The Center of the Storm – Auston Bousfield

Baseball has been the center of Auston Bousfield’s life since he was little boy.  Growing up he played in “The Winter Garden Little League” and was coached by his father Carl.” He often  “watched the Braves on TV.  Orlando had Spring Training for the Braves and I loved Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones,” shared Auston. He also loved the Braves’ manager – Bobby Cox.

Playing high school ball at West Orange High School, he lettered all 4 years there and helped lead them to 4 District Championships.  After high school, Auston moved on to play his college ball at Ole Miss and played in the 2013 College World Series, helping his team finish 4^th overall, which Auston considers one of his greatest baseball experiences. 

The Padres drafted him in the 5^th round of the 2014 MLB draft, which he thought was “pretty cool.”  The Padres assigned him to A- Eugene where he hit .301 with 3 home runs, 13 RBI’s 36 runs scored and 12 stolen bases with a .402 OBP.  A great start to his young career.

2015 was the first time Auston attended a Major League camp.  He told us that it was “long days and it’s hot in Arizona and early mornings,” which we know from attending Spring Training games there for many years.  “I had talked to former players, so I knew what I was getting into.”  He worked on his “consistency” during the Spring and his goal is to become “consistent on all parts of my game.”  The Padres moved the young center fielder up to Lake Elsinore where he is playing for new Storm manager, Michael Collins.  “I like Collins a lot, he’s good.” He is enjoying playing with the Storm this season and said we have a “lot of good guys on the team.”

The night after our interview, Auston had 3 hits, including the game winning hit in the 11^th inning to lead Lake Elsinore to a 5-4 win over Inland Empire.  Three hits and driving in the winning runs reminded us of his hero, Chipper Jones, who we hope he’ll end up playing like in the Big Leagues.

Be sure to head on up to The Diamond for to see Auston and The Storm play!  Lots of wonderful events this Memorial Day weekend as well – check it out!