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Posted: July 12. 2007 12:00AM

Bond at the ball field

West Coast college teammates reunited in Utica

UTICA — When college players graduate, they often hope to play again with former teammates in the majors some day.

Two teammates at Cal State Northridge probably never thought they would be playing together again in Utica, nearly 2,750 miles from their college home.

"It's really cool getting to play with Paul (Wilson) on my team again," said Alex Bardeguez, a utility player for the Oneida Barge Bucs of the New York State League. "He's a great player."

Bardeguez were teammates on the 2006 Cal State Northridge Matadors. It was Wilson's senior season and Bardeguez's junior season.

While both players are now playing in the NYSL, they have taken very different paths in their playing career.

Bardeguez, a Long Island native, began his college career at Villanova University, but transferred to Northridge after his junior season. He said he made the move because Northridge, in the Big West Conference, had more quality baseball than the Big East.

Coaches have liked Bardeguez's skills as a utility player, as he has played first, second and third base as well as both corner outfield positions.

His skills aren't limited to the baseball diamond. He was on both the Big East and Big West All-Academic teams while earning a degree in marketing.

Bardeguez was led to the NYSL by Northridge head coach Steve Rousey, who had heard of the league and thought it would be a chance for Bardeguez to continue his baseball career and be back in New York.

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"It feels real good to be back here and playing," Bardeguez said. "This is a great opportunity to play."

While the NYSL experience is a sort of homecoming for Bardeguez, Wilson is far from home.

Wilson is a native of Temecula, Calif. and spent the first two years of his college career at Long Beach State and Saddleback Junior College in before settling at Northridge.

After spending his college career as a third baseman and outfielder, Wilson signed with the Surf Dawgs of the and began his new career as a pitcher.

"Some of the coaches really like my arm and got me started pitching," he said.

Wilson moved from the Surf Dawgs to the for his second season in the Golden League, but was released mid-season.

Dave Marcon, pitching coordinator for the NYSL, convinced Wilson he should give pitching in the league a shot.

"It's good ball," he said. "I've really enjoyed it."

Wilson has also enjoyed New York after years in California.

"I like it, it's beautiful up here," he said. "Everything's so green."

By SHAWN SMITH Observer-Dispatch [email protected]

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