After earning his first starting assignment as a Division I baseball player, Diamond Don outfielder Jeff "Magic" Wedge felt he had something to prove. Released from Division II San Francisco State's team this winter as the result of a "personality conflict." Wedge called a friend and former summer league teammate of his on the USF team, wondering if he could compete at the higher level. After receiving hearty encouragement, Wedge transferred across town and began working to crack the Dons lineup.
His work paid off just four games into the season, as Head Coach Ken Bowman penciled him in as the starting left fielder one Saturday afternoon against UC Davis.
Known primarily for his defensive skills and lightning speed on the base paths, Wedge introduced himself by blasting a solo home run to left-center for the Dons first run of the game in top of the third inning. Then, as if to prove he was no "flash in the pan", he later stroked a run-scoring double and stole third base without drawing a throw, "I just hope my old coach at State is reading the box scores." Wedge beamed after the game.
Since that game, Wedge has proven himself to be onc of the more consistent performers on this Diamond Dons team. After a few games of batting in the bottom of the batting order with considerable success, Wedge slowly worked his way up. The former College of San Mateo Bulldog eventually found himself in the lead off spot, where he's been for a while now, doing the right things at the right time.
"I think I've had some pretty good coaches," says Wedge, "and playing for the Grey Goat, Paul Noce, Head Coach at CSM, really helped me learn how to play the game right." Playing the game right, at least for Wedge, includes running every single routine ground ball out like it was a double in the gap. His approach to baseball is exemplary...a coach's dream.
He hustles on and off the field, works hard in practice, and makes very few mental mistakes. Wedge has yet to be thrown out stealing this season, and he says that stealing bases is what he likes to do best. "There's nothing like stealing a base clean," he says. "Especially when you score a run right after."
Scoring runs is something every lead off man is expected to do in baseball, and Wedge is doing his part. He can usually be counted on for at least one hit each game, and his defense has been outstanding as well. Even when he's given the occasional game off for rest, this consummate team player still tries to contribute from the dugout.
"I just love being out there," he tells. "This is a dream to me; Division 1 baseball. Three months ago I wasn't even on a team." Now he's a big part of one (USFFoghorn).
