Jumping from high school into the best conference in college baseball is supposed to be a difficult transition, but if Bobby Seymour felt it, he didn’t show it on the field. A Wake Forest commit since his sophomore year of his high school, Seymour jumped right into it, starting 52 games in his true freshman season for the Demon Deacons, hitting .286 while ripping seven home runs and twelve doubles.
“You’re nervous, as a freshman, jumping right into that pace of play”, Seymour said, “But once you realize you belong and you can play there, everything kind of falls into place”.
Everything has fallen into place and more for the Wake Forest first baseman, as Seymour followed up his impressive freshman campaign with one of the best sophomore seasons in program history. Seymour drilled his way to an ACC-leading .377 average, nine home runs and a stunning 92 RBI – a total that is a league-high since a guy named Buster Posey had 93 in 2008. His batting average led the league by 16 points, and when the lights shone bright, Seymour’s bat was at its hottest, hitting .485 with runners in scoring position. Seymoure noted the mentality shift that comes with getting the chance to drive some runs in: “Always want to drive in as many runs as I can – that’s something that’s big for me. Guys on base, I want to get the job done”.
Seymour’s firepower brought Wake back to ACC relevance after a tough 2018 season, as the Demon Deacons were a run away from the ACC semifinals as the tenth seed in the tournament. His numbers also shot him up the draft boards, and even with the draft being shortened to 5 rounds, the Indiana product looks like a potential pick this season. Even if the shortened season throws a wrench in Seymour’s draft plans, his stock figures to only rise further. And while offense may be what catches the scout’s attention, Seymour has made vast improvements at first base ase well, a jump which he credits to his coaches: “Joey Hammond, Bill Cilento [assistant coaches], they’d harp on me constantly”, Seymour commented, “Have me come in before and after practice. Those guys just made my work ethic better, like it is when I hit, so definitely credit to my coaches for sure”.
Seymour battled appendicitis last season, but he battled through it en route to his record-breaking season. One notable series Seymour recalled was their three-game home set versus NC State, a series where he went 5-13 with six RBI. In the rubber game to conclude the series, Seymour blasted a two-run shot to help the Demon Deacons rally from a 7-1 deficit and win a critical ACC series. The appendicitis did shorten his summer season, but Seymour still impressed in a short stint in the Cape Cod League. “Playing in the Cape was awesome – great area and great competition. Obviously it was cut short, but everything happens for a reason, and it’ll be alright. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime”.
Seymour took the adversity in stride and was off to a strong start to his junior season before its cancellation; he hit .284 in 18 games with a home run and eleven RBI. On MLB.com’s Top 200, Seymour is ranked 180, but scouts laud his plus offensive ability, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team take a jump for his upside in the upcoming draft. “That’s my goal at the end of the day – to get drafted and start professional baseball”.
Athlete Q&A
Q: Favorite MLB Team?
A: “I’m a big White Sox fan – ‘05 was a good year, so just gotta try and live off that”
Q: Favorite players growing up?
A: “Growing up, Derek Jeter was always my guy. Jeter and Ryan Braun.
Q: Socks or Stirrups?
A: “I’m more of a low-pants guy, so regular socks
Q: Any superstitions?
A: I’m very superstitious. Nothing too much pre-game, but lots of little things in game. If I strike out, I’ll switch to the other side of the bat. Always have to have wrist tape on, stuff like that.”
Q: Favorite seeds?
A: I’m a huge seed guy, but if I have to pick, I’d probably go Ranch.
Q: Bat-flip or all-business after a home run?
A: Normally all-business, but if it’s against a team we don’t like, or I’m not a fan of the guy, I’m not going to shy away from bat flipping.
Q: Any particular game you remember unleashing a bat-flip for then?
A: Last year against Virginia Tech – lots of chirping, bit of a chippy game back and forth. I hit a home run for the lead. I’m usually pretty composed, but that one got to me a little bit”
Thanks to Bobby Seymour for joining us with the interview, and best of luck with your career moving forward.
College Kids Talking College Sports 