Nov. 20, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - After a historic post season run that resulted in the program's first National Championship and third consecutive WAC title, the Fresno State baseball team is honored again. Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins has nominated the Bulldog baseball team for SI's 2008 Sportsman of the Year.

"I couldn't think of any team, in any sport, that demonstrated more perseverance this year than Fresno State," said Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Lee Jenkins. "Only the Bulldogs, and their most loyal fans, could have imagined in May that they would be crowned national champions in June. Regardless of who is chosen as Sportsman of the Year, Fresno State has to be the Comeback Story of the Year."

The Bulldogs pulled together as a team and with their "we before me" attitude became the lowest seeded team to ever win the College World Series. The `Dogs refused to quit and as a team overcame six elimination games.

"We are very proud that this team did things right," said head coach Mike Batesole. "Not only a National Championship, but also 9 of 9 seniors graduated on time or put themselves in a position to graduate this semester - proving that this is still College Baseball."

To read Jenkins' essay on Fresno State, click Here

SI's Sportsman of the Year Award, one of the most coveted honors in sports, is bestowed upon the athlete who best symbolizes in character and performance the ideals of sportsmanship. This year's winner will be awarded at a ceremony in New York City on December 2 and will be featured on the cover of the December 8, 2008 issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED which hits newsstands on December 3.

"Join the State, Fresno State!" Season tickets are on sale now at gobulldogs.com.