OF, 5’11” 185 , B: L T: R
  Furman
  Hometown: Fletcher, NC

Bobby Hubbard returns to the Mallards for the 2007 summer after helping the Mallards in ’06 finish with a 36-32 record and a playoff appearance. Hubbard batted .242 with two home runs and 18 RBI in 64 games played for the Mallards, and was named to the Northwoods League All-Star team. After two seasons as a member of the N.C. State baseball program, Hubbard transferred this fall to Furman and had a great fall looking to take over the third base spot full time. The Furman coaching staff enjoyed Hubbard’s glove work at the hot corner which is a plus for the program since it has been a weak spot in the program for some time now. This past spring Hubbard batted .290 in 55 games played leading Furman in doubles (15) and four triples along with six home runs and was tied for the team lead with 42 runs batted in.

How did you get your start in baseball?
“Like everybody else basically. I started playing at a young age with my Dad and my brother, and I couldn’t stop because I enjoyed the game so much and I felt I was pretty good at it.”

Why did you choose to transfer from N.C. State to Furman?
“Well I wasn’t getting much playing team and I did redshirt my first year. I didn’t feel comfortable and even though it was nice to be part of the NCAA tournament I just knew I had to go somewhere else to play. The Furman coaching staff was great because they knew right away I could help them, and they could help me develop my game.”

How has your game developed, lets say from High school to College?
“I’m sure like the other guys in high school it was all about having fun and coming to play everyday without thinking about anything else. However in college there is more of a mentality aspect of the game and having to understand so many more game type situations. The pitching is more difficult and therefore you have to work harder at your game to be successful at this level.”

How do you get yourself ready for a game?
“I don’t really do much, I just want to get their early and take batting practice. Afterwards, just relax for a bit and focus on the game situation and see what I can do to help win.”

Where do you see yourself as a ball player in the next five years?
“Oh wow, I’m not to sure but I would say hopefully still playing ball with a minor league organization or just getting drafted.”

What is your fondest memory of playing baseball?
“I have so many great memories but perhaps being part of two state championship teams in high school when I was a freshman and junior. My senior year in high school I was named the team MVP, All-Conference and All-State selection. But I also won a bronze medal by participating in the North Carolina State Games on the Western North Carolina Region 8 team.”

You have been with the Mallards before and therefore worked with C.J., what do you think of him as a coach?
“C.J. is great, he is a baseball guy. He is very competitive and loves to win, and loves to play the game. Being with him last year and now this year I have learned so much from him because he has been everywhere within baseball.”