The Reflector

Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Nick Brimhall MSU baseball alumnus Jonathan Papelbon speaks on campus at the First Pitch banquet Thursday.

Former Bulldog pitcher and current World Series champion closer Jonathan Papelbon was full of humor and advice as he made his return to Mississippi State for the 14th annual First Pitch banquet.

Papelbon, a member of the reigning Major League Baseball champions the Boston Red Sox, was invited by MSU head coach Ron Polk to speak to this year's Diamond Dawgs and a number of baseball fans.

After being drafted by the Red Sox in 2003, Papelbon equated the lessons he's learned in the game of baseball as the same ones he carries with him in life.

"Baseball is in my blood, and it's such a part of my life that's taught me so many things," Papelbon said. "It's my rock, and it keeps me level-headed. It reminds me that I'm going to go through ups and downs, not only in baseball but in life."

Papelbon, best known for his Irish jigs during the World Series, reminded the young Bulldogs to take the game seriously but to have fun at the same time and said that enjoying the game aided him in his success during the 2007 season.

"You have to be a man but a kid at the same time in baseball. That's the kind of approach you have to take," Papelbon said. "I couldn't make it through a season without having a little fun along the way. You pour your life and soul into this game, and if I didn't celebrate and have fun, I wouldn't be happy with myself."

Papelbon said going through the minor league systems and struggling to make it in the majors has been one of the most humbling experiences of his life.

"Just when you think you're on top, something brings you back down to earth in this game," he said. "It's the same thing with life."

After living his dream of throwing the final pitch to win a World Series, Papelbon said he's still just enjoying the experience.

He credited meeting President George W. Bush last week as one of his favorite parts of being part of the reigning champions.

"Getting to the World Series was a dream in itself, and winning it has just been surreal," Papelbon said. "I'm just lucky that I get to go to work every night at Fenway Park because the fans are the best fans to be able to play in front of."

Continued...

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