Fresno State Athletics
Continuing his Success -- Casey McGehee
2/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Players struggle for years to find their rhythm with a team, for sophomore Casey McGehee, it took one season. In his short time with Fresno State, McGehee was a 2001 Freshman All-American Honorable Mention.
"It was nice to be recognized," McGehee said. "It felt good to know others thought I had a good season."
Good season. You could say that again. McGehee finished third on the team in three offensive categories including runs scored (45), hits (80), and total bases (117). His batting average was .324.
These high numbers have proven that McGehee is an important part of the Bulldog lineup. McGehee started 62 of the 64 games he played in last season. He said he was given confidence by knowing that his name would be in the lineup.
"Once I got in and started hitting the ball, I was able to relax and let my ability take over," McGehee said.
McGehee's batting was especially important to the Bulldog squad during a game against Santa Clara in 2001. After struggling the weekend prior against TCU, McGehee nervously took the plate and produced a grand slam.
"The pitchers knew I was under pressure," McGehee said. "I hit the ball and gave the team a comfortable lead."
In order to use McGehee's batting skills, the right-hander changed his position. He was moved to left field from playing third base. McGehee will return to third base for the 2002 season. "I am more comfortable playing infield," McGehee said. "It took awhile to adjust but it is nice to be back in the comfort zone."
The Bulldogs play their first home series against Stanford. Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America listed the Cardinal at No.1. McGehee said the series is important for Fresno State to win as it will solidify the 'Dogs as a top 20 team.
"If we can win two of the three games in the series," McGehee said, "it will send a message to all of the other teams in the league and build intimidation. We would be known as the team to beat."
The Stanford series will be held at Pete Beiden Field a place where McGehee is proud to play. "I still just look up amazed at the stadium," McGehee said. "To play in front of these fans is something special."
This season is also memorable for the third basemen as his coach Bob Bennett is retiring after 34 years.
"He is one of the best coaches in the nation," McGehee said. "To work with him in my career was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
McGehee was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week and second team All-WAC in 2001. With these accolades so early in McGehee's career, he will be an exciting player to watch for seasons to come.
