Sims and Leonett Reflect on CSBI Experience

BRYAN, Texas – Following a nearly three-month layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis Sims and Ricardo Leonett were among the first collegiate athletes to play competitive baseball again after wrapping up play in the Collegiate Summer Baseball Invitational (CSBI) held in Bryan, Texas from June 4-6.

Sims, who has spent the past two years at WKU after transferring from Murray State, was slashing .333/.386/.524 through 16 games before the Hilltoppers' season came to a premature end.

Leonett, who will be joining WKU for the 2021 season after spending the last two years at Frank Phillips College, produced a .306/.456/.677 slash line in 20 contests with the Plainsmen.

Each athlete and staff member were subject to strict COVID-19 safety protocols prior to and during the tournament. Directly after arriving in Texas, each person had their blood tested and was administered a COVID-19 test before being cleared to participate. The entire group also stayed in one hotel throughout the tournament, with meals being delivered directly to their rooms.

"It was an eye-opening experience," said Sims. "But, I understood why they were taking the necessary steps to ensure the health of each player."

"The organizers did a great job of taking all the necessary measures to keep us safe and prevent exposure," said Leonett. "I wasn't sure what to expect when heading to Bryan, but the organizers made sure we were comfortable at all times. Being quarantined with the rest of the guys also allowed us to get to know each other better and develop great friendships."

The CSBI was comprised of four teams: Team Unity, Team Freedom, Team Liberty and Team Independence. In total, 85 athletes from 64 different schools competed in the tournament, ranging from Power 5 players to JuCo athletes.

After such a long layoff, both Sims and Leonett were excited to be back on the diamond.

"I can't even put into words how excited I was when I found out I would be playing again," said Leonett. "My final season with Frank Phillips College was off to a great start, and like everyone else, I was sad it got cut short. I practiced non-stop for the past three months, waiting for the day baseball would come back. When I got the call, I was ready to go. There's no way to explain how great it feels to be on a field with people who love the game as much as you do."

"It was a great feeling to be able to set foot on a field again," said Sims. "When quarantine had begun, I knew at some point there was going to be an opportunity for people to play again, and I didn't want to miss that opportunity."

Sims (Team Freedom) and Leonett (Team Independence) squared off against each other in their first game, with Team Freedom earning an 8-7 win before eventually advancing to the CSBI Championship, where they dropped a hard-fought 5-4 battle against Team Liberty.

"My favorite part of the tournament would have to be just being around baseball players every day for the duration of my stay," said Sims. "I'd been cooped up in my house for the past few months, so it was nice to get out and meet some new people."

"For me, the highlight of this week was the feeling of belonging every time I stepped on the field," said Leonett. "There were players from all over the country and the competition level was high. I felt comfortable on the field and it showed. I am really proud of my performance in the tournament and will forever remember what it was like to take part in such an important event."

Players Mentioned

Davis Sims

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