A Year later, Jimmy Allen (and Cal Poly fans) happy with his decision to return

Jimmy Allen and the Mustangs have been pretty much all smiles this season. By Owen Main

Decisions, decisions.

At the end of last season, then-junior Jimmy Allen had a decision to make. After a disappointing 2013 season, Allen was drafted in the 23rd round by the Boston Red Sox. Like other juniors who are drafted, the selection brought-about a major decision. Stay or go.

Allen chose to forgo a pro career for a year and stay at Cal Poly. His presence in the middle of the Cal Poly lineup has been much more consistent than last year, and the Mustangs are poised to make program history this weekend.

“I think it was definitely a great decision,” said Allen this week. “All the success we’ve had and just this whole experience of hosting regionals has been unbelievable.”

So are Cal Poly fans, who saw Allen hit .301, starting all 55 games at third base. For the season, Allen tallied five home runs, 37 RBI’s, and a .802 OPS while becoming Cal Poly’s all-time career hits leader. Allen also has the most career at-bats (passing Ozzie Smith) and most career doubles. He’s also eighth all-time in RBI’s and 10th all-time in triples, cementing his name in the Cal Poly record books.

In baseball, you have ups and downs,” said Allen. “This whole season for the most part has pretty much been up.”

Cal Poly lost only one series all season and never had a losing week en route to a 45-10 regular season and their first ever Big West Conference title. Along with success, Allen has seen a steady increase in fan support in San Luis Obispo over his four seasons manning the hot corner at Baggett Stadium.

“It’s unbelievable. I mean coming in as a freshman, we had  a lot of fans, but nothing like this and now to have sold-out games, it’s just a great thing to see how the whole community is coming out behind us,” said Allen, who played last summer for the San Luis Obispo Blues.

Cal Poly comes into Friday’s game coming off a bye week, something Allen doesn’t think will be an issue for his team, who might have been due for a break after not having a bye week until the final week of the season.

“Honestly, I think the break was great for us,” said Allen “It kind of got us away from the game for a little bit mentally and physically and I think we’re all fired up to come back now and just get on the field again.”

Fill in the blank — Cal Poly will be successful in this week’s regional if they do what?

“Having fun,” said Allen. “It’s just that simple. Have fun and enjoy it… . This team’s awesome, there’s so much great team chemistry. We all enjoy being around each other. It’s just been great.

Whatever happens this weekend, Allen is thankful for his time in San Luis Obispo.

“I’ve just been blessed with the time I’ve had. It’s a memory and just fun times I’ll always remember.”