Brian Guler - Rock Solid First Baseman

Feature story by Larry Scott


Teddy Roosevelt once cautioned to 'walk softy but carry a big stick.' Brian Guler would have suggested he bring along a trusty glove as well.

The Concordia College senior first baseman fully understands that offense, especially the long ball, captures most of the headlines, but he insists there is a place in the college game for defense - an important place.

Guler has always prided himself on his defensive skills and has made his impact felt at Concordia and throughout the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He has been a source of comfort and insurance for his fellow Cobbers, especially his infield mates, and he put together nearly two consecutive seasons of error-free ball.

Guler wasn't really aware of his spotless defensive run as a junior until after the season had expired. "I didn't know about it," said Guler. "I was golfing last year when I got the call from Bucky (Concordia head coach Bucky Burgau) that I had made the All-MIAC defensive team. I really didn't know what he was talking about."

Guler knows there's more to baseball than just hitting.
 
"It's fun to make diving plays and fun to know I can help out my teammates by scooping up balls. It digs at me when I don't make those plays and reward them. I feel bad about that."

Once again Guler has been a defensive rock for the Cobbers this spring. He has committed just one error in 194 chances and has built a sparkling fielding percentage of .995.

For Guler, there are no shortcuts, just hard work, especially during the off-season. "I took (about) a million ground balls this winter; Bucky really strives for (solid) defense."

While his coaches and teammates rave about his splendid defensive play, make no mistake, Guler has delivered at the plate as well. In 25 games Guler has batted .260 with a home run, 10 RBI and 27 total bases.

A native of New Rockford, Guler moved to Pelican Rapids with his mother, Ann, after his father, Tim, died. He competed in football, basketball and baseball at Pelican Rapids High School as a senior and seriously began to explore his options in higher education. He knew that baseball would certainly be a critical part of the decision-making process.

"My dad played ball at UND and I always dreamed of following Dad's path of playing college baseball; I love the game," Guler said. Sorting out his college options was not easy, however.

"I toured Jamestown (College) and Concordia, but I didn't really know much about Concordia until I came here. I had a lot of friends that went here, and my (high school) teammate, Jean-Erik Lindberg, was coming here, too, and we could play together again. The first time I talked to Bucky I got a good vibe, and the campus looked amazing. I knew it was great opportunity to play some more baseball at the next level."

Despite his willingness to work hard and his eagerness to play, Guler would readily admit he was anything but an overnight success and didn't become a starter until his junior season. "It was a difficult transition, but I knew I had to put the time in and work hard to get the opportunity. There were other people who wanted to play as well."

Guler is confident he has grown as a player and is sure he brings a different approach to the plate. "I'm more aggressive now," said Guler. "Coach (Chris) Coste has emphasized to jump on the first good pitch. You don't have to hit a home run every time, just barrel it up and hit it hard somewhere. It's added a different aspect to my approach at the plate."

Burgau certainly has been pleased with the maturation of Guler.

"Brian is definitely one of the better, if not the best, first baseman I've coached," said Burgau, high praise from the veteran coach in his 35th year with the Cobbers.  "He's good on the routine plays and saves his infielders errors with his ability to dig the ball out. Offensively Brian has really come into his own this year, too, and he gives our lineup some pop from the seventh spot. He's a quiet leader, and I'm really proud of him."

The sands of Guler's baseball hour glass are quickly running out, but he insists the Cobbers are not done and remains confident the Cobbers can secure an invitation to the 2013 MIAC postseason tournament. "The top six get in the playoffs, and we definitely have a shot," Guler said. "Lots of crazy things have happened in the MIAC this year, and it's definitely doable."

Soon this wacky but special season will end, and there will be a time for goodbyes. The Exercise Science major knows it will not be easy.

"It will be different, knowing baseball and school is coming to an end and another chapter will begin. I'm the first Cobber in my family and (Concordia) has opened so many opportunities, not just in baseball bur academically, too. There is such a pride in how the campus looks and I've met tons of friends through classes and baseball."