Lukas Holub got on a plane last Summer to travel the roughly 4000 miles from Brno, Czech Republic, to the panhandle of Florida. More specifically, Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida.
The right-handed pitcher was offered a scholarship in the JuCo college’s baseball program while he was part of the BBI European Showcase in the US, and he has made the adjustment to the demands and expectations of college baseball in the US.
“Boomer Baseball helped me a lot to get here, so I am grateful to you guys.”- Lukas Holub Lukas noted that the worst part of the experience so far happened at the beginning of his US adventure: “I actually had the worst thing in my first week after I came to Niceville. The worst thing is rain. Instead of light indoor practices (when it rains), we did a hard work out and it was insanity! It is not fun at all, I hope it never rains again.” Luckily, Florida isn’t known for rain.
But it is known for its high level of college baseball, and the NWFC baseball program has a strong history of sending players to the upper levels of baseball, including current Angels pitcher Hector Santiago.
It takes a lot of work to reach that kind of success, and Lukas is excited for the challenge and the opportunity. The Raiders team practices every day except Sunday, taking more than 4 hours each afternoon for players to work on BP, position drills, and situational drills. Once the season starts, the schedule doesn’t slow down. “Since the season started we have played 3 to 5 games/week, games are usually on Friday + Saturday and one or two games during the week.” says Lukas, who had made two pitching appearances in the teams first nine games.
What is the greatest difference in the game between Brno and Niceville? Lukas thinks the benefit of having four coaches with the team every day, in addition to every day practices. Another major difference: “people in Niceville are interested in how we play.” Having a strong team playing America’s pastime draws big crowds in the small town outside of Pensacola. Last season the team won 60% of their games, and their 10-5 record to start this year’s campaign has the team already excited for the possibilities. As with all players at college, Lukas spends a lot of time in the classroom as well. Classes in english aren’t the hardest part, however. Lukas continues to work towards his degree in construction engineering, which he wants to use back home in the Czech Republic once he’s done with school.
We asked Lukas what his favorite moment of college baseball was so far, and we’ll let his words tell the story: “Last weekend we played at our home field and we were losing during last game by two. It was bottom of the 9th, two outs, runners at first and second. Coach sent pinch hitter into the game: the guy who was not in the game for eight months because of arm surgery came up to the batters box. First pitch and he hit the ball to the fence. Two runs in. Then the pitcher made a balk and we won the game. It was absolutely a terrific moment!”
To keep up with Lukas Holub and the NWF College Raiders, visit the baseball team’s website here:
http://nwfraiders.com/sports/bsb/index