March 13, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - It's still relatively cold in his native state of Massachusetts in late February and early March, but senior baseball player Casey Rivers has been a hot hitter for the Spartans so far this season.

Rivers comes into the Spartans first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference home series against Campbell this weekend second on the team in batting average (.319), second in runs scored (11) and second in on base percentage (.418).

In a three-game series at East Tennessee State the weekend of March 1, Rivers was 7-for-11 at the plate with six runs scored and three RBIs in leading the Spartans to two wins. After playing in 28 games mostly in the outfield last season, he has played in 13 of Upstate's 15 games with 11 starts primarily at second base.

Recently, Rivers sat down with Adam Walker of upstatespartans.com to talk about his hot start, Ray Bourque and just who is the biggest joker on the baseball team.

US.com: How would you assess your team's play so far this season?
Casey Rivers: I would say that we started off pretty well as a team and I like how the team chemistry is getting better. As the season progresses, we're going to continue to get better and try to work harder everyday.

US.com: You have a .319 batting average, which is good for second on the team so far this season. To what do you credit your good start?
CR: Just coming out here every day, working hard and listening to what the coaches tell us. I try to us that in game play.

US.com: You played outfield all last season and have since moved to second base this season. What has that transition been like?
CR: I grew up always playing infield so it just comes natural to me. It was a harder transition last season moving to the outfield, but I feel pretty good about being in the infield right now.

US.com: Did you feel like you were in a zone during a weekend series at East Tennessee State earlier this season when you were 7-for-11 at the plate?
CR: I think it was just one of those weekends when my swing was on and it felt good. I just tried to do what I could to help us win.

US.com: How much did you look forward to playing against Division I competition leading up to this season?
CR: I knew it was going be a challenge and some good competition we were going to be facing. I personally was just looking forward to the challenge.

US.com: Have you embraced the climate in South Carolina compared to your home state of Massachusetts?
CR: I love the weather down here. It's nice and warm and right now you still have snow out in Massachusetts. It's good to come down here and play baseball because you can be out here everyday and play.

US.com: What is your favorite movie and why?
CR: I would probably have to say Happy Gilmore because Adam Sandler is one of my favorite actors and I love all of his movies. It's a classic movie.

US.com: Who is the most famous person you've ever met?
CR: I met (hockey player) Ray Bourque when he was signing autographs in my hometown (of Hudson, Massachusetts). As a little kid, I thought meeting a professional athlete was a big thing. I waited in line for about three hours, I was one of the last people there and I got to shake his hand. I was just astonished by him.

US.com: Who is the biggest joker on the baseball team?
CR: Tommy Shovlin. He has a lot of good character and brings a funny enthusiasm to the team. He keeps everyone loose.

US.com: What are your plans after graduation?
CR: Right now, I'm just looking for a job and I might do something with a business aspect. I'm not sure where I'll be working, but I'll probably do something business related.