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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (June 12, 1997)
Sears preparing for major leagues SEARS from page 2 chances.” Sears, who was selected in the 19th round out of high school, said he owed his improvement to Sanders and the Nebraska baseball program. Last fall, Sanders helped Sears adjust his swing - a minor adjustment that greatly aided his improvement, Sanders said. “I took him in my office last fall and I said,' Todd, if we make this lit tle change, you have a chance to go way beyond what you thought you could do,” Sanders said. “We worked on opening his stance and bringing his hands in closer to his ear to give him a shorter swing so his hands were quicker to the ball. He had a chance to drive the ball better because he saw the ball better.” Sears said he could not give enough credit to Sanders. “I have nothing but positive things to say about what John has done for me as a coach and as a friend, too,” Sears said. “I think that little adjust ment of my swing put me on the map. He really helped me out a lot.” Once a contract agreement is reached, Sears said, he will report to Portland, Oregon, where he will play a short-season of single-A ball. Sears said he is dealing with Rockies scout Lance Nichols con cerning his contract. Nichols called Sears at his home in Ankeny, Iowa, on June 3 around 1:30 p.m. to tell the junior that he had been drafted. “I told him to be fair and to try to get the right contract for the round that he was drafted in — but to be patient,” Sanders said. “He has this one opportunity to capitalize on a lifetime of work. He shouldn’t try to rush it..” Sanders said he didn’t think Sears would have much trouble adjusting to professional baseball. “I think he’ll do real well,” Sanders said. “But there will be a physical strain that he’ll have to adjust to.” Three other Nebraska players will begin their pro careers this summer. Senior right-hander Steve Fish was selected in the 22nd round by the Anaheim Angels, senior lefty Pat Driscoll was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 24th round, and senior outfielder Francis Collins signed as a free agent with the Phillies before the draft. Sanders said he spoke with each of his future pro players last week. “They’re happy and excited to get a chance to play,” Sanders said. “They’ll work hard at it.” Nebraskan S7oi*Pt.*Pt.&r’ f t.' http://www.unl.edu/DsilyNeb/ • Fax Number 472-1761 Editor Jeff Randall, 472-1766 Feature* Editor Gerry Beltz Ait Director Aaron V. Steckelberg Photo Director Marni Speck W*b Pag* Editor Michelle Collins General Manager Dan Sharnl Advertising Msnsgsr Amy Strothers Asst Advertising Manager Elizabeth A. Walsh Publication Board Chair Travis Brandt, 472-2588 Professional Adviser Don Walton, 473-7301 The Daily Nebraskan (USPS 144-080) is published by the UNL Publication Board, Nebraska Union 34,1400 R St, Lincoln, NE 68588-0448, Monday through Friday during the academic year; weekly during summer sessions. Readers are encouraged to submi* story ideas and comments to the Daily Nebraskan by phoning 472-2588 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The public also has access to the Publications Board. For information, contact Travis Brandt, 472-2588. Subscription price is $55 for one year. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Daily Nebraskan, P.O. Box 880448, Lincoln, NE 68588-0448. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE. ALL MATERIAL COPYRIGHT 1997 DAILY NEBRASKAN FRBAY He*. <S> IGUANA'S 1426 ’O' Str. Lincoln COMKIAfcNTARY^ | + OKIE neat, VHCEI, DU t MME ||H[9n|KHyhB|B| -y ^ The Areas ^ Largest Selection Sizes, Colors and Styles FASHIONS AND FOOTWEAR FOR MEN AND WOMEN Downtown Lincoln 14th and “P” St. 476-3432 . j
