Scotland Campus Sports’ Bernard Shivers solidified the first official verbal commitment of the 2019 season this past week, electing to prolong his career at JUCO national power Howard College in Big Spring, Texas.
The culture of the tradition-rich program and Howard’s history of routinely developing and churning out MLB draftees were two prominent factors which coaxed Shivers, who penned his letter of intent at Scotland Campus two days ago.
“It’s a baseball powerhouse, they’ve sent over 40 guys to the big leagues and it’s really hard to say no to that,” said Shivers, he of the blur-quick bat speed and innate ability to track fly balls.
“I wanted a place where I can grow and continue to prepare for the highest level of baseball possible. Coach (Robert) Martinez, he’s got a history of preparing people for the highest level and he’s well-connected. I thought it was the best option for my future.”
Shivers said he discussed the prospect of committing with Scotland Campus head coach Todd Weldon, who spent time with the New York Mets organization and previously coached at Wayland Baptist University in Texas. Both concluded this was the best opportunity for Shivers, who at just 18 is still realizing his wealth of potential.
“Bernard is an MLB-ready outfielder with huge upside at the plate,” Weldon said. It will be interesting to see what takes place at draft time. Howard College just gained a great baseball player who will do big things for their program.”
The center fielder, who has garnered workout invitations from in the vicinity of 10 MLB teams, starred as a multi-sport athlete at Snyder High School (NJ). He spent time at the now-defunct St. Anthony’s High School, before a financial firestorm caused the school to suddenly shut its doors in the spring of 2017.
Shivers, a New Jersey native, was able to strengthen his professional stock and showcase superior defense during the prestigious NJSCA All-Star game last June.
Though he’s best known for his skill-set as a defensive outfielder, Shivers’ speed on the base paths has enabled him to emerge into an enticing prospect.
A running back and linebacker during his stay at Snyder, Shivers earned All-State and All-County recognition as a senior.
Despite the lack of baseball buzz and opportunity in hard-edged Jersey City, Shivers chose baseball because he felt a foreseeable future in the professional ranks.
Relocating to the quiet and scenic Scotland Campus surroundings has given Shivers a refreshing break from crime-heavy and drug addled Jersey City, where he’s lost a cousin and several friends to gun violence over the years.
Shivers said that assimilating to a more secluded environment helped him tune up his focus while simultaneously shoring up academic deficiencies of the past.
Shivers said he developed a rapport with Martinez, speaking with him over the phone and understanding the nuances of his system and his reputation nurturing top-shelf talent and preparing them for the demands of the MLB experience.
After transferring in from St. Anthony’s, Shivers made a loud and lasting impact on the Snyder program in his lone season there. He hit a sublime .431 (25-for-58) with 15 extra base hits, 27 runs, 24 stolen bases, and four home runs, en route to First Team All-County honors.
He thwarted an agonizing 40-year drought at the school by earning such a selection. Shivers shined during a memorable performance against Newark Central, going 4-for-4 with two home runs.
This season, as a post-graduate, the powerfully-built Shivers has found his niche as a leader who sets a tone with his instinctive, full throttle style at the dish.
“Coach Todd (Weldon) has prepared me for the next level from the very beginning with workouts and fall ball,” said Shivers.
“Coach Travis (Scott) has helped me get stronger and faster and also helped me fix some small things to become more of a finished product.”
