The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/85079
TRACKING THE PACK NC State freshman Trea Turner has GETTING TO KNOW ■ Trea Turner, Baseball quickly moved into the starting lineup at third base and has become the leadoff man for the Wolfpack. Turner has gotten off to a quality start in helping NC State go 4-0 through Feb. 23. Turner was selected in the 20th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates last June, but elected to play college baseball. The Lake Worth (Fla.) Park Vista High standout hit .478 with nine doubles, five triples, one home run, 16 RBI, 43 runs scored and 25 stolen bases his senior year. Turner has hit the ground running with NC State. He went 2 for 3 with a walk, two runs scored and three runs driven in during the 10-3 season-opening home win over Marshall Feb. 17. He also went 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored and two RBI in the Wolfpack's 10-0 win against UNC Wilmington Feb. 21. Turner has scored in each of the first four games, while batting .500 (6 for 12) with seven runs scored, five RBI and five walks. Turner, who is majoring in chemical en- gineering, took some time recently to an- swer some questions from The Wolfpacker. more plays. I'm making the adjustment from shortstop. I'm starting to like third base a lot. I'm getting used to seeing all sorts of pitches. In high school, kids can only throw a few pitches for strikes. Now in college, guys can throw any pitch at any time. I'm getting used to seeing every pitch a pitcher has, and it has helped me see the ball better." How would you describe your game? "I'm getting used to things and starting to make Quick Questions a home run to left-center in the regional semifi- nals and we won by a run. What college was your second choice? Florida Atlantic. Favorite TV show? Baseball Tonight on ESPN. Go-to place to eat in Park Vista, Fla? Most memorable home run? Last year I hit Duffy's Sports Grill. Last good movie you watched? "Safe the number I got. Any pet peeves? Don't leave food on your dishes. Who was your favorite baseball player on the line ever unless it's in the middle of a play. In between innings I don't step on the line. Any reason you picked No. 8? Nope, it's just House." What do you miss about living at home? My mom doing my laundry. Any superstitions? Not really. I just don't step Turner scored in each of the Pack's first four games this season, while hitting .500 (6 for 12) with seven runs scored, five RBI and five walks. What was the recruiting process like for you to come to NC State? "One of the NC State coaches came to see me play PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS one weekend in Georgia, and after that, they told me to come visit. When I came on my official visit, everything was perfect with baseball and school. I just fell in love." What did you like about coach Elliott Avent and the coaching staff? "They are so kind and they tell you how it is without ence because I don't hit many home runs to begin with. So far, it has been fun playing every day. I guess we'll see in the second half of the season how I hold up." tween playing shortstop and third base? "Reaction time because you have to react a lot quicker at third base than you do at shortstop." lying to you. They don't make it seem better than it is. They just show you what they've got and just leave everything on the table. If you like it, you like it." get to play against them [May 17-19 in Tallahassee, Fla.]. It will feel good." Was playing in the ACC one of your big goals? "I actually wanted to play for Florida State, but now I and team growing up? Ken Griffey Jr. was my favorite player, and the Miami Marlins my favorite team. 20 ■ THE WOLFPACKER What is the adjustment like with new bats and playing games on a regular basis? "With the bats, I don't think it will make a big differ- What is the biggest difference for you be- Who has helped you on the team? "Chris Diaz, Matt Bergquist, Andrew Ciencin, all the infielders have really helped me out a lot about every- thing, whether it's hitting or fielding, or what to do in certain situations." Beach County PAL [Police Athletic League] because he still plays like he's 16. He coaches the game like he's a little kid and he still likes to play it. He gives everything he has, even at practice when he's coaching." — Jacey Zembal Who inspires you? "My summer ball coach Chad Upton with Palm