In the Know with... Matt Carpenter
2/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 19, 2008
Matt Carpenter (Sugar Land, Texas/Elkins H.S.), a red-shirt junior on the TCU baseball team, will return to action this season after missing out last year due to injury.
After sitting out during a very successful 2007 season for the Horned Frogs, Carpenter is adamant on never missing out again.
The TCU infielder along with the rest of the Frogs are looking for the 2008 season to bring a third consecutive regular-season Mountain West Conference championship and a fifth straight NCAA tournament appearance.
Upon arrival at TCU, Carpenter saw immediate action at both first and third base as he started 41 of 50 games. As a true freshman, the native Texan finished the season with 11 multi-hit games and eight multiple-RBI contests.
After an impressive first year with the Frogs, Carpenter was looking for an even better second year. As a sophomore, he started all 62 games, notched a batting average of .349, which ranked second on the team, and was selected to the second team All-Mountain West Conference team.
The great sophomore defender committed only six errors in 256 chances for a .977 fielding percentage and tallied a total of 84 hits, 10 doubles and one home run while driving in 36 runs.
With two unyielding seasons under his belt, Carpenter was ready for an action packed third year until he suffered an early season-ending injury and was consequently granted a medical red-shirt. The solid hitter spent the remainder of the season recovering and working hard to get back the position he once had.
Entering his red-shirt junior year, the hard-working Carpenter and the rest of the Purple and White have their sights on the prize - that being both conference champions, a NCAA tournament contender not to mention a trip to Omaha. Watch out Horned Frog fans because this year's squad has the goods to make it happen.
Carpenter and the rest of the Frogs open up the season on February 22nd at Lupton Stadium where they will face the Titans of Cal State Fullerton.
Here is what Carpenter had to say about his history as a TCU baseball player.
On who has been the most influential person in his career:
"I really look up to my dad because he raised me playing baseball and was also my high school coach. He's had a lot of success and has taught me so many things, and I hope to be like him someday."
On the most memorable point so far in his career at TCU:
"The most exciting point would have to be from my sophomore year where we had the comeback win over Oklahoma in the NCAA Regional Tournament when we scored three runs in the top of the ninth. It was a huge win for us and one of the most exciting games I've ever played in."
On playing as a "true freshman" at TCU:
"I was able to adjust pretty quickly because I came from a high school that won two state championships and a national championship. I played a pretty significant role on those teams and competitive high school baseball really prepared me for college ball."
On coming back after a season-ending injury last year:
"My own personal motivations helped me get through it. It was awesome to see my team be so successful, but tough not getting to be part of it. I told myself the day I got hurt I would work hard to get back out there because I never wanted to miss out again."
On what he's most looking forward to for the upcoming season:
"I'm excited to play with this group of guys especially after missing out last season. We've become very close over the last few semesters, and I'm just excited to get started."
On the goals for the 2008 season:
"We ultimately want to get to Omaha and compete for a national championship, but we like to play one game at a time and just play to the best of our abilities."
On the motivation to win three consecutive regular season conference championships:
"That accomplishment definitely reflects the kind of program here at TCU. It's tough to win back-to-back titles at any level, but the opportunity to win three in a row would be really fun and exciting, I'm confident we can do it again."
On balancing school, baseball and a social life:
"Keeping up with school and our travel schedule is tough but it's a battle we always try to win. As far as a social life, that's what the fall is for because we don't have one during season."
On superstitions he has during competition:
"Whether we're playing a day or night game I always wear eye black. I also like to listen to music and be the first one at the field on game-day."
TCU Athletic Media Relations
