A Chat with Ohio State Softball Players Natalie Kratzer and Kelli Tom – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/21/1998 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 21, 1998
Kelli and Natalie are two of the more integral parts of the Buckeyes. Kelli has successfully comeback from an injured knee to give OSU a definite emotional lift while Natalie serves as one of the true leaders of this year’s squad. The Ohio State Athletic Communications Office talked with Natalie and Kelli about their seasons.
OSUAC: Kelli, what was it like to get back on the mound two weeks ago against Cleveland State?
KT: “I’ve been working really hard to get back to where I am. “But during the winter, it was all rehab work and weights and gradually I would work on my spins and pitches. So I was never going against actual live batters. “From there, I pitched maybe once to before they told me I might be pitching. Then before the game, they told me if we had a lead, I would be going in. Suddenly, I got butterflies like I had never pitched before. “When I entered the game, I didn’t know if I was mentally prepared but physically I had confidence that I could handle it.”
OSUAC:Time after time, you play through injuries and pain. Where does this toughness come from?
KT: “It just comes from within. My parents have always told me to never give up and work hard at what ever I do.”
OSUAC:What was the toughest point in your comeback?
KT: “When I came out of surgery with the brace on my leg, I thought I wasn’t going to pitch this year. “In the beginning, it took a lot to get myself to go to the rehab.”
OSUAC:Have you gained anything positive through this experience?
KT: “My goal was to come out strong and so far I have. “It may not show on the field, but I have learned so much about myself both on and off the field. I know my strengths and weaknesses and what ever my weaknesses are, I will work hard to hopefully get better.”
OSUAC:How does this team differ from last year?
NK: “We are more effective and have gotten the job done more than in the past. This is a hard working team that’s very energetic and we go into every game knowing we can win. We are playing at a higher level than in the past few years and the results are showing on the field.”
OSUAC You are hitting over 60 points better than last season. What are some of the things you are doing differently at the plate?
NK: “Mentally, I’m more confident because I’m finally comfortably hitting left-handed. In the past, I’ve struggled with the unnatural feeling of swinging from the left-side. Last year, I approached the plate hoping to get on base while this year I know I can get on base. I also don’t have to rely on the bunt as much because I am more comfortable swinging away. “Physically, I take a lot of cuts, I even have a bat in my room that I practice swinging with.”
OSUAC: What do you see your role as on this team?
NK: “My role really isn’t constant. If I’m in the lineup than I try to lead by example and if I’m on the bench, then I try to keep up the energy of the team.”
OSUAC: After college, you have said that your immediate goal is to enter the Peace Corps. Why?
NK: “For multiple reasons. I think it will be a good experience to go away and help others. It would give me an opportunity to be somewhere I want to be and to do something that I want to do. It would be a positive experience for me and hopefully for someone else.”
