Baseball

Delaware State Senior Spotlight: Brandon Bly

Where were you when the news dropped about all sports being canceled for the rest of the year?

I was at my internship with the Philadelphia Union. Heard about the MLS season being postponed I was wondering what the NCAA was going to do.

What was your initial reaction to the season being canceled?

My initial reaction was confusion and in shock, never did I expect the virus to effect sports to this magnitude.

With about a month removed from the cancellation, what do you think now about the entire situation?

What I think about the entire situation is the NCAA made the right decision on canceling the season. Even though all us athletes want to compete and display our hard work we put in, they had to make an executive decision to keep all athletes safe.

What do you miss the most with the season being taken away so abruptly?

What I would say I miss most is the team camaraderie and the daily grind with my teammates.

Does this shutdown in some way help prepare you for life after baseball?

I definitely think it should influence others to look at the big picture and find other careers and activities that they like. I have always been someone that is interested in a lot of different hobbies, so this hiatus has given me a chance to spend time with those things.

As one of the seniors on the squad did you address the entire team afterwards?

I wouldn't say I addressed team as a whole. We have our group chats and conversations, where I address players to keep training and grinding because this short season gave players a chance to see the areas they excelled and areas where they can improve and to stay safe during this break!

Any concerns about the possibility of not being able to finish your classes this semester?

No not really I was in a unique situation where I was a red shirt senior where the only class I had to complete was an internship course, so maybe the only concern was how the internship course was going to translate to online. However, my professors, internship and I were able to communicate well to get everything completed.

With the possibility of not having a traditional graduation, how will you celebrate getting your bachelor's degree?

I will celebrate graduation at home with my family. It's unfortunate we don't get the traditional graduate however it's a great milestone that everyone should still celebrate and be proud of

You mentioned earlier that you're a person with a lot of interest and hobbies, can you go into detail about some of those activities that you have been doing during quarantine?

Yes definitely, been spending a lot of time with family I have a two-year-old nephew who I have been able to bond with more. However, I have been studying for the LSAT, which is the admission test for law school once undergraduate is complete that is my next goal to acquire my law degree and pursue a career as a licensed sports agent. Lastly I am a Co founder of a clothing brand called Greatest Generation Clothing, with the season being canceled I have been able to create, design and release more collections of clothing.

Wow how has going to DSU help you in your pursuit of these goals?

I believe every environment you encounter gives some type of influence, whether it's the people you create friendships and memories with or the location and culture.

The NCAA has given all spring athletes an extra semester of eligibility, is that something you will take advantage of?

Yes, I have been notified of that! And I am glad they have given every senior this opportunity! However, studying for law school admissions test has put me in a situation where I will either pursue the law school opportunity or pursue my last year of eligibility and get my masters. Regardless the opportunity I choose I believe everyone should leave on their terms. I guess I have to see how the pandemic effects the test and application process before making my decision.

Can you give DSU some parting words just in case you decide to not return next season?

There's no definite decision yet! However, if l do not come back, I want to start off by thanking my coaches for giving me an opportunity to continue my education and continue to play the sport that I fell in love with at a very young age. This has been a long journey, but it created many lifelong friends that started off as teammates. I want to thank my teammates for accepting me with open arms when I transferred here last year, and I will never forget the memories we made on and off the field. Good luck to you all. Lastly, I want to thank Delaware State university for not only helping me receive my Bachelors degree but the many professors who have made impact on me to become all I can be and pursue all my goals. Thank you, Delaware State University family.