02-04-2025
Buchberger's back, still living his dream
Hello everyone, I'm Dan Lucy on the Ozarks First digital desk.
The Springfield Cardinals will crank up the 2025 Texas League season Friday night with their season opener against Wichita.
This year's team has a new skipper in Patrick Anderson.
And a young phenom in first round draft pick J.J. Whetherholt.
And for a third straight year third baseman Jacob Buchberger will be wearing Springfield on the front of his Cardinals jersey.
The Michigan native will be starting his third year at Double AA.
He's coming off a 2024 season where he hit .249 with 42 RBI, but he only hit seven home runs.
That was 11 off the number he hit in 2023.
Buchberger knows the clock is ticking on his baseball career, but is happy to still be playing the game he loves.
Jacob Buchberger/Springfield third baseman:'Happy to be here, still playing the game.'
Buchberger hopes 2025 can be a new start.
He worked hard this off season back home in Michigan on getting a better launch angle on his batted balls.
Trying to take advantage of his power and get the ball in the air, and hopefully, over the wall.
He's also comfortable with the new skipper Patrick Anderson.
Buchberger:'I played for him in 2022 in Peoria.'
Patrick Anderson/Springfield manager:'He's close to my heart. He has power tools.'
Jacob Buchberger has taken nearly 15-hundred at bats in the minor leagues.
He's played in the Florida state, Midwest, and Texas leagues.
Being a 32nd round draft pick comes with no promises or perks.
But the 27 year old is still chasing his dream.
Buchberger:'It's awesome to play with top draft picks. Do the work, produce, good things will happen.'
Weather could be an issue with season opener at Hammons Field on Friday.
We'll let you know of any change in plans.
For more sports watch Ozarks First news at nine and ten.
And I'll see you then.
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