Fresno State Athletics
Mendonca Honored With Joe Kearney Award
8/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Aug. 4, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State baseball player Tom Mendonca has been named the 2008-09 Western Athletic Conference Joe Kearney Award winner. Mendonca is the second-consecutive Bulldog baseball player to win the award. The award is named in honor of former WAC commissioner Joe Kearney and is given annually to the top male and female student-athletes in the WAC.
Mendonca is the fifth male student-athlete from Fresno State to be recognized with the award. He aided the baseball team in winning the 2009 WAC Tournament title that helped Fresno State win their second consecutive WAC Commissioner Cup.
Mendonca, a junior third baseman from Turlock, Calif., was the 2009 WAC Player of the Year after he led the league and ranked third nationally in home runs (27). A semifinalist for the Dick Howser and Golden Spikes National Player of the Year Awards, he was named to five All-America teams in 2009.
"It's a great honor to win this award and be recognized out of all the athletes in the WAC," said Mendonca. "It's not only another achievement for me, but also for Fresno State. I want to thank everyone, like my friends, family and coaches for keeping me focused and getting me where I am today."
Mendonca led his team to three consecutive WAC Tournament titles and the 2008 NCAA Championship, as he was named Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series after tying a College World Series record with four home runs. In just three years, he blasted 56 home runs, shattering the Fresno State career record by 13 and tying for fourth place all-time in WAC history. His 174 career RBI also ranks third in Fresno State history. Mendonca earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2008 European Championships and was a second round draft pick by the Texas Rangers.
"Tom is a special player and we couldn't be more proud of him and everything that he has accomplished here at Fresno State," said head baseball coach Mike Batesole. "He's represented his school with class and on the field has been a game-changing player over the last three years. He is a role model for the younger guys in the clubhouse and has continued to shine within the Rangers system."
Other nominees included: Men: Ryan Grinnell, Boise State, Track and Field; Solomon Elimimian, Hawai'i, Football; Mac Hopson, Idaho, Basketball; Antonio Baker, Louisiana Tech, Football; Matt Bowman, Nevada, Baseball; Bryan Marquez, New Mexico State, Baseball; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State, Football; Gary Wilkinson, Basketball.
