Kip Masuda is finding no shortage of entertainment.

Whether it's going to the amusement parks around Southern California or standing in as the baseball team's jokester, the 2005 Mid-Pacific graduate is having fun in his first year at Long Beach State.

And most importantly, he's enjoying his time on the field.

"It's actually pretty fun," Masuda said. "The level of play is a lot more advanced. Playing at Mid-Pacific, I basically knew all of my opponents, because we grew up playing against each other. You have to be more aggressive (in college)."

The backup catcher, though limited to 40 at-bats, is third on the team in batting with a .325 average. He has 13 hits, including three doubles and a home run, and six runs and six RBIs. Defensively, he has picked off three potential base stealers.

"I might have been getting a little lucky and having some early success, and I hope I can keep it up," Masuda said.

He has played in 16 of the team's 34 games, starting 13.

"I'm still young, so I still have to listen to the older guys," Masuda said. "I'm learning a lot from the starters and the good hitters."

He's also learning about things to do around the area. He went to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the first time during Thanksgiving, and Knott's Berry Farm on April 9.

"That was really fun. The last time I was (at Knott's Berry Farm) was when I was 12," he said. "Next year we're going to Disneyland."

But as much as he likes it, he only manages to squeeze in a few recreational activities.

"With baseball and all, I really don't have a lot of time," said Masuda, who has to balance school, practices, games and study hall.

He doesn't need to visit any parks to raise his fun factor. He's been creating it himself.

On a road trip to Texas, Masuda bought a cowboy hat, to the merriment of his teammates. He wanted one just because, "I never had one."

He chose "an old-fashioned cowboy hat, dark brown. I was gonna get boots, but they were kind of pricey.

"All the guys were giving me a hard time about it," he said.

Masuda wears the hat to games, despite all the teasing.

"Yeah I wear it," he said. "The other day they went line dancing, and they wanted to borrow it.

"I really don't care how it looks, I'm just trying to have some fun. I'm trying to get some laughs out of my teammates."

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.