Since our inception, Headfirst Baseball has always strived to work toward the level of
 the legendary “Bercovich Baseball” tradition and we have been continually inspired by
 Bercovich.  Out of respect, Headfirst Baseball will carry on this legacy by adopting the
 name for our most prestigious team, the 18U Bercovich team!
 
 Sam Bercovich owned Oakland’s popular “Bercovich Furniture” and sponsored local
 youth sports teams from 1929 up to 1992.  The Bercovich Baseball teams grew into a
 dynasty at the 18U level.  Growing up in the East Bay, there were two baseball caps I
 really wanted to wear someday.  The obvious first one was the Green and Gold cap
 with an “A” on it, the one worn by Rickey Henderson (by the way, Rickey played for
 Bercovich while at Oakland Tech) out in left field at the Oakland Coliseum and
 thousands of young players who aspired to play in the Bigs.  The other cap I dreamed
 of wearing was rare.  It was burgundy with a black bill and an old English “B” on it, a
 Bercovich cap!  Wearing this cap meant you made it on the 18U Bercovich summer
 team, that you were part of a very select group and part of a rich tradition…
 
 ·        * Bercovich had 100’s of players go on to play college and professional baseball,
 including many Major Leaguers.
 
 ·        * Former Bercovich players include Major Leaguers such as Willie Stargell, Kevin
 Maas, Rickey Henderson, Vada Pinson, Curt Flood, Dave Stewart, Randy Johnson, Joe
 Morgan, Frank Robinson, Don Wakamatsu and more!
 
 ·        * Many players cite their time playing for Bercovich under legendary manager,
 Ray Luce, as the highlight of their whole careers.
 
 ·        * Playing for Bercovich meant you were initiated into a fraternity-like team and
 you were spending a magical summer with other highly motivated and talented baseball
 players from all over the Bay Area.
 
 Bercovich’s final season was in 1992.  Chris Dean and I played together for our 16, 17
 and 18U summers and we ended our stint there in 1992.  Michael Iglesias played as a
 16 and 17U before signing with the L.A. Dodgers during his 18U summer (this was a
 common way to lose a teammate).  That summer, 1991, was the last time Bercovich
 made it to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.  As manager and
 coach, (this has to be the only squad led by two former Bercovich teammates who went
 on to play professionally!) Chris and I are anxious to establish a winning approach the
 same way the late Ray Luce instilled in us.  We will work very hard to make sure the
 Headfirst Bercovich team will make it back to Farmington!