VOL. XXXIII OCTOBER 2008 NO.1

Your support can be measured in moreways than just wins and losses. Our playersrealize they represent not just themselvesand the athletic department, but also all of

the Alumni and Dugout Club members in the classroom aswell. Their efforts produced not only a NationalChampionship, but also produced a senior class that witnessedall nine seniors earning a degree in the spring of 2008 orpositioning themselves for a fall 2009 graduation date. Thisis a testament to the commitment to the classroom made bythis program. Once again, this commitment could not befulfilled without the support of the Dugout Club. Thesesuccesses should be celebrated throughout our entire

community.The off season has been a time of reflection on teamaccomplishments as well as bolstering recruiting efforts. Wewere very fortunate to have played throughout the entire monthof June in pursuit of our National Championship. That alsomeant that we squeezed two months of recruiting into a singlemonth. Coach Curtis, Coach Waer, and I spent the month ofJuly and the first part of August on the road evaluating playersso we could begin assembling our 2009 signing class. FromLong Beach to Seattle , the coaching staff worked diligently tofind the most qualified student-athletes to fit the needs of ourprogram.

There have been countless opportunities to speak to differentgroups throughout the community, sharing stories of the postseason and celebrating the achievements of Bulldog Baseball.Fresno and the State of California have been extremelycomplimentary of our players, our program, and our university.

MIKE BATESOLEHEAD COACH

FRESNFRESN OO STATSTATEE BULLDOGSBULLDOGS20020088 NATIONANATIONALL CHAMPIOCHAMPIO NNS!S!

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BULLDOG FOUNDATION DUGOUT CLUB

The NCAA College World Series NationalChampion Fresno State Bulldogs will presenttheir annual team awards at this year’s Wallof Fame Dinner. This will be the first formalrecognition of the National Champions sincethe post-victory celebration in June andpromises to be a special night for Bulldogbaseball fans.

Four former Bulldogs and one legendaryteam will be inducted into the Wall of Fameon Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Pardini’s inFresno. Heading up the list of this year’sinductees is:

1991 TeamLed by National Pitcher of the year Bobby

Jones and All-Big West players Todd Johnsonand Jason Wood the 1991 Bulldogs were BigWest co-champions with 42 wins andadvanced to the College World Series bywinning a thrilling Fresno regional. AtOmaha behind Jones they shocked #1 FloridaState 6-3 in the CWS opener. The 1991 teamwill always be remembered as a group ofhard-nosed players with heart and intensitywho hated to lose.

Warren Brusstar1973-74, pitcher

Hard-throwing pitcher Brusstar credits BobBennett with teaching him the necessary skillsto compete in pro ball. Brusstar pitched nineyears in the majors for Philadelphia,Baltimore, the Chicago White Sox andChicago Cubs and was with the Phillies in1980 when they won their only World Serieschampionship in the teams history.

Stan Busch1959-61, outfielder

Busch started for three seasons in the FresnoState outfield and was with the 1959 team thatreached the College World Series. Hebatted .310 in 1960 and .333 in 1961 and also

NATIONAL CHAMPSTEAM AWARDS FEATURED AT2008 WALL OF FAME DINNER

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!WAC THREE-PEAT!

Welcome to Bulldog Baseball 2009Those words tell it all. I am still in awe ofwhat the 2008 Team accomplished. Fortu-nately, like many of you, I was able to seethe playoff games in person and then travelto Omaha for the first two wins. Yes, it wasmore than I could have ever imagined itwould be. For all of the “fans” I say thanksto the players and coaches for making ourdreams come true. Congratulations, NationalChampions!

A new season of exciting Fresno State Base-ball is approaching. Once again we look for-ward to a “championship” performance fromour team. We also say thanks for your con-tinuing support. The 2008 season will beginFebruary 20, 2009 with a home seriesagainst the University of Washington Hus-kies.

The Coaches have worked extremely hardafter returning from Omaha. Recruiting forthe 2010 season has continued at a hecticpace with student athletes on campus forvisits the past four weeks. The new and re-turning players have been practicing on alimited basis and are excited about the up-coming season.

Improvements at Beiden Field continue withthe remodeling of the clubhouse to aid thecoaches and players in their quest for an-other championship. Coach Batesole has ex-pressed sincere thanks for what the DugoutClub has done for the players and coaches.We must continue our legacy of leadershipthrough action in our participation in thebaseball program. We will be asking foryour support monetarily as we move forwardwith more projects in the coming year. TheDugout Club, through the support of itsmany fans, has contributed more than$250,000 to baseball program improvementprojects in 2008. THANK YOU ALL.

As we begin a new year I would ask for youto renew your membership in the DugoutClub and then participate in the program byattending the games at Beiden Field thisspring. You can purchase season tickets andalso attend many of the events we will hostin 2008 and 2009. I look forward to seeingyou at Beiden Field.

led the team in home runs. After college hewent on to a teaching and coaching career thatspanned over 30 years.

Ben Fritz2000-2002, pitcher-DH

In three seasons at Fresno State Ben Fritzterrorized opponents with his arm and his bat..By his junior year he achieved All Americanstatus with a record of 9-5 with a 3.42 ERA and90 strikeouts. He also batted .283 and led theteam with 10 home runs and 52 runs batted in.In 2002 he was drafted in the first round by theOakland A’s and is currently playing in theDetroit Tiger organization.

Dennis Springer1986-87, Pitcher

Springer calls his two seasons on the moundfor Fresno State a great learning experience thathelped prepare him for 16 years in professionalbaseball. After college he signed with theDodger organization and learned his trademarkknuckleball pitch from Charley Hough. Hepitched in eight major league seasons with theDodgers, Devil Rays, Phillies, Marlins, Metsand Angels, and has the distinction ofsurrendering Barry Bonds’ record 73rd home runin 2001.

The 2008 Wall of Fame Dinner will be heldon Thursday, October 23 at Pardini’s in Fresno.Social hour is from 5:00 to 6:25 PM. The dinnerand program will be from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.Tickets are $50 (12 and under $25), space islimited and demand is expected to be high.Invitations will be in the mail soon. The dinnerwill include a raffle of baseball memorabiliafrom the Wall of Famers and 1991 and 2008teams. Former Bulldog Ray O’Canto isproducing a video presentation of all inducteesand the 2008 World Series Champions. Thiswill be an outstanding event for all BulldogBaseball fans to enjoy so plan on joining us onthis special night.

COLLEGCOLLEGEE WW

The rollercoaster ride that produced one ofthe most improbable championships incollege sports history is captured inremarkable detail in this new release.Featuring over 100 full-color photos,riveting radio play-by-play excerpts, andtelling comments from the "Wonderdogs"themselves, this book takes you insideFresno State's unprecedented string ofupsets that ended with the school's firstNCAA baseball championship. Eavesdropin the dugout as the team stares eliminationin the face six times on its way to the title.Go beyond the big swings, diving catches,and knee-buckling curveballs to discoverthe deeper meaning in the six-week journeyfrom 89th in the country to the top of thatCollege World Series dogpile. From theirstoic skipper to his team full of "sixthgraders at recess," you'll get to know the keyfigures who turned adversity into triumphon a scale usually only found in fantasy.Written in the unique storytelling style ofthe team's radio announcer, Underdogs toWonderdogs spins an exhilarating, heart-warming, and inspirational tale that just sohappens to be true. Lending additional

Underdogs toWonderdogs:Fresno State’s Road to Omaha and theCollege World Series Championship

perspective to the significance of FresnoState's win is a chapter packed withexclusive comments from opposingcoaches, local and national media, andluminaries long associated with theprogram. This book makes a great gift forthe baseball lover in your life, and evennon-sports fans will be drawn to thehuman side of one team's magicalmetamorphosis.

LOCK IN YOURPLACE IN THE HOMEFOR CHAMPIONSYES,I WOULD LIKE TO LOCK IN MYNAME IN THE BULLDOG BASEBALLLOCKER ROOM.

Author: Paul LoefflerLinden Publishing$33.95On shelves December 2008Pre-order at gobulldogs.com or by call-ing (800) 345-4447 or (559) 233-6633.

SAVE THE DATESWALL OF FAME DINNERThursday October 23, 2008 - Pardini'sInduction Ceremony plus2008 National Champs Team Awards PresentationsFor ticket info contact Ron Schiller (559) 297-8189GOLF TOURNAMENTFriday February 13 - Brighton CrestFor Tournament & Tee Sponsorship information contact Wes DeBusk @ (559) 439-3683 or StanBusch @ (559) 346-032022nd ANNUAL DOUBLE PLAY DINNERFriday February 13, 2009Honoring the 2008 National ChampionsFor information contact Sharlene Gomes @ (559) 924-3361 or email 06gomes@gmail.com

LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONSItems are now being accepted forthe 2009 Double Play Dinner Auctions.For your convenience we can arrange to pick up your items.For further information contact:Kristi Lozano @ (559) 638-5529; krisrod@verizon.netJoyce Buss @ (559) 434-5714

As a Fresno State baseball fan, you have an op-portunity to put your name on one of the newlockers that will be installed in the Bulldogs'locker room.As the Bulldogs prepare to take the field beforeevery game and practice, your name plaque willshow your support and recognize your dedicationto Fresno State baseball. It also will serve as areminder to current and future Bulldogs of thegreat tradition and support of Fresno State base-ball fans.Donors can request a specific locker number, butnaming rights will be confirmed on a first-payment basis. Your gift of $2,500 can be paidover four years.Locker Sponsor Benefits:- Your name, team, teammate, or businessplaque on an individual locker- On field Recognition during a Fresno StateBaseball Home Game- Public Address Announcement at a- Fresno State Baseball Home Game- Recognition on Wall of Fame Program- Recognition on GoBulldogs.com

Gifts to the Bulldog Foundation for the lockerroom project qualify as a charitable contribution.Please consult your tax adviser. For more infor-mation call The Bulldog Foundation at559.278.7160.

ORLORLDD SERIESSERIES

Fresno State coach Pete Beiden was myseatmate in 1959 as the 4-motor DC-4airplane flew to Omaha, Neb. and thefirst-ever Bulldog appearance in theCollege World Series.

Flying was a new experience for mostof the Fresno players. The weekpreviously they had flown to Seattle,Wash. for the regional finals with theUniversity of Washington and it was firsttime air trip for nearly the entire team.

Fresno earned the trip to Omaha bydowning the Huskies in a best of threeseries. Prior to that the Bulldogs hadhammered Santa Clara twice in theregional semis.

It was Beiden's 10th season and he had

the series which featured two favorites,Arizona and Oklahoma State.

Beiden, not used to outside mediaattention, found out a frank answer wasnot always what some people wanted tohear.

He was asked who he thought would bethe likely winner of the Series? He pickedArizona as the front runner.

The next morning he was accosted bythe Oklahoma State coach who had readthe quote in the Omaha paper, askedBeiden, "how do you know so much aboutthe winner, are you an expert?"

The Omaha lineup was Clemson,Connecticut, Penn St., Northern Colorado,Arizona, Western Michigan andOklahoma State.

Fresno opened with a 6-5 win overNorthern Colorado who was making itssixth straight Omaha appearance.

The next day Fresno lost 5-1 to Arizonadropping the Bulldogs into a must winagainst Western Michigan. Fresno wonthat one easily 7-2.

Now it was another must win, this timeagainst 2-0 Arizona.

Fresno's ace left-hander LeroyGregory was equal to the task, shuttingout the Wildcats 2-0.

With Fresno, Oklahoma State andArizona were the survivors all 3-1. Therewas a coin flip and Arizona won. Fresnoand Oklahoma State met with the Aggieswinning 4-0.

THE COLLEGEWORLDSERIESMY VIEW by Bruce Farris brought Fresno from a losing program to

the pinnacle of college baseball success.When we reached Omaha the pilot

circled the field and we could see a bigbanner "Welcome Fresno State." I lookedat Pete, a normally non-emotional person,and there were tears in his eyes.

"Oh Bruce," Beiden said. "I didn't evenknow if anyone knew Fresno was coming.This is wonderful."

It was old hat to USC coach RodDedeaux, the Western WSrepresentative, in the seat in front of us,but not to Beiden.

There were a number of Omahafamilies assigned to greet and care foreach of the eight teams.

Fresno had a 38-11 record going into

20020088 NCAANCAA

Had Fresno won the coin flip it is myopinion that Gregory could have come backand the pitcher Oklahoma State usedagainst Fresno would have faced Arizona.

In those days our sports editor EdOrman wasn't really into college baseballand the coverage was not big. Third placedidn't mean much but it was obvious it didsince no other Fresno team got that far untiltthis year.Fresno finished 41-13 and were ranked No.9 in the nation.

Now we fast forward to 2008. A differentcoach - Mike Batesole - and a differentformat.

There was a time two-thirds through theseason when a number of Dugout Clubmembers, me included were asking:"What's going on with this team? Theywere see-sawing between good and bad.With the 2008 WAC championship in doubtthe Bulldogs finally found their rhythm.Even with the loss of ace pitcher TannerScheppers, Fresno won the WAC andsteam-rolled through the WACtournament.

So where were they going in the NCAARegional’s?

How about arguably the toughestregional in the country at Long BeachState?

Since I didn't have cable television Ilistened to the radio accounts and it wasobvious the Under Dogs were in thebeginning process of becoming "WonderDogs."

The pitching staff, under the direction of

coach Mike Batesole and pitching coachMike Mayne rose to the challenge. JustinWilson beat Long Beach in the opener,Clayton Allison stopped San DiegoUniversity and Holden Sprague and superreliever Brandon Burke took care of SanDiego in the final game of the doubleelimination tournament.

Right then I determined to make the tripto Tempe, Ariz. for the Super Regional’s. Itwas a great decision. Bulldog colorannouncer Ray O'Canto and I caught thesame plane on Saturday and play-by-playannouncer Paul Loeffler picked us up at thePhoenix Airport,

We reached Winkles Field-PackardStadium at Brock Ballpark (what amouthful). Actually Arizona State, with63,000 students, the largest university in thecountry shortens it to Packard Stadium.

The park is cozy, ideal for the Sun Devilspower lineup. The press box is somethingelse. I was given a pass to sit with Paul andRay in the KMJ corner.

Problem was the location. On the roof ofthe press box and to get there was an ironladder straight up about 15 feet. It was achallenge for this 81-year-olds’ legs but Imade it up and down three times. Foryounger guys like the Bee writers, and radioannouncers Paul and Ray, it was noproblem.

After looking at that Arizona lineup Raycommented, "we have to win the first one.There is no way we are going to sweep twofrom these guys."

The park was standing room only

(around 4,500) with the small, but vocalFresno State rooters packed on the firstbase side.

It was a close game until a bad hopon a potential double play ball to ErikWetzel opened the flood gates for a 12-4 Sun Devils win.

As the Bulldogs were to provewhen their backs were to the wall theopponents were in trouble.

The following day Arizona Statebuilt a 5-3 lead and Sun Devil fans weresalivating.

Then came one of the definingmoments of the Super Regional’s. Thebases were loaded with GavinHedstrom at bat with two strikes andtwo outs.

O'Canto accurately said: "this couldbe the biggest pitch of the game." Itwas. Hedstrom launched a grand slaminto a drove of shocked Sun Devilrooters in left center. Now it was 7-5Bulldogs and they never trailed again inthis or the next game. Steve Detwiler,playing with a serious hand injury, alsohit a two-run homer for a sneak previewof what was ahead in Omaha.

Brandon Burke closed it out intypical fashion for him and Fresnoevened the series 8-6. Fresno thirdbaseman Tommy Mendonca, playingwith two taped dislocated fingers on histhrowing hand was as O'Canto put it"Brooks Robinson in a Bulldoguniform.

We slept better after that one.The third game could have been a

snoozer if Burke hadn't had one of hisrare poor ninth innings. But the SunDevil pitchers were little more thanbatting practice for the Dogs.

Arizona State still kept it close 6-5 until the Fresno seventh when ErikWetzel's three-run double into the rightfield corner sealed it. Stunned SunDevil fans, many of whom already hadpurchased tickets to Omaha, left forhome.

Senior Steve Susdorf, the mostprolific RBI man in Bulldog history putanother nail in the coffin followingWetzel with a two-run homer to thefurthest corner of the park.

Even though the Sun Devils loaded

CHAMPIONSCHAMPIONS

the bases in the ninth with four runs in I stillhad confidence Burke would get the jobdone which he did on a harmless fly ball toSusdorf.

Then came the dog pile and the SunDevil players looked like the deer in theheadlights.

O'Canto pounded me on the back andnearly fell out of the press box. He andLoeffler had done a superb job of paintingthe picture for their radio listeners. I evenmade a cameo appearance on the radiowhile waiting for the coach and players.

My assessment was that Fresno had facedthe best pitching in Long Beach and thebest hitting in Arizona and they could notbe counted out in Omaha.

Susdorf came into our booth and I askedhim what he felt on that last fly ball?

His eyes were still as big as it showed inthe Bee picture the next day.

He smiled."I knew one thing for darn sure, I wasn't

going to drop it."It was an end to a perfect weekend. The

only thing I thought was an oversight in notputting Wetzel on the all-tournament team.

Why didn't I go to Omaha?It was going to be too long and too

expensive and besides I could watch it allon television (turn down the TV and listento the radio) and enjoy every minute as Idid.

Rice was high on the list of Omahafavorites in a field stacked with top 10ranked teams.

Fresno pummeled the Owls 17-4. It was11-0 after four innings and 16-2 after six.

After a day's rest Fresno beat NorthCarolina 5-3. Justin Miller was a littlewild but pitched seven solid innings.

"Bulldog mania" was beginning.It was a let down when North

Carolina's Chad Flack clubbed a two-runhomer in the eighth-inning for a 4-3 TarHeel win.

I never lost hope with this team thatwas playing hard and making spectaculardefensive plays. The great thing to methey were having fun.

One ill advised scribe asked Fresnoplayers if they were "devastated" afterlosing a game it looked like they wouldwin.

Wetzel said "we don't have anything tobe demoralized about. That's a real goodteam in the other dugout."

From that time on it was a total teameffort. Everyone contributed. It wasinteresting that Fresno eliminated NorthCarolina 6-1, identical to the 6-1 finaleagainst Georgia.

I admit I thought it was in the bagwhen Fresno led Georgia in the opener ofthe best of three 6-3 going into the ninthbut Burke again had a lapse and GeorgiaBulldogs rallied for a 7-6.

I told a good friend only half joking"Fresno has them right where they wantthem."

After the next night when Fresnoclubbed Georgia into submission 19-10,even after Georgia had led 5-0 I was fullyconvinced they were going to win.

Fresno was playing with a flair thatcaptivated the nation and infuriated the

opponents.When I watched Justin Wilson throw

strike after strike I was convinced theywould win. They were loose. Three errorsby the usually sure handed Muno. Noproblem.

When crunch time came Muno startedthe double play that ended any hope for aGeorgia rally.

One of the funniest moments of thefinal game came after Georgia's MattCeione lost control of his bat and itslammed against the back wall of theFresno dugout, narrowly missing a player.

As Wilson threw the next pitch theentire line of players in the Fresno dugoutducked like a well rehearsed chorus line.Here is in the final game of the WorldSeries and they were clowning. It wasgreat. They had done the same thing thenight before when Matt Olson lost thehandle.

Wilson actually toyed with the potentGeorgia lineup.

He never faltered.Meanwhile, Detwiler, bad hand and all,

was having the game of his life.He hit two home runs, a double and a

single to drive in all six runs. Mendoncawas deservedly the MVP of the series buta case could be made for Detwiler.

Not only did he hit but made a stellarcatch bouncing off the right field wall. Healso caught the last out of thechampionship and quickly stuffed the ballinto his pocket while running to join thedog pile. This from a player with a thumbso sore Batesole wondered if he could goin the last game.

"This was for a whole lot of Bulldogswho never made it to Omaha and even forthose that did," said O'Canto. "This is onefor the ages."

It certainly was for this old long-timeFresno State baseball follower and mybrother Don who played on the 1954 teamthat lost to Oregon 1-0 in a game to go toOmaha called by rain after five innings.

My congratulations to all the coachesand players who made a dream come true.

Bruce Farris covered Fresno State sportsin the Fresno Bee for 52 years. He wasinducted into the Fresno State BaseballWall of Fame in 2003.

CONGRATULATICONGRATULATI

ONONSS BULLDOGS!BULLDOGS!MENDONCACAPS OFF AMAZING SUMMERWITH TEAM USA GOLD

Tommy Mendonca, MVP of the CollegeWorld Series Champion Fresno StateBulldogs, continued an amazing summerwith his selection to the 2008 NationalCollegiate Team. Mendonca was selected byTeam USA on June 28, leaving just him justa few hours to savor the Bulldog's victorycelebration in Fresno.

Before leaving town to join the NationalTeam, Mendonca was chosen to appear onthe August cover of "Imagine Fresno"magazine Men's Edition. The Fresno Bee'sVP of Custom Publications Valerie Benderstated in her editorial, "The Bulldog baseballteam left an everlasting impression on Fresnoof the merits and rewards of good solidteamwork. These young men put their heartsand souls into the game; they won againstinsurmountable odds (and) they are ourhometown heroes."

"Mendonca was a delightful, humbleyoung man while undergoing our photoshoot. He shook hands with everyone hecame across and was truly a good sport. He'sgenuinely a team player - and on top of that,he's the man - the man we wanted on thecover of our Men's Edition."

With the Collegiate National TeamMendonca played in 21 games and was 12-for-52 from the plate, scoring seven runs,

seven RBIs and two home runs. TeamUSA completed a perfect 24-0 run onAugust 2 by defeating Japan 1-0 in theGold medal game. Tommy played a keyrole in the final, going 4-for-4 and was hitby a pitch.

In an interview with his hometown paper,The Turlock Journal, Mendonca talkedabout his experience with Team USA. "Itried to soak everything in. I came off 78college games, and my role on this teamwas defense. My defense was better thanmy hitting."

Mendonca traveled to The Netherlands,Germany and the Czech Republic duringhis time with USA's National CollegiateTeam. "It was different," said Tommy, "Isure appreciate America now. The Englishtelevision... everybody that speaks English.Even the food. It's a lot better here thanover there."

"It opened my eyes to start appreciatingeverything we have."

And Tommy, we appreciate everythingthat you and the entire Bulldog baseballteam have given to Fresno.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER3 Fri Fall Practice Begins

8 Wed Board Meeting6:30 pmNorth Gym Annex-Conf

18 Sat Scrimmage1:00 pmBeiden FieldDugout Club membersand friends welcome

23 Thur Wall of Fame Dinner5:30 pmPardini’s – Shaw & West2008 Team Awards

NOVEMBER12 Tue Board Meeting

6:30 pmNorth Gym Annex – Conf

22 Sat Fall Practice Ends

DECEMBER10 Tue Board Meeting

6:30 pmNorth Gym Annex - Conf

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Dugout Club is a fan-based organization overseen by the Bulldog Foundation and established to increase enthusiasm forFresno State baseball and enhance the student-athlete intercollegiate experience. Support for the Dugout Club is generatedthrough memberships and fan-based activities. Though the Dugout Club is not primarily fund raising driven, we may provideresources for designated projects approved by the athletic department.

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2009 DUGOUT CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORMHelp us Reach our Goal - 1000 Members - & Continue

the Tradition Of Service to Bulldog Baseball