Left-handed pitcher Tristan Garnett joined the Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball team as a transfer from Linn Benton College in Oregon. The Portland native has arguably been the Toro ace since joining the team and has thrown over 90 innings wearing cardinal and gold.

"Tristan has been a great addition to our program and is a great teammate. He always has a positive outlook on the challenges he and our program faces and works hard to overcome them," says head coach Tyler Wright. "Tristan's development since joining our program has been off the charts. He has worked tirelessly to become the best player he can possibly.  Last year, we saw a change in our programs success on the field and much of that is thanks to his leadership.  We are excited to have him for one more year and to see him continue to play when his collegiate career is over." Garnett took some time answering questions ranging from baseball, music and tacos. 

Q: Being a native of Portland, what was it like moving to Los Angeles? Did you have any preconceived notions before living here?
Garnett: I'm the only person in my family that lives down here, so it gave me a chance to really figure out who I was as a person and I'm grateful for that. As far as my expectations of moving down here, the thing I looked forward to more than anything was the consistent warm weather and close access to the beach. As far as the people, one thing I really appreciated upon recognition is the amount of diversity that exists in a cultural melting pot like Los Angeles. 
 
Q: Baseball players are notoriously superstitious. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? Who is your most superstitious teammate?
Garnett: Other than eating a good clean meal, and sleeping with a compression sleeve on the night before my starts, I try not to let a change in routine get to me too much. I'm sure over the course of my baseball career, there will be a time where I won't be able to do certain things. 
 
Q: What parts of your game do you think has improved the most since coming to CSUDH?
Garnett: I think an area that I have really improved in during my time at CSUDH is simplifying the game once I walk between the lines. Remembering all that you have done prior to your day of competition is where the preparation comes in. Once the first pitch is thrown, it's simply playing catch with the guy behind the plate, no matter the situation. 
 
 
Q: You state on your bio that your favorite food is tacos. Did you find any good taco shops around CSUDH? If so, can you share them?
Garnett: Thankfully getting the opportunity to live in Long Beach and Torrance, I have had some of the best Mexican food in my life within walking distance of my house. Some of my favorites are Sancho's Tacos and Rivera's Tacos. 
 
Q: It seems that you are very involved in music, listening to all types of genres and also do a little bit of producing and mixing. As a music critic, who has the best walk-up song on your team? Who has the worst?
Garnett: Music is definitely an enormous part of my life and family. I think my favorite walk-up song to hear was 'X' By Nicky Jam and Ozuna which was Jacob Paradine's. Off the top of my head, I can't really think of a walk up I didn't enjoy hearing. The Toros just have good taste in music! 
 
Q: Your favorite sports teams are the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Where does the Boston connection come from?
Garnett: I've always been a Red Sox fan because of the guys that play for them. Chris Sale is to this day one of my favorite pitchers to watch in the show. I'm also a huge fan of Mookie Betts and David Price but we lost them to the almighty Dodgers. Getting Kike Hernandez for this season is awesome though, they will be a fun club to watch. As for the Pats, Tom Brady is one of the greatest to do it, so I'll have to say that love has made its way down to Tampa Bay as of more recently. 
 
Q: You are majoring in advertising and public relations. Do you have any plans or career aspirations with that?
Garnett: Whenever my career as a ball player ends up being over, i'd really like to do either Public Relations or Advertising (directing or helping create commercials and graphics) in an MLB front office. That way I'll get to stay around the game. Much further down the road, I would also like to start my own marketing firm in the Pacific Northwest that deals with mainly sports advertisements. 
 
Q: Do you have a favorite CCAA ballpark to play at? Why?
Garnett: Without question it is my home; Toro Field will probably always be my favorite ballpark I have played at in college. The amount of memories and relationships I have built working with the family that is my team on that field will be something I remember for the rest of my life.