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Bush and Cumberland secure futures in baseball
Bulldogs sign letters of intent
Cumberland and Bush signings
Turlock Highs Brett Cumberland, wearing his new Cal Berkeley hat, and Austin Bush, donning a UCSB cap, both signed letters of intent to play baseball for their respective new universities. - photo by FRANKIE TOVAR / The Journal

They met as children, bonded through baseball from little league to high school, and on Wednesday morning they secured a future for the game they love.

Seniors Austin Bush and Brett Cumberland — instrumental components of Turlock High’s 2013 record breaking season — penned their respective letters of intent to play first base for UC Santa Barbara and catcher for the University of California, Berkeley in the lobby of Turlock’s boys gym,.

“We made sure we did sign on the same day and everything. We’ve been friends since first grade so it’s pretty neat to sign with him,” Cumberland said.

“It’s just cool to see us both living our dreams and doing this together,” Bush said.

After several talks during the summer and after weighing offers from schools like Fresno State and the University of Hawaii, Bush agreed to become a Gaucho once his high school days were finished.

“I really liked the coaching staff and the area. The campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is good,” Bush said. “It’s really relieving. I’m happy — nervous but excited, too.”

Cumberland, on the other hand, made his decision to become a Cal kid long ago.

“I committed pretty early so I didn’t really have any other offers,” Cumberland said. “When I went down to the campus I immediately fell in love with it. I love the atmosphere, everything’s so relaxed. I really love Cal so I’m glad I’m going there.”

Now, with no need to impress scouts, Bush and Cumberland are looking forward to another spring season of Turlock baseball where they will attempt to lead their team to another Central California Conference championship and post-season run. Still, the two can’t help but look forward to the future.

“I’m looking forward to just being with the guys. I hung out with them on my visit and it was really fun,” Bush said. “I’m excited to see where my skills will take me and how far I can go with this game.”

“Hopefully, I can help them out. Hopefully, I can make an impact on the team,” Cumberland said.