In The Nest: Nathan Archer Reviews Summer In Cape Cod Baseball League
Presented by Medical Mutual
8/14/2023
After playing in 100 of BGSU's 102 games over the last two seasons, Nathan Archer landed on the summer roster of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League, considered to be one of the premier collegiate summer leagues. In 2023 for the Falcons, Archer earned All-MAC Second Team and MAC All-Defensive Team, setting up a strong summer on one of college baseball's biggest stages.
Q: Let's start from the beginning. How did you earn a spot on a Cape Cod roster? What did the process look like finding a team?
Archer: I knew it was a prestigious league and the professional exposure is great there, so with the help of the coaches here at Bowling Green, they were able to find me a spot on the YD Red Sox so I could play alongside great talent.
Q: You played in 24 games for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. What was the biggest shock or adjustment going against the level of competition in the Cape Cod League?
Archer: I didn’t know what to expect when going to Cape Cod, so when I arrived, I tried to bring my best energy and competitive spirit to the team. After the first couple of practices, I felt comfortable in the environment because it is still the same game. I approach every game with the same mindset, so I didn’t view the competition any differently.
Q: This wasn't your first summer league team. What other summer collegiate leagues have you played in before this summer?
Archer: Prior to this summer, I played in the Great Lakes Collegiate Baseball League in Sandusky, Ohio.
Q: How did those previous summers, along with your two BGSU seasons, prepare you for the Cape Cod League?
Archer: Having the opportunity to play three college-level seasons and get lots of game experience helped me prepare for the Cape Cod League. Game experience is the best way to find out the type of player you really are, so having a lot of game experience helped me be confident on my way to the Cape.
Q: You blasted three home runs this summer, tied for second on your team, while swiping five stolen bases, third on your team. What is more exciting for you on the field: to hit a home run or steal a base?
Archer: Home runs are a rarer occurrence for me, and I also think it has a heavier effect on our team’s energy in the game, so I have to go with home runs.
Q: You're no stranger to defense either, earning MAC All-Defensive Team honors this past spring as one of just eight players with a perfect fielding percentage in the conference. What's been your key to success in the field?
Archer: I think it mostly came with trust. I felt very comfortable in the outfield this season, and I trusted the work I put in on a consistent basis in the offseason and it helped me have more success on the field.
Q: Baseball is known as a rather superstitious sport. Do you have any superstitions before or during the game? Any pre-game rituals?
Archer: I always tie my left cleat first.
Q: The Y-D Red Sox won the Eastern Division Championship this season. What were the emotions of winning the division title?
Archer: Winning the East was a goal we had from day one, so it was very exciting to accomplish that goal.
Q: What aspects of winning the division championship in the Cape Cod League can translate to getting to the MAC Championship with BGSU?
Archer: We had the confidence to back up our play in the Cape. Everyone was in the same frame of mind and if we follow that concept in BG, the results will be the same.
Q: Over two seasons with BGSU, you've started 100 of the 102 games scheduled during that span. What does it mean to you to be out there nearly every game you've been in a Bowling Green uniform?
Archer: It means a ton to me. Bowling Green took a chance on me coming out of high school, and being able to prove myself as a worthy investment to the program is huge. There are a lot of great players here, so to be able to put on the uniform and compete in most games is a proud feeling, and I hope I’ve made the program better than when I came in.
Q: In those two seasons, you've stolen 30 bases for the Falcons and need just 10 more to enter the Top 10 all-time for career stolen bases. What would it mean to you to put your name in the BGSU Record Book?
Archer: It would mean a lot. Knowing the history of the program and all the great players that have worn the uniform before me, it would be great to have my name alongside those guys.
Q: Growing up, how did you gravitate towards baseball?
Archer: I started playing baseball before I can remember, so I would have to thank my parents for starting me in the game. After that, I fell in love and have wanted to play at the highest level ever since.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Archer: My family. They have sacrificed a lot of time into my baseball career so that I can continue playing this game, and that encourages me to give everything I have while I’m playing and training.
Q: If you could play baseball in any major league stadium, which one and why?
Archer: I would have to choose Progressive Field. Growing up and going to Guardians’ games I fell in love with the hometown stadium.
Q: If you could bat against any pitcher in the history of baseball, who would it be and why?
Archer: I would want to face Nolan Ryan. He is the most dominant pitcher ever, so that would be a fun battle.
Q: The Y-D Red Sox had six players drafted off this year's team in the 2023 MLB Draft and even more from the 2022 team. How valuable is it to play alongside and against top MLB Draft prospects?
Archer: It’s great to get a glimpse of professional baseball and to be alongside guys that are experiencing that success currently, and it’s definitely motivating to want to attain that myself.
Q: What was the best learning moment or addition to your game from this summer?
Archer: I was put in a lot of positions to succeed under pressure, which I think really helped me as a player and as a leader.
Q: What is the number one thing you took away from playing in the Cape Cod League?
Archer: It’s a tough game, so it’s important to master the mental side so you can be successful on the field.
