SAN FRANCISCO – University of San Francisco sophomore
Bradley Zimmer is continuing the Zimmer family tradition as a Don, following older brother Kyle who was the fifth-overall choice in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. In the midst of a 12-game hit streak, Bradley sat down to discuss the importance of family, why he chose USF and his perfect day.
Why did you choose to attend USF?
“It was a cool experience playing with my brother, Kyle, for another year at USF, but the main reason I came here was because of the coaching staff. They seemed like a great group of guys who were really invested in making me a better player. My parents actually lived up here when I was born, and my uncle lives in Mill Valley.”
Talk about your parents and their role in your baseball career.
“My parents have been by my side the whole time, I love both of them to death. My dad has always been a hard-nosed guy and very supportive, and my mom is always there too. My dad played baseball at UC San Diego and my mom ran track at San Diego State and went to the Olympic trials for the long jump. They come to a lot of games and made it to almost all our games last year.”
What are you majoring in?
“I'm currently a communications major, but I may switch to business after I finish my general education requirements. I'm still not sure exactly what I want to do when I'm done playing baseball.”
How did playing a lot as a freshman help you this season?
“It was a good learning experience for me and I had a lot to build off this season. It was a lot different that high school and it was nice to get that experience and see how it's done at this level. That experience, and playing summer ball, really helped me this season.”
What's the competition like among the outfielders?
“We're all friends, but every day at practice we push each other out there. It's nice to have someone by your side who has been there to help you, and I enjoy helping the younger guys as well. It motivates you when you know there's someone behind you ready to play; it gives you that extra edge.”
How difficult is it playing right field at Benedetti Diamond?
“It's definitely a challenge playing right field here. Coming in I heard stories about right field being tough and I had never played right field before; I was an infielder and then played center field as a senior in high school and I got pretty comfortable there. There's no foul territory, and you have to battle the sun, the shadows and the wind. It's definitely a challenge, but it's nice to have that familiarity with it. Every time I'm on the road, I feel like I'm playing a new position because no other field is like this.”
How have Assistant Coach Troy Nakamura and centerfielder Justin Maffei helped you?
“Coach Naks has turned me into the outfielder I've always wanted to be, he's awesome. We work together every day and he's given me a lot of pointers.
Justin Maffei and I have played next to each other for two years, and we take pride in covering a lot of ground and trying to catch everything that's hit out there.”
What impact has Head Coach Nino Giarratano had on you?
“I love playing for Coach G, he's a great guy. He knows a lot about the game and helped me become a much better hitter and quiet myself down. He made me realize I can play at this level, all I need to do is believe in myself and the rest will come.”
What would you do for a day with no baseball or academic demands?
“If I had a day with no baseball or school, I'd be at home doing my usual thing, going to the beach with my friends and enjoying the sun. I surf a lot, any outdoor activity sounds good to me.”
