There's a reason Max Willett is the only nonsenior to be a captain for the UNM baseball team.
Willett will join Lobo seniors Kevin Atkinson, Mike Brownstein, Dane Hamilton, Clinton Cox and Daniel Grubbs.
"A captain has to walk the walk as much as talk the talk," head coach Ray Birmingham told GoLobos.com. "These six make sure their actions speak louder than their words."
Willett's words speak mounds.
In the 12th game of the 2008 regular season, Willett broke his hand, ending his season. He received a medical redshirt.
"It means a lot. I mean, I pretty much feel like a senior because I have been here for four years," Willett said. "It feels like an honor because you have proven your point to be here."
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Before his season was shortened by the injury, Willett had a batting average of .348, nine RBIs, 11 runs scored and three stolen bases.
After enduring that injury, Willett said he is happy to be back.
"It hurt last year when I had to sit out after the 12th game," he said. "I was done. I am looking forward to just being able to play an entire season - actually go out there and play. Hopefully, knock on wood, (I won't) get hurt again."
Even though Willett's 2008 campaign ended suddenly, his skills and leadership were on display in a matchup last season against No. 1
Arizona State. In his only game against the Sun Devils, Willett went 3-for-3 from the plate.
During his sophomore season in 2007, Willett was named to the All-Academic MWC team and started the season opener against Texas Tech.
In his freshman season with the Lobos, Willett made few appearances but made the most of them, especially on the offensive side of the diamond.
He batted .333 (9-of-27) in 15 games and made five starts while earning eight runs and four RBIs.
Brian Cavazos-Galvez said that having Willett back will give the Lobos a boost but that UNM needs fans to fill seats in Isotopes Park, too.
But Willett said that no matter what, if the Lobos practice hard and win, the fans will show.
"We always pride ourselves on being blue-collar, and we are out here to work hard," Willett said. "We're just a bunch of dirtballs, not caring how we get it done - just going to be out on the field giving 100 percent every single day."
