For Shore, Monmouth will be a great fit for Buecker

By ANDREW SMOLAR / For Jersey Baseball Nation

Brendan Buecker, one of the top players in New Jersey for the class of 2023, ended up right where he was always meant to be, at Monmouth University.

Buecker is very familiar with the area and knows quite a few people from down the shore despite being from Allentown and playing for Notre Dame High School. He might have the rare distinction of being the most popular player in two counties – Mercer and Monmouth.

Needless to say, he is thrilled to be in the position he’s in and ready to get started at Monmouth.

“I’m super excited,” Buecker said. “Going to Monmouth County and being in the area is great, being near all my family and friends is very exciting to have people I can connect with.”

Buecker has the talent to be one of Monmouth’s greatest assets in the near future. He had an impressive 2022 season, hitting .453 while also slugging .587 and driving in 29 runs over 75 plate appearances. Buecker is also versatile - he can catch, play 2nd base, 3rd base or the outfield.

He also has several awards to his name. Buecker was named to the 2022 Perfect Game Preseason Underclassmen All-American Team and both the 2023 PG Preseason All-American and All-Region Team. He also has been a part of five All-Tournament Teams since 2018. The All-American and All-Region nomination in particular meant a lot to Buecker.

“It means a lot,” Buecker said. “It shows all my hard work and how long it’s taken me to get to where I’m at. It’s been great to be able to be recognized as one of the best and with the best in the state and country.”

Baseball runs in the Buecker family. Brendan’s older brother Robbie was the Mercer County Player of the Year in 2019 and is now a Senior at West Point. Brendan has always looked up to his brother for motivation and advice whenever he needs it.

“He’s super important to me,” Buecker said. “Growing up with him and seeing all the hard work that he put in and the work ethic that you need to get to where you want to be helped me a lot. Being able to train in the winter with him has really grown me to be a better player and a better person overall.”

Despite all of the past success of the Buecker brothers, Brendan remains laser-focused on his senior season at Notre Dame. While Buecker is excited for his future at Monmouth, his goal for the upcoming season is simple: to win championships.

“We have some unfinished business from last year,” Buecker said. “I definitely want to win a Mercer County Title and a State Championship.”

In addition to being a very good baseball player, Buecker is a great student, with a GPA of 3.6 and plans to study Business and Economics at Monmouth. He also is a multi-sport athlete, playing football for Notre Dame. Buecker is a well-rounded athlete and person which will suit him well on his journey to Monmouth and beyond.

“Football has been super important to me; I’ve played it my whole life.” Buecker said. “It helps you so much in life to be around a different group of guys playing a completely different sport. Learning time management and how to balance both sports is tough but it’s all worth it in the end.”

Buecker ended up at the school meant for him. The Shore is a comfortable area to him and will be home for the next four years. He is set up well for the immediate future and beyond with his talent, great personality and well-rounded game.