In his first year playing solely as a pitcher, Zach Bird, was named the Regional Pitcher of the Month for March, and is up for it again this month.

Bird, 20, was excited about the news. “I didn’t even realize I was in the running until Coach told me. I guess I pitched good in March,” said Bird.

“He’s been throwing shutouts in the pre-season, and has been continuing his performance,” said head baseball coach Gabe Sandy.

As of games through April 24 (most recent statistics), he had a 0.66 ERA, 61 strikeouts, and a 6-0 record in 41 innings pitched.

He’s been playing ever since he was young, starting with t-ball and then moving his way up. “I used to not like baseball as a kid, but as I got better at it, I liked it more,” said Bird.
He played both as a pitcher and an outfielder through high school and last year. Growing up in Eugene, Bird participated in basketball and football in addition to baseball at North Eugene High School.

Bird started his college career playing baseball for Western Arizona Community College. Midway through the season he broke his foot hitting and had to sit out the rest of the season. He then made the decision to transfer to MHCC. “I thought I had a better shot at Mt. Hood, and I wanted the competition,” he said.

He has three pitches: the four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, and the slider. “Coach says I pitch backwards because I get strikeouts with my slider, when I should be striking out with my fastballs,” said Bird.

The biggest challenge for Bird was learning how to pitch. “I could throw but I couldn’t strikeout. I’ve gotten so much better in the past couple of years.”

Bird says pitching takes more than the just physical strength. “There’s a whole mental aspect to it.”

What Bird loves the most about pitching is the power that comes along with it. “I love being able to control the play. The game doesn’t start until I throw — I have a part in every play. And then there’s that competition between the pitcher and the hitter.”

He remains tough whenever a big hitter steps up to plate. “I can’t really get intimidated, because the hitter will see that and get the upper hand. Hitters are stupid,” said Bird.
Majoring in health education, he wants to help out injured athletes, and someday become a medical trainer.

As soon as he wraps up the year at MHCC, there is a possibility he’ll be drafted. In case that doesn’t happen, he already has a full scholarship for Coastal Carolina University. Signing that contract, he said, was one of his greatest accomplishments. “I’ve worked so hard to get it, and its been one of my goals since I was a kid to sign a Division I scholarship.”

Bird won’t take all the credit for his achievements, though. “I owe half of my success to Cody Herrick. He’s a familiar catcher, and it makes such a difference to have someone who knows your pitches and how I know his signals.”