Q&A with Jesse Paciorek – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jesse Paciorek came to Ohio State for the opportunity to do something that he loves – to be a member of the Ohio State baseball team. The left-handed pitcher was first introduced to the Buckeye program in 2001 as a walk-on his freshman year. Though Paciorek has one year of eligibility remaining, he made plans to graduate this June. With his final season underway, Paciorek feels strong and healthy and is ready to contribute to a successful year.
What is your earliest baseball memory?
“I first played in a fast-pitch league when I was 9 years old. My team lost every game that season and I think we had a record of 0-20 or something close to that. The next season our team turned around and placed first in the league. We advanced to the Ohio state tournament in Toledo and qualified for the regional tournament in Indiana. That was a big deal, especially because we were so young.”
How did you get involved with baseball?
“My dad was always real big into sports and baseball. He has always been supportive of my baseball career as well as my mom. Though my dad was the main influential source, I remember throwing and playing catch with him in the yard. To this day he still gives me advice about my game and how I can improve. Even though I have been playing baseball for about 14 years now, he still coaches me.”
Which baseball team did you follow growing up?
“I have followed the Cleveland Indians ever since I was little. I am from the Cleveland area (Lakewood, Ohio) and my father’s side of the family is all from Cleveland as well. It was nice to see one of my teammates (Matt Davis) get drafted by the Indians last season. If I had the chance to play with any professional organization, I would want to play with the Indians.”
What schools recruited you in high school?
“Purdue, Cleveland State, Fordham and a host of Division III schools all recruited me. I wanted to come to Ohio State because of the opportunity for me to walk on the baseball team and for the academics here. It was just two hours away from home which was not too far and not too close.”
What is the best thing about Ohio State?
“There are so many things to get involved with at Ohio State because it is so big. No matter where you go, everyone knows of Ohio State. I take pride in being a student here and playing for a prestigious athletic program.”
What drove you to work hard towards your baseball career when you were faced with overcoming your health?
“I am not the quitting type. I knew that I chose to quit playing baseball at Ohio State I would regret it. Not playing was a sacrifice I was willing to take because I knew that in time I would be back on the field again. I knew how it felt to be a part of a team that was successful from experiencing that during my high school career. There is no other feeling outside of baseball, or any other sport, than being a part of a group of 25 guys that are all working towards a common goal.”
How do you feel when you are on the mound?
“I am not pressured and I am not relaxed. It is something in the middle of that. It is more like I am focused. Focused on throwing strikes and trying to get the guy to look at the ball. Some pitchers come into the dugout and do not want talk with anyone, but I try to stay loose. That is how I stay focused.”
Do you have any superstitions?
“At the beginning of this season, the team had a thing with our gray pants. I got a little spooked out about those things. But, other than that, I am not really a superstitious guy. I catch myself on the mound doing things like fixing my hat, licking my fingers and adjusting my belt. But those are just little routine things that I do as a pitcher.”
Why do you wear No. 12?
“I wear No. 12 because that was the number that was given to me. I really did not care what number I got because I was just so excited to have made the team. But, No. 12 has grown on me. It has become a popular number and a lot of athletes are wearing it now.”
If you could play another position what would it be?
“I would definitely play center field. Growing up, I always played in the outfield. Actually, a few other schools scouted me to play outfield. But I spoke with the Ohio State pitching coach, Pat Bangtson, and knew that I wanted to try and walk-on as a Buckeye. I felt that if I chose to play at a smaller school I would have regretted the chance of playing at the Big Ten level. I would have always wondered if I could have made it in a baseball program like the one at Ohio State.”
What do you do in your spare time?
“I spend a lot of my time doing school work. Outside of practice and class the little time I have is spent hanging out with my friends and my girlfriend.”
What are you looking forward to in the 2004 season?
“As a team, I am hoping that we improve and get back to the level we were at last season. In 2003 we were extremely close to the College World Series and I think we have a shot at Omaha this season. Most all of our team members are back from last season and we have potential to reach that level. As for myself, I feel healthy and my arm feels good. I am looking forward to getting out there on the mound. A chance to pitch and play in the postseason would be vindication for everything that I have overcome and worked towards these past few years. “
What are your plans upon graduation?
“After graduation I am thinking about applying for law school or graduate school. I have plans to travel around Europe. I have never been out of the country and I am looking forward to traveling. Other than that, I just want the time to figure out what I want to do.”
