In The Dugout – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 18, 2003
Few student-athletes at Ohio State will argue that competing in a sport and going to school can often be stressful. However, the stress that plagues a lot of students-athletes seems to elude Buckeye catcher Doug Larason.
Although Larson concedes that school and baseball can be stressful at times, listening to music and watching movies are two factors that keep him relaxed, and above all, stress free.
“I really enjoy the movie Major League,” Larason said. “Not only is it one of the funniest baseball movies ever, it really defines me as someone who likes to have fun.”
I always listen to music no matter what I am doing. Playing baseball and going to school can sometimes be very stressful, but listening to music helps take my mind off of things.”
Like most college baseball players, Larason traces much of his character back to his Little League days where his team only managed to win two games. Although he was unable to be on hand for the team’s only victories of the season, a chuckling Larason attributes much of his Little League experience toward his optimistic view on life.
Like many players on Ohio State’s baseball team, Larason’s talents are not limited only to baseball. While at Johnstown High School, Larason also stared in football and basketball.
“It was really hard to give up football and basketball,” Larason said. “While I was in high school I really enjoyed playing all three but when it came down to it baseball was always my favorite.”
However, Larason’s decision to play baseball instead of football or basketball proved to be the right move. Last year in 15 plate appearances with the Buckeyes, Larason smacked eight singles including one, which helped Ohio State to a 6-5 victory over Youngstown State.
“Throughout my career at Ohio State the biggest thing I have gained among everything else is learning to deal with different people,” Larson said. “Not only do you have to deal with coaches but players as well. Being on a team means dealing with different personalities, especially with a team as large as ours. Every player has a different background.” Although his future remains unclear on whether he will return for his fifth year of eligibility one thing is for certain, the people skills and character that Larson has developed over the years will certainly prove vital after he leaves Ohio State.
