As summer approaches and the collegiate season winds down, the Gophers baseball team is already gearing up for the season ahead. 

Summer league baseball starts immediately after the regular season ends, usually at the end of May or early June. The league is a way for college athletes to stay in shape in the offseason and is the most popular option for players who want a professional career in the MLB.

It tends to be more relaxed than collegiate baseball, but it is an important method to showcase talent to major league scouts. The Gophers are full of players looking for a chance to be drafted.

“The goal is to play in the MLB,” Gophers junior Drew Berkland said.

The Northwoods League is the most popular for the Gophers and where the majority of the Gophers will be playing this summer. 

Berkland, who plays with the Wausau Woodchucks in the summer, was named Northwoods League Player of the Night in a game versus Madison in 2023. 

Gophers sophomore Cole Selvig said the summertime is also an opportunity to reconnect with past coaches and teammates.

“One of my biggest influences was my coach during the summer for the Northwoods League,” Selvig said. “It was kind of nice to rekindle that relationship.”

Comparatively to college baseball, summer league is more individualized and is used to improve certain aspects of each player’s game. 

With less attention put on team success and overall standings, the pressure is a lot lower in the summer for players.

While players are focusing more on individual growth in the summer, there are less team commitments and daily responsibilities. During the school year, players usually have to balance practice with classes, lifts and team meetings.

Being on the road every week during the school year can become mentally strenuous. During the summer season, there is a lot more flexibility. 

“We are on the road quite a bit throughout the school year and we normally have mandatory schedules,” Berkland said.

In the summer, the travel is less hectic and games are usually located in more regional settings. 

Additionally, summer league practices are a different environment compared to the collegiate routine. During the summer, it is on the player to take control of their practice hours, while in college the coaching staff manages the team. 

Freshman Jameson Martin said he and his teammates understand what their goals are as soon as they get on the field. 

“When we go to practice we know what we need to get done,” Martin said. “We are always making each other better.” 

The Gophers are currently 20-18 after a nine-game win streak with 14 games remaining before the Big Ten Tournament.