Nothing To Complain About

Outfielder Colin Curtis optimistic about baseball team’s prospects in '06

Being named a pre-season All-America was, of course, good news for Arizona State University outfielder Colin Curtis, but it’s not too difficult for him to keep it in perspective.

Besides, when you’ve survived cancer – Curtis was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1999 but is now cancer-free – it tends to make you see things like baseball in a different light.

"I’m just thankful to be here,” Curtis said. “I just look at it (as if) I could be a lot worse off. I’m just thankful that I’m here and I have this opportunity. I got a second chance on doing what I love to do. I can’t complain about anything.”

What’s there to complain about? Curtis is a mainstay on a team that started out sluggishly in 2005 but finished third in the College World Series.

Curtis was an honorable mention All-Pac 10 selection in 2005, hitting .342 with 45 RBI. He won’t make predictions about what he’ll accomplish this season.

"I think when you start looking at the numbers, that’s when you get into trouble,” he said.

Nor would he predict a finish for the Sun Devils. But it’s clear in talking to him that his hopes are high. And in late March, the Sun Devils were playing good ball, and held a 21-7 record.

"We’re going to play a tough schedule and we’re going to lose some games,” he said. But that’s not necessarily the worst thing in the world.

"You learn so many lessons,” he said. “Last year when we went into the season we had a couple of downfalls. We struggled at times. But we always stayed positive.”

And when it comes to overcoming struggles, Curtis has plenty of experience. So much so, that he was honored March 20 with the Gene Autry Award, an honor given by the Tempe Sports Authority and Angels Baseball to men and women who’ve overcome obstacles as professional or amateur athletes.

"Colin is a tremendous competitor, and a great person, and this is a wonderful honor for him,” said Coach Pat Murphy. “He has come through everything with a smile on his face.”

— Bill Goodykoontz

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Outfielder Colin Curtis