Feb. 4, 2013

CBI Big South preview

Inside: With Campbell's Michael Felton

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

phil@collegebaseballinsider.com  @RoadToOmaha

Michael Felton (left) is a senior infielder from Tempe, Ariz. He had an All-American season in 2012, batting .424 with 12 doubles, 52 runs and 45 RBI. Felton set Big South Conference and Campbell single-season records with 103 hits. He also set program marks with 87 singles and 243 at-bats. Felton earned all-conference and all-state honors as well as being recognized as an All-American.

Felton hit .374 at Gateway Community College in 2011 with seven doubles, three triples, 40 runs and 38 RBI. He went 21 of 24 on stolen base attempts. He first team All-Region and helped the Geckos reach their first-ever NJCAA Division II World Series.

In 2010, Felton batted .495 at Southwestern Oklahoma with 18 doubles, three homers, 51 runs and 50 RBI. He posted a slugging percentage of .661 and on-base percentage of .546.

Felton is projected to continue his success, as he was named to the 2013 NCBWA Preseason First Team All-America squad.

1. How did seasons at Southwestern Oklahoma and Gateway CC prepare you for your first year at Campbell?

The biggest thing I took away from Southwestern Oklahoma was the ability to play every day earlier in my college career. I was lucky enough to start as a freshman and learn from the mistakes and successes I had. At Gateway, I had a great coach who helped me a lot with my defense and the metal side of baseball that is often times overlooked.  

2. What were the biggest factors to your success at the plate in 2012?

I think the biggest factor last year was being able to play with a short memory. No matter what the outcomes were of my at-bats, I didn’t let it affect the next one. Another big factor was playing with such a talented team; baseball becomes a lot easier when the guys around you are successful and keep you relaxed and motivated.

3. What were the keys to the Camels reaching a school-record 41 wins a season ago?

The keys factors to getting to 41 wins this year will depend on our pitching and defense. As long as we can take care of the baseball and limit our mistakes we will be in every game and have a chance to win.

4. What are your personal goals for 2013?

I want to win the Big South Championship and get a chance to play professional baseball. That aside, being a senior and my last year of collegiate baseball, I really just want to enjoy every minute of it.

5. What does Campbell have to do this year to reach the NCAA Tournament?

We need to play good baseball and keep in mind that the college season is a marathon not a sprint. From the beginning of the season we need to build and continue to get better as the year goes on. I believe that if we do that we will have a good chance to get to a regional.

(photos courtesy of CU Media Relations Office)