“Batting for the Bears, number 13, A.J. Mendolia.”

It is a common saying people hear at Bear Stadium when they watch the UCA Bear Baseball team.

Mendolia is a senior first baseman for the Bears and he has been with the team since his freshman year.

He is originally from Fort Worth, Texas.

One of Mendolia’s hidden talents is his durability, as he has made 132 consecutive starts dating back to the 2022 season.

Mendolia talked about his senior year and the role he has taken on being the leader of the team.

“I’ve been able to watch leaders of past years, some of the seniors that we have had, and I have been able to learn from them and I take things I like and things that I do not like,” he said. “It has definitely helped me grow in the future because I am going to be a leader in my family one day.”

He said everything in his future is all based on what God has in store for him.

“It just depends on how I play it. I want to play professional ball, but if that is not what God has in store for me, then I will either use my business degree and go into insurance or I will get a business job,” Mendolia said. “I have also thought about coaching.”

So far on the season, Mendolia has a batting average of .237 and a slugging average of .392. He has the second-highest on-base percentage on the team at .405%. He is also tied for second on the team with hits at 23 and he is second on the team in home runs at three.

He is the team leader in runs batted in with 19.

Despite all of those accomplishments on the season, Mendolia has big goals for his baseball Bears.

“I think this team can win a championship. There’s not much more that needs to be said. We have a great group of guys that really want to sell the season,” he said. “We can make a really deep run in the conference tournament and make a run in the NCAA tournament as well.”

Some of his favorite memories include road trips and walk-off wins, but his best memory was a step he took in his personal life.

“The North Florida trip this year was probably the most fun trip I have been a part of, but my favorite memory was getting baptized on the field along with three other teammates,” Mendolia said. “I think that shows how much a sport can affect your entire life.”

He said his biggest supporters throughout his career and his life have been his family.

“My dad and I would spend countless hours together. He would always be the first one to help me out in my game and throw in the cages with me,” Mendolia said. “My mom would always be there and she gives me the happiness and encouragement that I needed. 

“My brother introduced me to the game so he would always teach me how to play. He played at the University of Texas too. Of course, my fiance. She’s always there to support me even on my struggling days,” he said.

Mendolia said fan support is a key part of what makes an athlete an athlete and he gave credit to Bear nation for their continued support.

“As a player, it means a lot to have the fans there and you’re gonna see a good baseball team this year. We don’t like to lose, especially at home,” he said. “We always try to put on a good show for them. Their support means a lot to me and the team.”

Fans can catch Mendolia and the baseball Bears on April 9 as the Bears host the Memphis Tigers.