Chris McHugh: "We're Looking Very Good"

NC State first baseman Chris McHugh recently met with the media to discuss transferring from VCU, his development, the upcoming season, and much more.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview with McHugh.

I know it’s early, but how's things going for the Pack right now? 

You know, we're looking very good. First year here. Couldn’t like it much better. Really great squad. Working on a lot of different things right now. The pitching is just about lights out, and our hitting is, I think, going to surprise a lot of people here. 

Where'd you come in from? 

VCU. 

VCU, okay. So, it's kind of just down the road. You knew about this program, but what was it about this program that led you here? 

So, I actually opened up against VCU at NC State last year. And, I mean, it was my first collegiate game. Come down here, see one of the nicest fields in the ACC... great fanbase.

It drew me from that moment. Obviously, I had a season to play. And then, things just worked out. My coach left. I hit the transfer portal.

I love Coach Hart and Coach Avent to say about this place. So, couldn't have not helped.

What is it about the guys? Have they welcomed you? What's it been like, you know, kind of getting yourself acclimated to the group? 

This is a really young team. So, I mean, ever since day one, they've treated me like I've been here 40 years, like I'm a fifth-year student. So, the way they just treat all the transfers. It’s just been really great and welcoming, I feel like I’ve been here for a while. 

You talk about this being a young team. For young teams, how important is it? What has to go right for young teams to be successful? 

Yeah, with young teams, I think usually that just means a lot of talented guys, freshmen, a lot of young transfers. And, you could say, younger teams don't have much experience. I just think, right out of the game, I don't think it's that big of a deal, honestly, experience. I just think talent. Talent brings it all together. So, I just think just kind of the first game, just believe in it and, you know, trust that just because you haven't played that many seasons because you're a young guy, it doesn't matter. It's just baseball. 

Well, first of all, just how many really good teams there are locally. Carolina, Duke, and Campbell, and ECU down the road. It's a pretty tough neighborhood, isn't it? 

This place is no joke.

Last year, obviously not as good of a conference, but Virginia had some really good mid-week games, so it was definitely competitive.

It's good baseball here. That's what I think.

Last season, you had one of your best games. Is that true? And are you excited about seeing them on the schedule?

I did see we have a couple of A-10 teams, I think three or four this year. So, Richmond last year was our cross-town rival. So, I guess I just kind of showed up to play that day. But, yeah, seeing that, we've got a familiar team. Yeah, definitely.