Brothers Isaiah and Sam Seidel have been playing baseball together for as long as they can remember, growing up just 90 minutes down the road in Greenwich.
This season, the boys get to take the field together for Isaiah’s last collegiate season.
Senior pitcher, Isaiah, came to Bowling Green State University [BGSU] from Ashland University before his brother, sophomore infielder, Sam. He said he’s helping him to “not make the same mistakes that I did.”
“It’s really nice having someone around like your brother that you can fall back on when you’re
struggling,” Sam said. “He’s always there for encouragement.”
While the brothers actively help each other to succeed, Isaiah gives credit to his brother where advice falls short.
“His work ethic is his own and speaks for itself,” said Isaiah. “I just try to help any way I can, whatever he needs.”
A little bit of competition has never hurt anyone, and the brothers aren’t afraid of the challenge. Head coach Kyle Hallock said that while there is apparent encouragement and a bond between the brothers, they aren’t afraid to compete when the opportunity presents itself.
“I think one of the neat things about them is when they compete against each other at practice,” Hallock said.
Hallock brought up the idea that while they’re competitors on the field, they still go home and talk about their highs and lows.
“When Isaiah pitches and Sam hits, you can tell that it will get talked about at the dinner table later on, or communicated in the family group chat.”
With Greenwich, Ohio close to Bowling Green, the brothers’ parents make the effort to support the boys, no matter the location.
“Our parents come to every game. They’re both teachers and they find a way to take time off and travel,” said Isaiah. “They don’t miss a game, even if it’s away. They’ve been at every game so far.”
The family dynamic also recounts the way the brothers began their long-time dedication to baseball.
“I think growing up, baseball has always been a huge part of our life,” said Isaiah. “He [their dad] implemented that into our lives pretty heavily from the start. I can’t remember a time where we weren’t playing baseball.”
The sport isn’t the only thing they have in common, as the brothers share a pre-game ritual.
“I take my time to read the Bible and seek the Lord every day,” said Isaiah. “I just try to make sure my mind and heart are in the right spot before I play.”
His younger brother takes the same approach.
“I can echo that. Even before each inning, or at-bat, I just take a second to clear my mind and take deep breaths, and thank God for the opportunity that’s before us,” said Sam.
Isaiah talked about how he came to BGSU, and that it was not just a coincidence.
“It’s just been really cool to see God work in our plans,” he said. “I don’t think it [playing on the same team] was an accident, and I give all the glory to God for that.”
When asked what they were the most grateful for, the brothers talked about their ability to be together throughout their baseball careers.
“Just the moment of taking the field with him again or putting on the same uniform again was really special,” said Sam.
The brothers aren’t the only ones who recognize how unique this opportunity is.
“I’m really glad Bowling Green baseball was able to bring those two together and share this experience,” said Hallock. “They deserve to have a good final season together in the same uniform. I hope we can make that happen.”
Hallock said that the brothers help the team on both sides of the ball [infielding and pitching], and that their dynamic is a unique one.
“Their relationship, when they cross paths, you see more of it on the ping pong table in the locker-room,” said Hallock. “You really see it when they’re against each other. You get a glimpse of what life is like in Greenwich, Ohio.”
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