Senior Spotlight: Nolan Dempsey

FRESNO, Calif. - With Senior Day approaching this Sunday, GoBulldogs.com sat down with the five Diamond 'Dog seniors to get a deeper look at their Fresno State experience and their time as members of the Fresno State baseball team.

The third Bulldog senior to be honored this week is infielder Nolan Dempsey. Dempsey spent three seasons at De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. where he utilized a redshirt season and then saw two active years for the Dons. Dempsey was a two-time All-Conference selection and was named the team's Most Valuable Player. He hit .329 as a freshman tallying 47 hits, 20 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. In his final season with the Dons, Dempsey averaged .247 and added 36 hits, 21 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.

Dempsey stayed hot as he came to Fresno State in 2018 playing in 46 games with 32 starts, primarily as an outfielder, as a junior. He averaged .307 from the plate with 35 hits and 22 RBIs. Dempsey also transitioned well in the classroom as he was named an Academic All-Mountain West selection and a Mountain West Scholar Athlete.

The senior is third on the team with a .337 average this season while starting 43 of the Bulldogs' 44 games. Dempsey has knocked 55 hits, 45 RBIs, 12 doubles, two triples and five home runs this season. He ranks second on the team in doubles and RBIs, and is third in hits and home runs. Dempsey has made a name for himself in the Mountain West Conference as he averages .329 in conference play this season and has earned two Mountain West Player of the Week honors, making him one of three student-athletes to earn multiple Player of the Week honors in the Mountain West.

GoBulldogs.com sat down with Dempsey to learn more about his career while at Fresno State and his favorite memories while in a Bulldog uniform.

What skills has baseball taught you that you can use off the field?
Dempsey: "Throughout my life, and playing baseball since i was four years old, I really learned how to fail. It is a game of failure. You really learn that everything is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows and you always have to find a way to make sure that you make the best out of every opportunity. One of the quotes that I live by from John Wooden is 'Things always turn out best for the people who make the best of things of how things turn out'. I would say baseball was the best factor in helping teaching me that."

If you had to be attached to one teammate for 24 hours, who would it be and why?
Dempsey: "I would probably choose Jeff Jamison. He is so entertaining and he will keep you on your toes. Some of the guys might bump heads a bit, but Jeff is always a guy who will keep you on your toes and make you laugh."

What is one thing Coach Batesole says that you will always remember?
Dempsey: "There are so many things that he says. I would probably pick when he screams 'Let's Go' as loud as he can and out of the blue. It will be super quiet and all of a sudden he will just yell 'let's go' out of the blue."

Which of your past or present Bulldog teammates has had the biggest impact on you?
Dempsey: "I would definitely say McCarthy Tatum, because I have learned a lot from him in terms of maturity and going about your business in the right way. He never complains, never points fingers and never makes excuses. Even when things are in the dumps, he acts the same as if he was having the best day in the world. I feel like I have learned a lot from him in the last two years."

What is your advice for young and aspiring baseball players?
Dempsey: I would say the cliche quote of 'trust the process' and understand that it is a journey. It is a marathon and not a sprint. Understand the value of winning games and focusing on the ultimate goal rather than getting caught up in the moment of instant gratifications. That isn't what baseball is about. Coming in as a youngster, I would think that you have to look at the big picture and be able to control the controllables from the start."

How would you describe this senior class?
Dempsey: "This senior class is pretty awesome. I feel like we are all really close and personable. We get along really well. It has been a smorgasbord of guys from all over and with different backgrounds, but we all have gotten along really well and thrived together. It has been an awesome experience."

What has been your favorite stadium to play at?
Dempsey: "I would say Tennessee because it is the SEC. I would also say Stanford was pretty cool because it is my hometown and I have wanted to play there since I was little. That experience of playing there and having over 30 people from my hometown be there to support was pretty cool. I had always wanted to play there since I was little and I finally did."

Who is your baseball idol?
Dempsey: "My dad and my grandpa. My grandpa played back in the 50's for the Phillies and the Pirates, and my dad played in high school and at San Diego State. I would say that growing up around them taught me so much about how to go about your business the right way, on and off the field. I look up to them in every way possible and I am thankful for everything they have done for me."

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

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Senior Spotlight: Nolan Dempsey

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