Fresno State Athletics
Q&A: Catching up with Ricky Tyler Thomas
8/2/2016 1:25:00 PM | Baseball
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State junior left-handed pitcher Ricky Tyler Thomas recently returned from a nearly four-week, three-country trip with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Playing with some of the top collegiate baseball players in the country, the team traveled to Taiwan, Japan and Cuba compiling a 7-7 mark winning a five-game series in Cuba three games to two, split a four-game series with Chinese Taipei and won a pair of games against Japan. Thomas, a first-team All-MW selection for the 'Dogs in 2016, posted a 1-1 mark with a 0.95 ERA in seven appearances in relief tying for the team lead with 21 strikeouts and held opponents to a .145 average from the plate.
GoBulldogs.com caught up with the San Diego native to find out more about his international experience.
Q: What was the international playing experience like?
Thomas: The overall experience was really cool playing with a great group of guys and building friendships was all part of the fun. All three countries are alot different than America which was real cool to experience.
Q: You played with some of the top collegiate baseball players in the USA, what was it like to be apart of that collection of talent?
Thomas: It was amazing playing with some of the top collegiate baseball players in the nation. It was astonishing to see that much talent on the field.
Q: What was the adjustment like playing with a new set of players from around the nation?
Thomas: The adjustment was not that difficult. It's the same game with a new team you just have to learn the plays and go out there on the field and produce.
Q: Team USA squared off with national teams from Chinese Taipei, Japan and Cuba, what was it like to face such high-level players from other countries?
Thomas: It was fun facing their style of play seeing their batter's approach and pitching approach was interesting to watch. I remember the count was 0-2 against a Japanese hitter and I threw a fastball in the other batter's box and he fouled it off. I was very surprised to see that.
Q: You tied for the team-lead with 21 strikeouts and picked up a win over Cuba with a 5.1 inning, four-strikeout outing, were you happy with your overall performance?
Thomas: Those stats are cool and all, but I am not focused on that. I am continuing to strive to get better and not settle.
Q: Aside from your time playing baseball, what were your most memorable experiences of seeing each country?
Thomas: Getting to go to the Tokyo Dome and watch a game there was a cool atmosphere! We also got to go to the Mizuno store which was cool.
Q: With both Taiwan and Japan being so many time zones away (15 & 16 hours, respectively), what was the adjustment like getting used to a new sleeping, eating, etc. schedule?
Thomas: Sleeping was difficult since it was such a constant grind with playing and traveling.
Q: You were gone for nearly the entire month of July, did you find yourself getting homesick/ missing the USA?
Thomas: For sure, I did miss my friends and family quite often. I also missed having the convenience of internet service.
Q: What life lessons did you learn from this experience?
Thomas: I learned that in America we are very fortunate to have so many resources. It definitely taught me to be thankful for what you have and not take anything for granted.
Q: What do you plan to take from this experience and bring back to the Bulldogs this fall/season?
Thomas: I am ready to take back all the lessons I learned on and off the field from Team USA and return to Fresno State and try to continue to pursue championships.
"Be Bold"Â - The official home of the Fresno State Bulldogs is 940 AM ESPN Radio. Stay connected with the Bulldogs on Facebook (Fresno State Athletics), Instagram (FresnoStateAthletics), Twitter (@FresnoStateBSB) and Snapchat (FSAthletics).
GoBulldogs.com caught up with the San Diego native to find out more about his international experience.
Q: What was the international playing experience like?
Thomas: The overall experience was really cool playing with a great group of guys and building friendships was all part of the fun. All three countries are alot different than America which was real cool to experience.
Q: You played with some of the top collegiate baseball players in the USA, what was it like to be apart of that collection of talent?
Thomas: It was amazing playing with some of the top collegiate baseball players in the nation. It was astonishing to see that much talent on the field.
Q: What was the adjustment like playing with a new set of players from around the nation?
Thomas: The adjustment was not that difficult. It's the same game with a new team you just have to learn the plays and go out there on the field and produce.
Q: Team USA squared off with national teams from Chinese Taipei, Japan and Cuba, what was it like to face such high-level players from other countries?
Thomas: It was fun facing their style of play seeing their batter's approach and pitching approach was interesting to watch. I remember the count was 0-2 against a Japanese hitter and I threw a fastball in the other batter's box and he fouled it off. I was very surprised to see that.
Q: You tied for the team-lead with 21 strikeouts and picked up a win over Cuba with a 5.1 inning, four-strikeout outing, were you happy with your overall performance?
Thomas: Those stats are cool and all, but I am not focused on that. I am continuing to strive to get better and not settle.
Q: Aside from your time playing baseball, what were your most memorable experiences of seeing each country?
Thomas: Getting to go to the Tokyo Dome and watch a game there was a cool atmosphere! We also got to go to the Mizuno store which was cool.
Q: With both Taiwan and Japan being so many time zones away (15 & 16 hours, respectively), what was the adjustment like getting used to a new sleeping, eating, etc. schedule?
Thomas: Sleeping was difficult since it was such a constant grind with playing and traveling.
Q: You were gone for nearly the entire month of July, did you find yourself getting homesick/ missing the USA?
Thomas: For sure, I did miss my friends and family quite often. I also missed having the convenience of internet service.
Q: What life lessons did you learn from this experience?
Thomas: I learned that in America we are very fortunate to have so many resources. It definitely taught me to be thankful for what you have and not take anything for granted.
Q: What do you plan to take from this experience and bring back to the Bulldogs this fall/season?
Thomas: I am ready to take back all the lessons I learned on and off the field from Team USA and return to Fresno State and try to continue to pursue championships.
"Be Bold"Â - The official home of the Fresno State Bulldogs is 940 AM ESPN Radio. Stay connected with the Bulldogs on Facebook (Fresno State Athletics), Instagram (FresnoStateAthletics), Twitter (@FresnoStateBSB) and Snapchat (FSAthletics).
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