It might as well be called the American Dream. Collegiate athletic success produces fame, glory, and­—most of all—a shot at the fabled big leagues.

And it takes hold even at Harvard.

In a summer that saw the rise of Ryan Fitzpatrick ’04 to the St. Louis Rams’ active roster and the U.S. Open breakthrough of James Blake ’01, two of Crimson baseball’s own became professionals.

First, on July 2, Zak Farkes signed a free agent contract with the Boston Red Sox, forgoing his final year of NCAA eligibility and bringing an early conclusion to the most prolific power-hitting career in Harvard history.

Then, in August, classmate Frank Herrmann, the ace of the Harvard pitching staff, followed suit, signing with the Cleveland Indians after a summer ball tour in Hawaii.

Even reserve John Wolff—who impressed Chicago White Sox scouts enough that they used a 47th round pick on him in June’s MLB Amateur Draft—joined the act, signing just last week.

All three retired within Harvard’s Ivy-laden gates this fall after productive vacations on the field.

After the ink has dried and the long winter has lifted, all three will fulfill their professional contracts by reporting to spring training, instead of preparing for Harvard’s Ivy title defense.

All three took different routes to the ranks of Harvard pro athletes.

But the dream—that American, Big League Dream—remains the same.

ZAK FARKES

For the most visible dreamers, the ones who appear on ESPN riding sky-high bonuses and brand new cars, the Big League Dream is symbolized by the glitz that comes with it.

As a new member of the Boston Red Sox’ Class A affiliate, the Lowell (Mass.) Spinners, Farkes found something different altogether.

“It’s a game every single day in the summer,” he says. “Long road trips. Hotels from Super 8 to Holiday Inn and all the way around.”

Farkes, however, found exactly what he was looking for.