Berghorst Decides Two Sports Is Better Than One

Adam Berghorst RHP / 1B / Zeeland East, MI / 2019

EAST LANSING - Two sports in college or one in the pros?

That was the dilemma facing Adam Berghorst. After lengthy consideration, the 14th round draft pick of the Texas Rangers has decided to fulfill his dream of playing both baseball and football at Michigan State.

“I wanted to get my education taken care of,” explained Berghorst. “According to research, the more you’re away from college the less chance you have of going back. Football is also a huge part and I wanted to do that. The whole college experience and everything you learn there, it’s hard to put a price tag on that.”

There was still more to the decision.

”I’m still raw as a pitcher,” the 6-7 250-pound right-hander admitted. “I really need to work on my offspeed pitches. My fastball has always been good and my change is pretty good, but my slider is not very good. Improving that would help me a lot.

“I’ve also got to get stronger and add some weight. That will help. Plus, I’ve got to stay healthy, especially playing two sports.”

Berghorst had a lot of input in trying to decide what to do after being selected with the 415th pick of the June draft by the Rangers.

“My family, my brother and parents, were all part of it,” Berghorst said. “I also spoke with the Michigan State coaches, my travel baseball coach, my advisor and the Rangers.”

While the answer ended up being to go to college, it was not without excitement when it came to being chosen in the MLB Draft.

“It was unbelievable,” the recent Zeeland East graduate said about getting taken by the Rangers. “It’s everything you ever worked for. To hear you name called … my heart sank. It was one of the best days ever. They told me a couple rounds before to be ready.”

Being able to enjoy it with others only added to the excitement.