The Oklahoma State senior preferred baseball cleats over sneakers growing up, starring as a shortstop and pitcher on the diamonds in and around Atlanta, even playing with Delino DeShields Jr., whom Newberry now considers his best friend.
Eventually, Newberry couldn't resist the pull of hoops. And with Friday night's exhibition game against East Central, he moves closer to the start of his final collegiate season.
DeShields Jr., now an outfielder with the Texas Rangers, will be there, too.
Newberry talked about having his friend in town and his outlook on the season ahead:
Q.