University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: AINSLEY E. FAUTH
Summer Sessions: Q&A With Mason Yokum
August 9, 2024 | Baseball
Q: How hard was it redshirting this past season, and what are some things you learned?
MY: I learned a lot about myself during the spring and what I needed to work on to carry over into the summer and next season. I bought into Coach Forbes' trusting-the-process mentality and figured out what I could do to help the team better. I've been implementing that into summer baseball, building my confidence and trusting my stuff.
Q: Is there anything specifically you've been working on?
MY: In the spring, Coach Gaines and Coach Howell changed my arm slot. I used to be more over the top; now it's a little lower, and it's allowed me to command the ball better. They asked me to concentrate on throwing strikes this summer, so I've been focused on that.
Q: What are some other areas you feel that you've improved?
MY: I've learned to throw hard but easy with fluid mechanics. I've also learned to have a better mentality, with a more positive mindset before and after games, whether I do good or bad.
Q: Do you prefer being a starter or a reliever?
MY: I've always liked coming out of the pen. I've never really seen myself as a starter. I think being a one or two-inning guy is more my fit as a pitcher.
Q: What's your mindset as a reliever?
MY: Go out there and attack the hitters with my fastball.
Q: How's your summer been with the Burlington Sock Puppets?
MY: It's been awesome. I love everybody on the team; it's been a really good environment. It's been a lot of fun, and somewhere I'd play again. Ryan [Hench] is here, and we are discussing pitching a lot. He notices things I don't and has helped me, and vice versa, so it's been good to have him here.
Q: How have you enjoyed playing with guys from other schools?
MY: It's been cool to hear about their experiences at their schools and what they do there. Everyone has some interesting stories.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about returning to Chapel Hill?
MY: I'm excited to be back with everybody and to compete. Our technology is better than anywhere else, so I'm excited to get back to work.
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MY: I learned a lot about myself during the spring and what I needed to work on to carry over into the summer and next season. I bought into Coach Forbes' trusting-the-process mentality and figured out what I could do to help the team better. I've been implementing that into summer baseball, building my confidence and trusting my stuff.
Q: Is there anything specifically you've been working on?
MY: In the spring, Coach Gaines and Coach Howell changed my arm slot. I used to be more over the top; now it's a little lower, and it's allowed me to command the ball better. They asked me to concentrate on throwing strikes this summer, so I've been focused on that.
Q: What are some other areas you feel that you've improved?
MY: I've learned to throw hard but easy with fluid mechanics. I've also learned to have a better mentality, with a more positive mindset before and after games, whether I do good or bad.
Q: Do you prefer being a starter or a reliever?
MY: I've always liked coming out of the pen. I've never really seen myself as a starter. I think being a one or two-inning guy is more my fit as a pitcher.
Q: What's your mindset as a reliever?
MY: Go out there and attack the hitters with my fastball.
Q: How's your summer been with the Burlington Sock Puppets?
MY: It's been awesome. I love everybody on the team; it's been a really good environment. It's been a lot of fun, and somewhere I'd play again. Ryan [Hench] is here, and we are discussing pitching a lot. He notices things I don't and has helped me, and vice versa, so it's been good to have him here.
Q: How have you enjoyed playing with guys from other schools?
MY: It's been cool to hear about their experiences at their schools and what they do there. Everyone has some interesting stories.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about returning to Chapel Hill?
MY: I'm excited to be back with everybody and to compete. Our technology is better than anywhere else, so I'm excited to get back to work.
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