Almost 20 years ago, Christian Belleque picked up a ball and learned from his three older brothers and dad how to play baseball.

Belleque attended California State University Fresno where he put in two years of work even though he didn’t get much playing time.

He transferred to Fresno City College and found somesuccess.

Recently, however, Belleque experienced discomfort in his elbow. An MRI confirmed he needed Tommy John surgery.

What has playing baseball for 20 years taught you?

It is the biggest builder of character. You have to put in the work when nobody is looking if you want results when people are watching. If you are too big for a small job, then you’ll be too small for a big job.

When you were at Fresno State, how did you deal with being treated like you weren’t good enough?

I remember I was practicing throwing and a coach told me he didn’t think I was good enough to play Division I baseball.  I honestly didn’t say anything because my whole senior year they’ve told me I had the best chance to start. I never had that chance to prove myself but I’m glad things turned out the way they did.

What’s one thing you’ve taken with you from being there?

I learned how to deal with adversity. Before I left FSU, I really started to focus on lifting and realized how unimportant material things are.

When you’re up at the mound, how do you deal with the pressure?

I like to feel the pressure. You don’t know how good you’re going to be until you’re pushed to be that good.

Now that you’re going to be out for at least a year, what are your plans?

I want to get the surgery done as soon as possible and get into therapy right away. My whole life will now be about getting back onto the baseball field as soon as possible.

How do you keep your motivation to get back into the game as soon as possible?

Well, nobody is going to be the best forever. You want to see how long you can stay up at the top. For me, it is personal pride.

If your future in baseball doesn’t work, what’s next?

I want to be lawyer. I think it is fun to know what you can and can’t do. I’ve always loved history and political science.