Atkins speaks softly, but carries big stick
By: Shannon Krein
Issue date: 12/9/09 Section: Sports
Fred Atkins is California State University, Stanislaus's newest centerfielder. Atkins, a senior Communication major, played at the College of Marin prior to coming to Stanislaus State and was drafted to professional baseball by the Florida Marlins last year.
Even though Atkins had his shot at trying to play professional baseball, as enticing as that may be, he has chosen to continue his education and play for our Warriors. With another year of college baseball under his belt he will be able to improve his skills so that he can hopefully go on to one day play for his favorite team, the Oakland Athletics.
Aside from the Athletics being his favorite team, Atkins says that he would like to play in Oakland because it is where he grew up and he would love to be able to play at home in front of his friends and family. Some of Atkins' talent came from his father, Fred Atkins Sr., who played for the New York Yankees.
Atkins said that he chose to attend Stanislaus State because, "It is a good program with a good coach." His goal coming here is to win the Division II National Championship in the upcoming season. Atkins' favorite moment in his baseball career was when he hit a leadoff homerun in an NCS playoff game.
Atkins will definitely help the Stanislaus State baseball team. He carries a big stick: Last year he had a batting average of .390 and hit 8 home runs to carry his team at College of Marin. With a batting average like that he should have been playing in the majors, like, yesterday.
The professional athlete who Atkins aspires to be like is Anaheim Angels centerfielder Tori Hunter. "He inspires me to work even harder to get to the next level," said Atkins. As for who has had the most influence on his life, Atkins attributes that to his mother.
With all this talent Atkins has every reason to be cocky, but in reality, he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I noticed him at the beginning of this semester because he was in two of my classes and always asking questions. He is very soft spoken but has a lot to say. This probably has a lot to do with why Atkins' favorite quote is, "Speak softly, carry a big stick."
Atkins will be a huge asset to the baseball team, and with his attitude and work ethic the Stanislaus State baseball may be well on their way to the NCAA Division II Championship.
Even though Atkins had his shot at trying to play professional baseball, as enticing as that may be, he has chosen to continue his education and play for our Warriors. With another year of college baseball under his belt he will be able to improve his skills so that he can hopefully go on to one day play for his favorite team, the Oakland Athletics.
Aside from the Athletics being his favorite team, Atkins says that he would like to play in Oakland because it is where he grew up and he would love to be able to play at home in front of his friends and family. Some of Atkins' talent came from his father, Fred Atkins Sr., who played for the New York Yankees.
Atkins said that he chose to attend Stanislaus State because, "It is a good program with a good coach." His goal coming here is to win the Division II National Championship in the upcoming season. Atkins' favorite moment in his baseball career was when he hit a leadoff homerun in an NCS playoff game.
Atkins will definitely help the Stanislaus State baseball team. He carries a big stick: Last year he had a batting average of .390 and hit 8 home runs to carry his team at College of Marin. With a batting average like that he should have been playing in the majors, like, yesterday.
The professional athlete who Atkins aspires to be like is Anaheim Angels centerfielder Tori Hunter. "He inspires me to work even harder to get to the next level," said Atkins. As for who has had the most influence on his life, Atkins attributes that to his mother.
With all this talent Atkins has every reason to be cocky, but in reality, he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I noticed him at the beginning of this semester because he was in two of my classes and always asking questions. He is very soft spoken but has a lot to say. This probably has a lot to do with why Atkins' favorite quote is, "Speak softly, carry a big stick."
Atkins will be a huge asset to the baseball team, and with his attitude and work ethic the Stanislaus State baseball may be well on their way to the NCAA Division II Championship.
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