By Kobe Cuprill
On a sunny day, with the breeze blowing and the grass still fresh, Towson University’s baseball team takes on Mount St. Mary’s. Towson redshirt senior Bryce Frederick, wearing his white, black and gold striped jersey, steps up to the plate. After seven pitches, he ends up on first base for the first walk of the game.
Frederick, a Phoenix, Maryland, native and a business administration major, has been an integral player this season for Towson, his fourth year with the team. He is a utility player, primarily playing first base, second base, shortstop and designated hitter.
Frederick began playing baseball at the age of 6 years old. “I was always raised and played baseball just for my joy and love for the game,” he said. “I did not initially intend to pursue baseball in college, but around the age of 14-15 I had some people in my ear that thought I should try, and I began to consider taking it a bit further.”
Frederick grew up idolizing Baltimore Orioles outfilder Nick Markakis. He spent all four years of his high school career playing shortstop at Dulaney High School. Frederick helped lead his school to four consecutive county championships, two regional finals and a combined 75-11 record. He is recognized by Dulaney High School as their winningest player in history. Frederick was awarded the Baltimore County Player of the Year in 2019.
Before coming to Towson, he briefly attended Radford University in 2020. He had to fight for a starting spot and played only five games that year because of a shortened season due to COVID-19. Frederick wanted to transfer to get the most playing time possible and put himself in the best position to pursue baseball. Being a local of the area, he had known Towson for many years and wanted to stay close to home.
Frederick stands out because of his personality and his calmness on the field. He always tries to be two steps ahead of the game.
“I want to keep my emotions in check and leave everything out there on the field to help motivate and instill a culture for the younger guys on the team,” Frederick said.
He is a natural leader, displaying a high expectation for himself and looking to motivate the others around him. Frederick is always clapping and supporting his teammates and offering guidance and encouragement. He has found was to adapt to any situation and tends to deliver when the pressure is placed on his shoulders.
Redshirting, or sitting out a season, is common for many athletes. “I wanted to be a part of the team. I was in a different headspace, and I needed to adjust. I need to become stronger both physically and mentally,” Frederick said. “There was a portion of time where I was unsure if I was going to play at Towson. It took me some time some months.”
Frederick feels that redshirting at Towson has helped him become an essential player on the team. It helped him improve his physical, emotional and mental state during his year off. It was tough due to the uncertainty of playing, adjusting to a new school, a new coach and playing unfamiliar positions.
His advice to other baseball players: “Go somewhere where you have an opportunity to play right away…It does not matter if it is Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Juco, etc,” Fredrick said. “There are financial factors that go into the decision, but if you are physically healthy and you will get a decent amount of time, I say go for it but research your roster, make sure you have a good feel for the program.”
After transferring to Towson, Frederick earned his way into the starting lineup. “I did whatever I could and tried to lead by example both in practice, off and on the field.”
He started primarily as a designated hitter, sometimes appearing at third base. In his first full sports season in 2021, Frederick appeared in 30 games, starting in 23 of them. He finished the season with 7 RBI, two home runs, and 18 runs scored. In the 2022 season, Bryce played in 25 games with 22 starts.
“We played UNC-Greensboro, and I had hit a home run and double and I just remember wanting to celebrate but had to refocus because the game was not over,” he said.
Frederick was having a tremendous season until an injury abruptly cut it short. Playing as the starting left fielder, he made it onto the Commissioner Academic Honor Roll. His 2023 was even more productive. He led the TU Tigers in doubles, RBIs and home runs. His 16 doubles and 14 home runs tied him for the ninth-best season in TU history. This would be the second season in a row, Bryce was named on the CAA Commissioner Academic Honor Roll.
“I look forward to finishing off this season with my guys and just focusing on the next game and opportunity to show my skills.” Frederick said.