What a great kid
10 Questions for Tom Mendonca
1. Who has been your greatest supporter?
"My family mom, dad, grandparents, coaches, fans, the community of Turlock and everyone who has been there for me."
2. Losing the first 12 of 20 games of the season, did you ever imagine Fresno State becoming 2008 NCAA champions?
"Year to year we thought we had a shot and Fresno State is known to start off slow but then we won regional, super regional and made it to the College World Series. We didn't take any game for granted and we had a pretty good team to begin with."
3. What went through your mind as you were awarded the College World Series most outstanding player?
"I knew it before it was announced. I was doing a live interview on the radio when they told me. I didn't deserve it, the team did. If I could break it into 25 pieces for the players and three for the coaches I would do it. It was the whole team that deserved it."
4. What was the reaction of your team after winning the series?
"For some people, like the seniors it sank in, but coming home (Fresno) tonight and going to the parade then having Blake (Amador) tell me I was the CWS MVP is when it hit me."
5. What are your goals for the 2008-09 season?
"Try not to have 99 strikeouts like I did this year."
6. Is it still a goal of yours to be drafted into the Major League?
"I think it is every kids dream. Hopefully I'll become lucky enough to be drafted by some team."
7. How do you view competition in college baseball?
"You can't take any team lightly- there is no true underdog. You've got to play every game like it is the last game of the season."
8. Do you have any other interests?
"I have hobbies like hunting and golfing. I golf at the Turlock Country Club when I come home and go shooting with my friends."
9. What do you see yourself doing in the next 10 years?
"Hopefully still having a baseball career, if not (I'll) fall back on kinesiology, Ag business or firefighting and going to my class reunion and try to have fun and have a job that I enjoy. I try to keep my options open."
10. What advice would you give high school baseball players hoping to play college baseball?
"I would join Little League and travel baseball when you're ready for it. I would stay with it and practice, practice, practice and stay after practice with your coach if he's willing. The ultimate goal is to have fun. Your heart has to be in it and have fun and listen to your coaches."