is just the start of another road.”
After signing his San Jose State papers, Breen thanked those in the room.
“Without them I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I’m really grateful to them.”
