Old Man Fredendall Happy To Just Be Back
January 23, 2015 | Baseball
SEATTLE – The UW Baseball team opened full-squad practices Friday at Husky Ballpark and not even a little drizzle could contain Joshua Fredendall's smile.
The sixth-year senior from Foster City, Calif. could hardly wait to take the field. Although practice did not start until 2:30 p.m., Fredendall was fully dressed head-to-toe in his uniform by 12:30 p.m.
“It's the most exciting time of training so far,” said Fredendall. “Getting back, putting on the uniform, having guys in the dugout and the defense behind you; there's nothing like playing.”
You'll have to pardon Fredendall for his youthful giddiness. The 23-year-old hit the field with his teammates for the first time in two years knowing that he is healthy enough to participate in full team activities.
Fredendall, who recorded a team-high nine saves in 2012, saw his last two years wiped out by an arm injury. In what should have been his senior year 2013, the junior college transfer suffered a right arm injury that required Tommy John Surgery. He rehabbed from the injury and was poised to return in 2014, but a second clean-up surgery and constant setbacks kept him sidelined for another season.
Finally, he is healthy again and ready to contribute to the team.
“It's been a long journey and a long time coming,” said Fredendall, who has maintained an upbeat attitude throughout the process. “It's been a long road, but to me, it has made me so much more grateful for just the opportunity to be in a place like this. I also appreciate the things we get and just the fact that I get a chance to play baseball again.
“Just like I found out the hard way a couple of years ago, you never know when it will be over.”
For Fredendall, his second – or third or fourth, depending on how you look at it – chance as a Husky will come with a different role. The last time Husky fans saw Fredendall on the hill, he was closing out games. He will now try to make the switch as a full-time starter and look to carve out a niche in the rotation.
“He is healthy. That is the biggest part,” said pitching coach Jason Kelly. “He is a great competitor and I want to throw him out there.”
With Fredendall being such a tough competitor, sitting out the last two years was tough on him. But, despite all his setbacks, he maintained a great attitude.
“I was still really excited about the start of the season the last two years,” explained Fredendall, who was named a team captain for the second time prior to the season. “It's not just about me going out there. It's not about each individual guy. It's about the team, so I was excited about the team.
“We created friendships and team chemistry over the fall and had great team bonding the past two years. So, it's exciting any time you go out there with the team on the first day.”
And finally, Fredendall gets to be a full participant. While he's excited, it is clear his teammates are equally thrilled to have him back. Besides being a team leader who they can turn to for fatherly advice, Fredendall is a target for his younger teammates. Fredendall, who turns 24 in May, is constantly reminded all the time about his age.
“They like to tell me that when I started college, they were in the eighth grade. That's kind of a freaky thought,” he said taking it all in stride.
“They ask me when my high school reunion is or when I'm having grandchildren and all that, so it's fun. Coming into the locker room I'll hear 'hey Pops or hey Gramps, how you doing?' It's fun and I care about these guys.
"Ultimately, it's not that weird because we all put on the same uniform, are all on the same team and are all trying to achieve the same goals. I just want to win now and win with this team.”
