A bit of Bradley athletics history was made over summer vacation. Vernon Hills native and May 2012 Bradley graduate Jacob Booden became the first Brave ever to play for the Peoria Chiefs.
Booden pitched for the Braves from 2009 to 2012 and compiled a career ERA of 5.04 in 168 innings pitched. Things turned around for the right-hander his senior season when the Braves kept him in the bullpen full-time. Booden posted a 2.84 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched, walking 21 batters while striking out 42.
Booden finished tied for third in Bradley history with 65 appearances and his 40 relief appearances placed him eighth all-time. Twenty eight of those 40 appearances came in 2012, giving him the second-most single season relief appearances in team history.
Booden signed a free-agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in June 2012, three months before the Cardinals and Chiefs signed their affiliation agreement. The stars aligned for Booden, who admits it is a little strange to use the first base bullpen.
“It’s definitely a different kind of culture now, with a different team over on the other side, and me over on this side playing professionally now,” Booden said. “It’s good; it’s nice to be in a familiar area.”
That may be the case, but being back in Peoria can also be a reminder of times gone by. Booden mentioned one thing he missed in particular about his time on the Hilltop.
“Honestly, [I miss] the camaraderie with all the athletes, whether it was men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, or men’s basketball,” Booden said. “I just miss the everyday thing about being around all of the athletes and trying to reach a common goal.”
As current Bradley athletes prepare to reach that same goal, Booden offered advice to those newer Braves just starting their college careers.
“Don’t let it overwhelm you,” Booden said. “It’s the same game as high school, but obviously it’s a little faster paced. My biggest advice is to take it one step at a time and enjoy it while you can, because it definitely goes by fast.”
