Mental strength, work ethic, intelligence; at 6’2”, backstop Adam Pendleton has always separated himself from peers in these three categories.
The business major sophomore has had success on the baseball diamond. However, it didn’t start there.
“As a kid, I looked up to my sister Erica,” said the sophomore. “Ever since I was in preschool, I saw she took education seriously. She was my role model.”
Pendleton’s parents helped instill education values in him. They put the responsibility on him to make the decision between education and other activities, including baseball.
Pendleton responded by joining the National and Science Honor Societies. At an early age, he realized education and the classroom would always come first.
“School needed to be my priority, and then baseball,” Pendelton said. “So many athletes have it backwards. If something doesn’t work out on the diamond, I have the education and work ethic to be successful in anything I desire.”
Pendleton studies business. His sister studies accounting and his father is a business consultant. Pendleton enjoys the business world and would someday like to enter it. He would not mind getting involved with sales of a company or a sports team. Pendleton has received multiple awards during his recent years. His most prestigious honors include the Scholar Athlete Award and Marine Corps Honor, Courage and Commitment Award. He was awarded the plaque at the state championship. One player from every team was awarded the honor, because of his success in the classroom, leadership abilities and his shining character.
On the field, Pendleton has not had any significant setbacks thus far in his career. The most threatening injury was a hamstring pull back in AAU ball as a teen.
“It was a psychological test to become injured,” he said. “One has to attempt to get healthy while not being able to participate.”
Luckily for Pendleton, it was nothing too serious. The catcher said he takes care of his body more than most.
“People don’t take their body seriously. Whether it’s diet, stretching or exercise, people are lazy or don’t realize the importance of what they are missing. I believe I put myself at an advantage because of the way I take care of myself.”
Teammate Heath Pritchard commented on the catcher’s work ethic.
“Adam always arrives early and is ready to get better,” Pritchard said. “He works real hard and it’s fun to watch.”
This season, Pendleton has started off slow at the plate. He is batting .208 in 48 at bats.
“I’m not being aggressive enough,” Pendelton stated. “I need to sometimes be more assertive instead of trying to get into a hitter’s count.”
He is starting to see the ball better of late, though.
“My plan before I walk up to the plate is to hit the ball to right center. This helps keep me back and stay short to the baseball.”
Defensively, Pendelton has soared behind the dish thus far this season. The Spartan catcher has made two errors on 109 chances this season.
“I am just trying to work with our pitchers and stay on the same page with them. This increases the flow of the game and really helps the pitcher’s rhythm.”
With Pendelton calling the shots behind the plate, along with fellow Spartan catch Mike Bourdon, UT pitchers have a team ERA of 4.32.
The team currently owns a 24-9 record, and are 8-4 in conference play. They are currently fourth in the SSC standings, but Pendelton said the team can improve on that going deeper into the season.
“Right now our team is doing well and we have the chance to get ahead in the conference if we remain focused on our goals as a team.”
Pendleton models himself after certain athletes. Whether it’s Twins’ catcher Joe Mauer or a football player, he is looking for certain attributes to admire.
“I look up to these athletes and their drive, motivation and work ethic. They are the best at what they do and there is a reason for that.”
Pendleton continuously strives to succeed in his life by standing behind his strong morals and values.
Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.