Freshman outfielder Mason Pirello has had about as good of a start to his collegiate career as someone could expect, but there is more to him than what you see on the field.
Since he has arrived in Pullman, there are numerous activities outside of baseball that Pirello devotes his time to, while still keeping up with classes and a social life.
”In the spring I like to go bass fishing,” Pirello said. “There’s a lot of lakes around [Sammamish] where I like to go.”
For some, fishing can seem boring and uninteresting, but Pirello embraces the calmness that comes with it. Along with calmness, there comes the climax as if it were a story. That is when the fish is caught. It is like hitting a home run or a hole-in-one. But, for Pirello it is better than that.
“I think the feeling of catching a big fish is an unmatched feeling, it’s really fun,” Pirello said.
It was his friend from baseball that got him hooked on that feeling when he was 10. Since then, they have continued doing what they love and have no intention of stopping.
When athletes like Pirello are freshmen, they are typically placed in either Global Scholars hall or Northside. Pirello was placed in Global and acknowledges that it has helped him bond with teammates.
“Yeah, it does and you meet other athletes in other sports and become friends with them, which is really cool,” Pirello said.
When he is hanging out with his friends, they like to go out to Cougar Country Drive In and Palouse Ridge Golf Club. His favorite thing at Cougar Country is the huckleberry shake. He uses these times as a chance to bond and keep himself grounded. The latter is an aspect of life that he has learned since arriving in Pullman eight months ago.
“Anytime I’m off the field I usually just leave it behind and be present with where I’m at,” Pirello said.
Being present and not taking things for granted is a very mature thing for someone so new to college. But it does not end there, and Pirello is aware that he is a part of the lucky few that become college athletes.
“Even though it’s hard, I know people would do anything to be in my situation,” he said. “I appreciate what I have and realize it’s a blessing to be able to struggle.”
Anyone who goes to college, whether it be for athletics or not, has struggled at some point. With that comes a chance to learn, and that is exactly what Pirello has done.
“I think the mental game… that was something I didn’t have going into college with baseball and just everything in general,” Pirello said.
At first, Pirello did not really understand the benefits of having a good mental approach to baseball and life. However, now he is learning and growing as a result.
“Not thinking about past mistakes, learning how to visualize things and keep moving forward,” Pirello said.
