Fresno State Athletics
Baseball Honors Past and Present Bulldogs
10/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 23, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The annual Wall of Fame dinner was last night at Pardini's. Fresno State baseball celebrated players and teams of the past and present. Inducted into this year's Wall of Fame was Casey McGehee, Adam Pettyjohn, Dick Doepker, the 1950 team along with Larry and Joyce Buss. Several players from the 2009 team were also honored with team awards by head coach Mike Batesole.
"The Wall of Fame dinner was a great night for Bulldog baseball," said Batesole. "It gave us a chance to recognize past and present Bulldogs, who have achieved great things on and off the field. It was a great night where we honored outstanding Bulldog alumni, along with the 1950 team and the Buss Family for their meritorious contributions to our program."
In 1959, Doepker beat the University of Washington to clinch Fresno State's first trip to the College World Series. He went on to win a pair of games on the big stage to propel the Bulldogs to a third place finish in Omaha.
McGehee came to Fresno State in 2001. He immediately made an impact with a .324 average with 50 RBI and 14 doubles. He had a 32-game hitting streak during his sophomore year and had a team-leading .367 average. McGehee was named first-team All-WAC and a Baseball Magazine All-American. McGehee was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He is currently playing with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pettyjohn threw 15 complete games during his sophomore and junior seasons and is seventh in career strikeouts with 222. He shutout teams like No. 1 Northridge, No. 10 Stanford and WAC rival Rice. Pettyjohn was drafted in 1998 in the second round by the Detroit Tigers.
This year the Wall of Fame honored the 1950 Bulldogs baseball team. This team finished the season with a 29-13 record and claimed the California Collegiate Athletic Association crown. Members of the pitching staff included Don Barnett, the late Jack Welton, the late Allen Cropsey, Tom Yost, Flip Darrow and Bill Baird shared mound duties.
Also members of the 1950 team were outfielders Art Shahzade, Howie Zenimura, Galen Bowman and the late second baseman Franny Oneto. The rest of the infield was third baseman Don Curless, speedy first baseman Johnny Morse and utility infielder the late Marion Stephens.
The late Ken Sachse was the backup first baseman and a strong pinch hitter and Clarence "Zip" Brown was a utility infielder. Catchers were the late Don Abbott and Don Notorangelo.
Larry and Joyce Buss were honored with the Wall of Fame Meritorious Service award. They joined the Dugout Club in 1982. Larry Buss was involved in the building of Beiden Field and putting up the fences. They have attended all the local regionals and others in Fullerton, San Diego and Long Beach.
Also recognized last night were several members of the 2009 team as coach Batesole announced the team awards for last year's team.
Third baseman Tom Mendonca was given the team Most Valuable Player award. Left fielder Dusty Robinson earned the Golden Glove award. Pitcher Derek Benny was named Rookie of the Year. Pitcher Cody Kendall earned the Student-Athlete award. Closer Holden Sprague was named Outstanding Pitcher. Finally, second baseman Danny Muno earned the Heart & Smart award.
The Bulldogs are wrapping up fall ball and the 2010 season kicks off in mid February.
"We Are Your Team"For more information on Fresno State baseball log on to gobulldogs.com.
