by Matt Dunaway
Pitcher Brad Lincoln is the first player in UH and Conference USA history to be picked among the top ten of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft when he was selected at number four by the Pittsburgh Pirates last summer. He received the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player. Lincoln also was named the National Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings and Rivals.com; and he was honored as the C-USA Pitcher of the Year. The Clute, Texas, native also was named the C-USA Co-Male Athlete of the Year.
The University of Houston Magazine had a chance to catch up with the former Cougar.
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UH: How did playing for UH prepare you for the major leagues?
Lincoln: Coach (Rayner) Noble’s experience, from his playing days, was a great example of what it would take to get me to the next level. He prepared me, mentally and physically, to take that leap in my career. The coaching staff put me through a tough program that emphasized the mental part of the game. The pro season is long and it calls upon more than just your physical abilities. You have to go beyond the physical to be successful in this game.
UH: Is playing in the pros everything you expected?
Lincoln: It’s much more laid back. You’re out on your own and playing for a job now. You’re getting paid to play baseball and it’s a blessing every day. The reality is that the guy behind you and the guy in front of you are working just as hard for the same job.
UH: Any final thoughts?
Lincoln: I have memories of UH that are going to last a lifetime. It makes you feel good when you come back and people remember you. I’ve given a lot to UH, but UH has given me so much more.
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