Q & A with Bryan Graves

Bryan traveled cross-country to pursue his dream of playing collegiate baseball. In 2002 he was named honorable mention All-Ivy after finishing with a .355 batting average, a team-leading 13 doubles and four homeruns. More will be expected of Bryan now that his squad won 13 of their last 18 games in 2002 and has been picked by Baseball America as the favorite to win the Ivy title.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I was born and raised in Oakland, Calif. I've lived my whole life in Oakland, and plan to move back eventually after I graduate. Even though there are many things that I appreciate about the east coast, I feel it can't compare to California. As a junior in high school, I began to think about college. My brother, Kevan Graves, had recently been accepted to Dartmouth, and his decision greatly influenced my thought process. It was at that point that I began to think of the Ivy League as a possible option for my college career. Before long, I was talking to baseball coaches at a number of colleges, including both Harvard and Penn in the Ivies. Ultimately, I decided that Penn would be a better fit for me and committed early. My major, here at Penn, is called PPE, which stands for Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics. My concentration is in the area of Economics.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

Like I said, my brother's decision to go to Dartmouth really influenced my decision. The possibility of attending an Ivy League school was not always in my mind, but at that point, I started looking at the Ivy League not simply as an option, but as my primary choice to go to school.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

I really went into the Ivy League pretty open-minded. I can't say that I thought Ivy Leaguers would all be nerds or that I believed any other stereotype. I really didn't know what to expect. The way I figured it, if there were 10,000 or so undergraduates at Penn, coming from all different areas of the country and other countries as well, there had to be a great variety of people and personalities.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

For the most part, my expectations were right. True, there are plenty of stereotypical 'nerds', but there are also a great number of down-to-earth regular people. When I arrived at Penn, I was most impressed by how 'normal' most people were. Of course, like at any highly acclaimed academic institution, I expected the competition and diligence from the student body. What surprised me, even though I expected it to a small degree, was the diversity of region, class, race, and personal experiences that I found. Everyone has a different and, for the most part, interesting story to tell.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

The most appealing part of the Ivy League was its mystique. When you say 'Ivy League,' most people have their pre-conceived notions, but I wanted to see what it was all about. I wanted to go to the other side of the country and experience a new environment. Living in California my whole life, I have always been told by my parents that the San Francisco Bay Area is like a bubble. It's unique. After coming to the east coast, I can definitely claim that what my parents told me is true. And I'm glad I have had this opportunity to experience a new place.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

I think the adjustment process is a little easier for an athlete. As a freshman on the baseball team, even though there were only a few minorities and only one other African-American, I immediately had something in common with others. The team atmosphere helped me to make friends quickly.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

As an athlete, my most memorable moment has to be my first game. I started the first game of the season in left field on our spring break trip to Tampa, Fla. It wasn't a particularly great game, in fact, it was a bad game. But, I did get my first collegiate hit, which was an amazing feeling. As a student, I can't say that I have one particular moment which stands out. Last year though, as a sophomore, one cold November evening, a large group of freshmen (male and female) went streaking because they had a midterm in Introductory Economics the next day. JUST BECAUSE THEY HAD A MIDTERM THE NEXT DAY! I remember thinking to myself: 'Only in the Ivy League'.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

I can't think of the one figure that I admire most, but one that comes to mind is Jackie Robinson. Being the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, I admire him for his courage. It is he who has allowed me to even dream of playing in the big leagues one day. And it is his courage that has allowed me to carry my dream thus far.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

Both of my parents have had a great influence on me growing up. Together, whether it was in their words or in their actions, they have molded me into the man I am today. Although I see myself becoming more independent each day, their advice and support continues to help me grow, and for this I give them my ultimate praise.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

As my parents have always told me, education simply must come first. One's education continues throughout his life, and there is no end to its benefits. Sports can help in the education process. They teach valuable lessons which can be extremely important. Just make sure to use athletics to assist in one's education rather than replace it as a ticket to success in life.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Understand that reaching the Ivy League, though difficult, is clearly an attainable goal. Don't let anyone discourage you from your aspirations. Also, try to discard your preconceived notions of the Ivy League. Be open-minded, work hard, and let the cards fall where they may.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***