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Bertram will play baseball at Cumberlands

June 16, 2006|HAL MORRIS

Andrew Bertram wasn't looking to play sports in college. Until last week Bertram was content on going to one of the state's large universities and concentrating on being just a student for the first time since he can remember.

But the chance to play baseball a little longer was too much to resist, so the Boyle County graduate will play at the University of the Cumberlands.

"At first I was wondering what it was like not to be a player. Then I had a change of heart and let God help me decide that. I wasn't really sure what I wanted 100 percent and wasn't sure what was the right path for me, but it finally came through and I decided that was the best place for me," Bertram said. "I'd been down there a lot because my brother (Josh) went there."

Boyle coach David Camic thought Bertram may give baseball a try.

"I always thought he'd try it somewhere, but I wasn't sure he'd get the opportunity," Camic said. "He's got some potential. He played third base and pitched some for us. And he pitched well most of the games he was in."

Bertram was a four-year starter for the Rebels, hitting 391 with 25 RBIs last season while going 4-4 on the mound. For his career, Bertram hit .314, won 17 games and played in the East-West All-Star game as a junior.

"He played steady for us at third all year, and he was a total team player. If we needed him to move a runner over, Andrew always did the job and sacrificed himself. That's why he won the Leadership Award this year," Camic said. "Those kind of guys fool you in college. They'll come on and do well. I think Andrew's best days are ahead of him."

While Bertram played mostly third base and pitched at Boyle, he isn't sure where he will end up playing at Cumberlands.

"I just told coach (Brad) Shelton I wanted to play and he said he'd give me a chance," Bertram said. "Even if I don't get to play (much) the first year or second year, I'll be happy just being able to do whatever to help the team."

Bertram said the only school he looked at to play sports was Cumberlands.

"I like the religious background and I know its a great baseball program," he said. "I know there's chance for me to get better at whatever I'm doing down there."

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