Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, Sam Bachman steadily worked his way toward the major leagues.

But, that’s not all Bachman has been working toward.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, Bachman was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Miami University. Bachman received the degree during a graduation celebration held at Jay Hayden Baseball Center in front of family, friends, and Miamians.

“Just knowing all the sacrifices that this school did to get me where I am, I’m always going to be indebted to them,” Bachman said. “Without them, this opportunity couldn’t have been possible. I felt like I worked very hard to get to where I was in the academic sense, and I really wanted to finish that. They sacrificed to get me to where I am today, and I think it was important to go back and do it for the people who helped me pursue my dreams of professional baseball.”

Bachman was drafted ninth overall by the Angels in 2021 as he became the first-ever RedHawk selected in the first round of the MLB Draft.

The right-handed pitcher was called up to the major leagues less than two years later when he made his debut for the Angels on May 26, 2023. Bachman pitched in 11 games during the 2023 season, compiling a 3.18 ERA with 14 strikeouts and one save in 17 innings pitched.

“I’ve really enjoyed my experience as a professional baseball player,” Bachman said. “To compete against the very best every single day, it’s a big challenge and it’s something I love to pursue – just playing the game you’ve loved since you were a kid.”

His academic routine after being drafted was interesting, Bachman said. He’d be at the baseball field for 8-10 hours depending on the day, and he’d usually work on a homework assignment right after waking up or later at night.

Miami President Gregory Crawford, University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford, and Ande Durojaiye, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science, spoke during Saturday’s graduation celebration.

Durojaiye praised Bachman’s work ethic. “What was most encouraging was that after he became a professional athlete, he continued to work hard on his academic studies,” Durojaiye said. “He had an excellent record and really personified the Code of Love and Honor.”

College graduation “marks the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” President Crawford said during the celebration. “As a student-athlete, you know what it means to persevere.”

What drew Bachman to Miami was the people. While with the RedHawks, Bachman was named a Freshman All-American and MAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year, and he also earned First-Team All-MAC honors in 2019 and 2021.

Bachman met with the current Miami baseball team prior to the graduation celebration, answering questions and talking about his experience with the Angels.

“They put me first as a player and really cared about my development,” Bachman said of the RedHawks. “That was a big reason why I chose to come here. Academics was also a big priority of mine.

“My experience at Miami was excellent. It was everything I always wanted. I really fell in love with the school, and I’ll always have a home here.”