Keeping it simple

Cullen Mahoney wants to keep things simple.

The 21-year-old Phoenix native has been the Border Cats most consistent hitter. Already well into the second-half of the season, Mahoney boasts an batting average of .341 in 164 plate appearances. With four homeruns, 23 RBIs, 17 walks and 37 strikeouts, Mahoney said the key to his batting success has been all about avoiding complication.

“I’m just trying to keep things simple at the plate and making it so I can repeat on a consistent basis,” Mahoney said. “That’s basically what hitting is, just repeating the same swing over and over again. A lot of work goes into that obviously, but the work shouldn’t be work if this is what you love.”

That hardworking attitude is part of Mahoney’s attitude both on and off the field.

When he was younger, Mahoney said he wanted to be a baseball player and eventually play professional. Many young players have always had that same dream, but many of those players tend to take the game too seriously. Mahoney doesn’t let the sport become more than what it is – just a game.

“I enjoy playing every time,” he said. “It is just a game I love playing. Hopefully I can do what I love for a little while. Definitely my goal is to play professional baseball but that’s kind of an overwhelming goal to look at. There is a lot of work that has to be put. You have to earn it.”

What matters the most is the relationships and friendships that are built on the team. Mahoney knows he can’t play forever, but he said the friendships he has built along the way could outlast his career.

“Baseball aside, what this is all about is building relationships with teammates and if nothing else when this game, you never know, kicks me out, I’m still going to have those relationships with friends and I think that is a lifelong thing,” he said.

“It is definitely cherishing each moment that you have on the field with my teammates because there is going to be a day when I’m not going to be able to play anymore and I want to look back and say that I gave it my all and I came out with some good friends in the end.”

Mahoney’s career has taken him across North America from Arizona to Alaska to Thunder Bay. Next year, the infielder will head to Los Angeles. It’s part of the experience of playing ball and reaching that dream of going to the MLB.

 “This is definitely an exciting time for any baseball player,” he said. “I played in Alaska but this Northwood schedule is really tough it’s like a minor league schedule. That’s been really tough but I really like the people and it has been a great experience all together.”

Border Cats Manager Mike Steed said if Mahoney left, the team would be forced to pick up a lot of slack.

Mahoney joined the team late, but he’s consistently hit the ball ever since he first stepped up to the plate at Port Arthur Stadium.  That positive force has helped motivate the team to perform even better, he said.

“He came in, started hitting the ball and he hasn’t stopped,” Steed said.

“It’s nice to have him at the top of the order and consistently getting on base whether it is a base hit or a walk. He brings positive energy to the guys behind him. If the bottom of our order gets on base then we know with Cullen coming up that it is a great RBI situation. He’s proven that all year long.”