SAN MARCOS, Texas — Chase Mora isn't playing like your average college freshman.
The Texas State second baseman has put together one of the best seasons for a rookie in Bobcats history, including a team-leading 15 home runs.
“It's still about coming out here every day and grinding to get better," Mora said. "I can't be satisfied with what I've done so far. It's all about what I do today and tomorrow.”
Mora made a splash in San Marcos early this season by hitting three home runs in his first three collegiate at-bats.
"I had no idea it was gonna be like that," said Mora, whose homers helped the Bobcats sweep Northwestern in the opening series. "It was an unbelievable experience, something I'll never forget.”
Mora made program history again a few weeks later by hitting four home runs in a win over North Dakota State.
"The first at-bat, I hit an oppo home run, and at that point, I knew that I was locked in for that day," Mora said.
It was the first four home run performance in Division I since 2015.
"He’s just so chill and such a relaxed guy every single day," said Texas State Coach Steven Trout. "Nothing has changed him emotionally or teammate-wise, or any of it.”
A mature approach to handling success. One that comes with the perspective of a career-altering injury.
"It took a big toll on me because I was always stressing," Mora said. "I didn't know what was gonna happen. I didn't know if I was gonna be back to how I was before.”
Mora had Tommy John surgery last June. With a possible 12-month timetable for recovery, his entire freshman year was in flux.
“I’m the guy that can't sit. I get anxious on the bench," Mora said. "I always want to be able to contribute to my team, help my team in any way I can."
Mora decided to gear his rehab toward playing second base rather than sit out an entire season to try and get the arm strength needed to pitch
“He was aggressive from the get-go," Trout said. "He goes, 'Coach, I'm gonna have the surgery and I'm planning to be back in January.' He attacked it full go.”
Just like he's attacked opposing pitchers this entire season.