MENDONCA MAKES FIRST PROFESSIONAL START

The former Bulldog third baseman goes 1-4 with a run scored in Spokane’s 7-4 win over Yakima.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer:

Tom Mendonca’s leadoff single in the ninth inning led to a three run rally that snapped a four-all tie to give the Spokane Indians a 7-4 win over Yakima Wednesday night. Mendonca’s first hit as a pro allowed him to score on an error three batters later. He batted sixth and played third base.

Mendonca made his pro debut Tuesday as a pinch hitter. He struck out and played one inning at third.

Valleysportspulse.com talked to Mendonca before he left to begin his career in the Texas Rangers organization:

What does it mean to realize your dream?
Tom Mendonca: It’s nice. It’s more baseball. The way I look at it, it’s going to be better competition. I’m looking forward to having more baseball and continue to keep playing instead of being at home like I was doing nothing. I felt like I was wasting time. I’m just happy that I had the opportunity to go to Fresno State and play baseball and now going somewhere else to play baseball too.

How tough is it to leave tour friends and family?
TM: It’s real tough. It hit me Saturday night. I’ve just been thinking how much I appreciate Fresno and all the people, all the fans and all the alumni from Fresno that helped make me who I am today. All the coaches who I’ve developed strong bonds with. The Rangers have a great organization. They have a power hitting ballpark. Seeing Gordon Beckham (Georgia) up there (the majors) already is pretty cool. I just looked back at the paper and there’s a picture of him from the World Series when we beat him and I was just thinking, ‘wow we just beat them and now he’s in the pros.’ It must be really nice.

Biggest adjustment you’ll have to make?
TM: Everything. It’s a new world. I don’t think anybody’s going to be your buddy, your friend, because everybody wants to beat you out. I’m hoping there will be some bonds. I’m glad I’ll have two other (Fresno State) teammates there, Tanner Scheppers, Justin Miller’s already there so that’s going to be good. I can learn from there. It’s just baseball all over again. Just adjusting with wood (bats) and learning how to hit with wood and getting used to it.

What do you know about Spokane and the Northwest League?
TM: Not much. It’s all new for me. I just want to go out and play right now. I know that they’re not doing so hot right now so hopefully it goes smoothly.

Do you have any extra pressure?
TM: It’s just who wants it more? Who’s going to work harder? I’m looking forward to that part, pushing myself harder and harder every day.

Was it a difficult decision to sign? Did you want to stay at Fresno State?
TM: I always wanted to play professional baseball and now it’s here for me. And if I passed it up and something goes wrong next year, it’s like you’d regret your decision. I’m kind of hesitant but I would love to go back (to Fresno State) if everything would still be there for me on the table, go back to Fresno and do the same thing over, go higher maybe. But it’s not a guarantee. Right now what’s guaranteed is what’s happening in front ofd me so I can’t pass it up.

Who helped you make the decision to sign?
TM: My family. It was ultimately my decision. It was nice to know that I was drafted and everything but I’m just going to miss Fresno. It’s going to be a different atmosphere. I’m happy with the decision I’ve made but I know I’m going to be missing out on a lot of things next year.

What’s going through your mind right now?
TM: That I’m going to be gone from home for once. Instead of just being an hour away I’m going to be 16 hours away, a plane flight away. It’s tough to say but I’m just going to miss my family and friends.

Do you have playing in Bakersfield this year in the back of your mind if you play well in Spokane?
TM: That’s what I’m shooting for. I want to be in Bakersfield sooner than later and get one more chance for everyone to see me play near home, hopefully. I’d be able to go to Modesto which is 20 minutes away from Turlock so that’s my goal right now is to get there (to Bakersfield).

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