CHICAGO, IL (December 17, 2005) – North Park University sophomore Brady Josephson has signed a summer contract to play in the Great Lakes League which has developed a number of major league baseball players, including Dave Burba and Derek Jeter.
Josephson signed to play with league affiliate Athletes in Action in Xenia, Ohio. His play this fall earned him a recommendation to play in the league.
Josephson, who plays third base for the Vikings, is the son of Sharol and Neil Josephson, the president of Covenant Bible College. He is from Strathmore, Alberta.
Josephson signed to play with league affiliate Athletes in Action in Xenia, Ohio. His play this fall earned him a recommendation to play in the league.As for all freshmen, his first year of college all-year ball stretched Josephson’s stamina. Playing an additional 44 games in the summer will push it even further, but Vikings head coach Luke Johnson says Josephson should adapt well.
“Brady is a real mature kid,” Johnson says. “He is going to be able to handle the rigors of day-in, day-out baseball. From a talent standpoint, Brady is going to find out that he’s as good as any of the people he will be playing against.”
Johnson is quick to praise his third baseman’s talent on the field, but he is just as enthusiastic about Josephson’s life off the field.
“Brady is a good person, an outstanding student, and is very service-oriented. He is always trying to do something for someone else,” Josephson says. “The fact that Brady has committed to play for Athletes in Action speaks to the quality of person that he is. You’ve got to be a good player to play for AIA, but you have to be an even better person.”
Athletes in Action (AIA) is a worldwide sports ministry. According to its website, AIA seeks to develop the athletes spiritual life as well as their baseball skills. Athletes participate in Bible studies and ministry training to equip them to share their faith.
“We have had alums play for AIA in the past, and they have nothing but wonderful things to say about their opportunities,” Johnsons says. “If Brady has a good summer playing in the Great Lakes League, that’s obviously going to make him a more attractive prospect in the minds of professional decision-makers.”
Josephson is the second Viking to sign a summer contract. Oney Guillen will play with the Thunder Bay Border Cats in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The team won the 2005 championship in the Northwoods League, one of the top three for wooden bat summer leagues.
Johnson says the extra experience gained by the players will strengthen the Vikings overall. To learn more about the Great Lakes League, visit League. To learn more about Athletes in Action, please see AIA.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.