COACH'S GAME BALL featuring Rafael Gonzalez

Head Baseball Coach Kevin Ritsche chose junior third baseman Rafael "Gonzo" Gonzalez as the recipient of this issue's Game Ball.

Gonzalez, a junior from Caracas, Venezuela, is entering his first season with the Rams after playing the two previous seasons at Surry Community College.

Last season for SCC he finished with a .350 batting average, 11 doubles, 30 RBIs, a homerun and was named second team All-Region.

"He's been our biggest surprise," Ritsche said.

"We knew he could play coming in as a transfer this year. We expected him to be a guy who would hit down in our seven or eight hole in the lineup, make productive outs and hit .300, but so far he's coming out as our hottest bat."

Through six games, Gonzalez leads the team in doubles (5), is tied for first in homeruns (1), and is second in slugging percentage (.680) and hits (9).

Gonzalez is good at the plate and in the field. His .917 fielding percentage is one of the best on the team.

"He's been solid defensively as well as with his bat, and that's why he deserves the Game Ball," Ritsche said.

Aside from being productive on the field, Ritsche said Gonzalez is a great leader.

"He's one of the most vocal leaders on the team," Ritsche said.

"He's always up in the dugout and helps keep everybody involved in games. That's something that's also important."

Q: You transferred to WSSU from Surry Community College. How are the two schools different?

Gonzalez: They're completely different. This is a four-year school, so you have to be more responsible in your classes, and they push baseball more here.

Q: What type of leader do you try to be on and off the field?

Gonzalez: I try to be the best possible. I try to be a responsible guy, make it to the field on time and be a good teammate whenever I can.

Q: What MLB player(s) do you look up to?

Gonzalez: I like Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers third baseman). He's from Venezuela and I'm from Venezuela, but I've always watched videos of Andres Galaragga (MLB first baseman). He's retired now, but he's my favorite player.

Q: What are your plans after WSSU?

Gonzalez: I'll try to get drafted (MLB), but if I don't I'll have a degree in sports management and another in economics. 

Q: Do you or your team have any superstitions you go through before a game?

Gonzalez: I'm very superstitious. I step on the field with my right foot first every time I go out. I'm very superstitious with that stuff.