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Going Out with A Bang
May 17, 2007 SAN MARCOS-- Adapting to change is senior pitcher Matt Oakes specialty, as he has had quite a lot thrown at him this year. Not only did he move up from junior college baseball to division one baseball, but he also switched gears from being a possible to starter to a bullpen pitcher. Oakes transferred from Temple College for his senior season. While at Temple, the senior aided his team to an 80-40 record in two seasons. He was recognized for his efforts, being named first team all-conference in 2006 and was an honorable mention all-American. His numbers included a 1.82 ERA and an 11-1 record. Oakes had struck out 70 batters and earned first-team all-region honors in 2006. The team also made an appearance to the NJCAA World Series that year. It was tough for Oakes to leave such a successful program, but he had other things on his mind. "I wanted to be closer to home so I could be with my family and my son," said Oakes. "I also had several family members attend Texas State. My uncle graduated from here and my sister attended a couple of semesters, so there was a sense of familiarity." Oakes' role has changed on the squad, as he fell from a potential starter to the bullpen. "I was a possible starter going into the season, but have had arm trouble and am now in the bull pen," said Oakes. "I really had high expectations coming into this season, but my injury has affected my command on the mound. Now I just come and take things one inning at a time." So far this season, taking it one inning at a time has helped Oakes out big time. He has come in and pitched in some key innings for the Bobcats. Oakes recorded two starts on the year, opening up against Prairie View A&M on February 16 and Texas-Pan American on April 11. He also saw some action and pitched effectively in the 9-4 loss to Texas A&M on April 3 and the 20-10 win over Central Arkansas on April 22. Against the Aggies, Oakes threw 2.1 innings and allowed three hits, two runs, walked one and stuck out a personal career high of five batters. "That was my first game pitching against a Big 12 school and against players of the caliber," said Oakes. He also retired four in 1.1 innings of work, which is now a goal of the Buda, Texas native. "Since adapting to my new role on the team, I now have new goals when I step on the mound," said Oakes. "I try to work towards having more strikeouts than innings pitched."
Oakes has 10 appearances on the year and tries to always stay ready for the moment in the game when his team needs him. "I always stay involved in the game and gauge my role from game to game," said Oakes. "I can usually tell when I am about to go in and then I focus in and get ready to go out there." Even though Oakes' senior year wasn't quite what he expected, he is still very grateful for the opportunities give to him. "Playing baseball has given me advantages over regular students," said Oakes. "I think that it has prepared me for the real world and taught me lessons on responsibility and team work." He has also learned a lot from his coaches. "They have taught me the value of being honest. They'll shoot you straight, especially Coach Maley, he tells it like it is," he said. Oakes plans to graduate next spring with a degree in occupational education. His future plans are to either attend graduate school or go straight into a business financial firm. With graduation in the near future, Oakes is just trying to enjoy his last year. As the regular season comes to end, with the Bobcats wrapping up Southland Conference play against Texas-San Antonio, Oakes is just focused on, "going out with a bang." "I would like to pitch in some important innings in the playoffs," said Oakes. Oakes Particulars Oakes on the seniors
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