When most walk-ons go to their first junior varsity baseball practice, they know that their talent must be amazing if they want any chance to make varsity. However, Troy Ferguson never doubted his ability and was confident he could not only make the varsity team but become a major contributor.
“I knew I was talented enough. I just needed to be in the right place at the right time and get noticed,” Ferguson said.
The Massachusetts native found himself in the right place and became a huge contributor to the 2006 National Championship team.
The 5’10’ senior had a breakout year during the championship run in 2006. Ferguson posted an impressive .401 batting average, good enough for third on the team, only outdone by All-Americans Lee Cruz and Orlando Rosales. Ferguson also led the team in triples and stolen bases. All of these stats came after the fact that he started the year playing for the JV team.
Not only did Ferguson have to overcome the battle to make the varsity team, but once he made the team he had to deal with the obstacle of learning a new position. While playing at Old Rochester Regional High School and Westfield State College, Ferguson always played shortstop. He was even named the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation Shortstop of the Year as a sophomore while playing at Westfield State.
However, when he became a member of the Spartans, he quickly learned that if he wanted to play at all, he would have to learn a new position because the shortstop position was filled by heralded recruit Roberto Mena. After talking to the coaches and weighing his options, Ferguson decided he would give the outfield a shot.
“It was a difficult move, but not too bad, I just had to learn the basics of reading the ball off the bat, and then keep practicing until it became natural, and that’s what I did,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson, who majors in criminology, chose the University of Tampa for just that reason: the school’s highly touted criminology program. Ferguson was recruited by two of Tampa’s rivals, Eckerd and Rollins, but declined both schools because he would have had to change his major.
The National Championship game offered good times and great memories for everyone associated with the team. Ferguson, a member of the Division II World Series All-Tournament team, had his two biggest accomplishments as a baseball player come during the championship game against Chico State.
“My biggest individual feat had to have been when I got the game-tying hit with two outs in the top of the ninth in the championship game. That was such a surreal moment. I will never forget it,” Ferguson said. “The best thing that has happened to me as a baseball player is obviously winning the National Championship. Knowing you are the best in the country is such a cool feeling. It really can not be topped.”
Even after receiving his ring, Ferguson is still hungry. He said his goals for the season are to repeat as national champions, as well as get drafted. The idea of getting drafted by a major league team has made Ferguson give even more of an effort.
“I am more determined this year. I work out more and put in more practice time,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson is currently Tampa’s starting left fielder this year as well as the leadoff hitter. He is hitting .325 in 28 games this season.
He leads the team in triples with four. He has stolen 12 bases.