The Inquirer

Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Adalto Nascimento Baseball player David Buscovich swings at a pitch during the game versus Solano College. Despite not being able to go straight to a 4-year school, Buscovich will play for UC Berkeley next year.

In the Spring of 2007, San
Leandro High School took the
field against Amador Valley in a
preseason matchup with scouts
from Gonzaga University and
UC Berkeley in the stands.

First baseman David
Buscovich was excited, because
he had high hopes for a baseball
scholarship to a major school.
But a ground ball in the sec-
ond inning abruptly ended
Buscovich's dream.

"I just tried to ground the ball,
and it broke my thumb," he said
in a recent interview. "Everyone
told me that my career was in
j e o p a r d y . "
"I was going to do whatever it
takes to play," he said.
Although the doctor said he
would miss up to half the season,
Buscovich chose to ramp up his
r e h a b .

"I never let what other people
said bother me," he said.
"Playing baseball was my life,
and a broken thumb was not
going to get in my way."
Despite a painful and rigorous
rehab, Buscovich went through
his routine every morning,
returning to the team only eight
games into the season.
It was one of his best season.

With a batting average of
more than .300, Buscovich
was named an All-conference
player, and awarded MVPof the
l e a g u e .

"I was not going to let a thumb
ruin my career," said Buscovich,
who plays first base for the
Vikings this season.
He came here as a stepping
stone to earn a scholarship and
will play ball for UC Berkeley
next year.

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