Bufford Back to Ballers
Early Season Trade Brings Beloved Cam Bufford Back to B’s
By Nick Clementi
In a stunner, Cam Bufford is heading back to his championship roots. Just six days into the Pioneer League season, the Sioux City Explorers have traded 1B/DH Cam Bufford to Oakland in exchange for a player to be named later. 1B Jaden Sheppard was subsequently released to create space on the roster.
After signing with Sioux City this past offseason, Bufford surprisingly did not appear in a game for the Explorers through ten games. The Ballers and Bufford recognized an opportunity and it led to a reunion with the organization he helped bring a championship to last season.
Bufford hit .349 last season for the Ballers, along with 21 home runs, 19 doubles, 27 steals, and nearly a .600 slugging percentage. His 20-20 season was a first for the organization and he later cemented his B’s legacy with a monstrous 3-run home run to seal the title in a winner-take-all Game Five against Idaho Falls.
After the announcement of the trade this past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Cam Bufford and get the rundown on his move back to the East Bay.
Despite signing elsewhere this offseason, Bufford is ready for the chance to return to Oakland, and build on the success he had in the PBL. “I was in a position where I wasn’t getting playing time and felt like a trade should happen,” Bufford noted. “My first reaction was [excitement] because I knew the history I had with the Ballers and the fans and knew [how much] fun I would have playing baseball again.”
After being a key contributor of a historic 73-23 season last year with the B’s, Bufford was straightforward with his goals and expectations. “Team goal [is to] win another title for Oakland.”
In a message directed toward Ballers fans, Bufford proclaimed: “Expect another great season with a lot of passion and commitment.”
The Ballers’ hitting gets a big boost with the return of Bufford, complimenting a lineup that is already averaging nine runs per game. His right-handed power is also a welcomed balance to the lefty bats of Ybarra, Collura, Allgeyer, Santos, and Stone. Bufford replaces Sheppard at the DH position and can play 3B, 1B, or OF when needed. Having arrived in Oakland yesterday, we can expect Bufford to be available for the continuing series against Long Beach.
Photos from Aubrey Tibbils Photography
Nick Clementi is an Oakland native and lifelong Oakland baseball fan. He enjoys long walks on the beach and summer nights at Raimondi Park. He’s a Scrappy enthusiast who doesn't believe in sacrifice bunts. Sports content moderator by day, Ballers beat writer by night. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.
