Adjusting to life on the road

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - After four years of climbing the University of Maryland pitching ladder, Seth Overbey has to start over in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system.

“It’s a lot easier than school,” he said. “There are no classes. I just play baseball every day.”

After the Major League Baseball draft in June, Overbey landed with the short-season single-A affiliate Auburn Doubledays of the New York-Penn League

“It’s tough at this level,” Overbey said. “Hopefully I’ll make some friends that will last me a long time.”

The 6-foot-2 pitcher throws out of the bullpen with the innings scheduled before each game.

No longer receiving the mandatory day off required in college, Overbey now has a seven day-a-week work schedule. His first off-day came on July 11, after 21 straight games to open the season.

Overbey currently has a 2.38 era in six appearances this season.

A native of Waldorf, Overbey was once a stone’s throw from home at Maryland. Now, he racks up the long distance calls in upstate New York.

“My parents would like to be closer, but at the same time they understand that it is out of their control,” he said. “Playing baseball seems like the thing for me to do right now.”

Joining Overbey in the New York-Penn League is former Maryland teammate Ben Pfinsgraff, an Annapolis native who played for Severn School. Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies, Pfinsgraff is playing with the Batavia Muckdogs, a team prominently featured in the movie Summer Catch.

Pfinsgraff is 3-1 with a 0.73 era this season. He said the coaching staff is a big reason behind his success.

“The biggest objective is developing us. I love that,” Pfinsgraff said. “I hope to do this as long as I can.”

The Overbey and Pfinsgraff File

» Draft Status: Overbey (15th round) Pfinsgraff (22nd).

» Position: Both players are right-handed pitchers.

» Did you know? The Muckdogs and Doubledays are both members of the same minor-league as the IronBirds. The Doubledays visit Aberdeen July 12-14.

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