March 24, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. - When it came time for Fresno State sophomore outfielder Trent Soares to make his final decision on where he was going to continue with his baseball career, a few side factors might have helped in his decision.

Trent, the son of alumni and former Bulldog slugger Todd Soares, grew up following in his father's footsteps and had no doubt that he someday wanted to be a Bulldog.

Trent expressed how many memories he has of he and his father attending virtually every game when he was growing up and how he became a huge fan.

"I used to watch a ton of Fresno State baseball games as a kid and I really enjoyed what I saw," Soares said "I went to all the alumni games because my dad played in them, met a lot of people that used to play here and it seemed like a place that I really wanted to be."

Todd lettered at Fresno State in 1982-84 seasons and helped the Bulldogs to conference championships in every year that he was at Fresno State, including a record season where the Bulldogs won 22-straight games and achieved a school record 54 regular season wins, which still holds true till this day.

Todd also recollects many memories of taking Trent to games and having him at all the alumni games.

"Trent went to every alumni game since 1989," Todd Soares said. "His first game was in a diaper and a stroller and now he's playing in them."

Now all grown up, it easy to assume that Trent made the decision of a life time coming to Fresno State, as in just his freshman season the dogs achieved the ultimate goal in college baseball by bringing home the national championship.

"That was the most amazing experience," Trent said "Words can't describe how crazy it was. I just can't wait to build on that and get back there this year."

But Fresno State was not just a place for Trent to come to play baseball. He is also desires to pursue a degree in agriculture where he is once again following in his father's footsteps.

"I am proud to see him doing so well academically and on the field as well Todd Said, "It's great that he has a school he can go to where he can pursue his dream as well as get a good education."

With the past and recent success of the Bulldog baseball team, it seems that having a Soares on the team equals a positive result.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host the Lipscomb Bisons, a 2008 NCAA Tournament qualifier in a four game series March 27-29. The `Dogs and Bisons play a single game Friday at 6:05 pm, a doubleheader Saturday at 2:05 pm and a single game Sunday at 1:05 pm. It's Wells Fargo Take a Kid to a Game Weekend. All youth 8th grade and under receive FREE admission when accompanied by a paid adult all weekend long! All Junior Bulldog Kids Club members can run the bases after the game Sunday afternoon. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.