Meet a BlueJacket

Doug Buser

AKA: The Constant One, Buse

Position: Outfield

DOB: 4-10-87

Height: 6’0” Weight: 175

Hometown: Berkeley, Calif.

College: University of Oklahoma (Norman, Okla.)

Major: Business

Hobbies: Surfing, boating, water sports, guitar

Doug Buser has enjoyed his first seasons as a member of the Kitsap BlueJackets.

Not only does he enjoy the area, but he was able to improve his game and move on collegiately to the University of Oklahoma. As if those benefits weren’t enough, Buser even found love as a Jacket, as he met his girlfriend, a Kitsap resident, last year in his first season with Kitsap. Not to mention the fact he hit .303 in 47 games with a team-high 35 runs, went 12-for-14 in stolen bases and earned a spot on the DeMarini All-Performance team and Honorable Mention recognition on the All-West Cost Collegiate Baseball League team.

We caught up with Buser, who is back patrolling the outfield for the 2007 Jackets.

How did you find out about the BlueJackets?

“My (junior college) coach told me to come up here. I really felt like it’s made me a better player. I improved my batting average by 120 points last year (in school ball). It was something that I can pinpoint to this league. It’s something that’s really helped me out.”

What’s your favorite baseball memory?

“I was playing in the (California state) championship game at Oakland Coliseum (as a freshman at Miramonte High School in Orinda). I got a hit, stole second base, stole third base. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I didn’t score, but after I was on third, I just looked around, saw everybody. Playing at the Oakland Coliseum was just a great honor. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

What made you want to come back to Kitsap this summer?

“One, it was close enough that my parents can visit. I felt like the staff and the league improved again. It’s a great time with the guys. The host family was great for me. And my girlfriend is out here.”

When did you fall in love with baseball?

“To be honest with you, my parents are not really big fans of baseball. But I just watched it growing up. We had two teams, the (San Francisco) Giants and the (Oakland) A’s. In high school, we’d skip and catch some baseball. I caught the bug. It’s been something that’s been a big part

of my life.”

What are some things people should know about Doug Buser?

“One thing people should know is that I have three older sisters. Having three older sisters really affects you in a positive, and sometimes negative, but mostly positive, way. But they’ve taught me a lot about life. It was basically like I had four moms.”

What’s something people don’t know about Doug Buser?

“I used to be in a chess club. It wasn’t very long and I wasn’t very good, but I was in it for a little while. I sucked at it and I didn’t have the patience for it. It was embarrassing really.”

If you could have anyone’s swing or glove, whose would it be?

“Swing, I’d probably have to go with Barry (Bonds, the San Francisco Giants’ slugger). Whether you love him or hate him, he’s got one of the best swings I’ve ever seen. I get better by watching him. Fielding-wise, I’m a huge Scott Hatteberg fan (Hatteberg plays infield and catcher for the Cincinnati Reds). The way he goes in day in and day out. The guy is just a gamer.”

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