Q&A with Steve Caravati – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Junior outfielder Steve Caravati has one thing on his mind from February until June – winning a national championship. Caravati, a Dover, Ohio, native, knows the dedication it will take to accomplish that goal. When baseball is not in season, Caravati is focusing on another championship, a personal one – a degree from The Ohio State University. However, while Caravati knows baseball will not last forever he is determined to make the most of his experiences while preparing for his future.
What is your major? What do you plan on doing once your baseball career is over?
“I am majoring in human development and family science. When my baseball career is complete I would like to teach the pre-kindergarten to third-grade level. I love kids and I think I would be a great fit as a teacher. I feel I can make a difference in a child’s life.”
What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned as a student-athlete?
“Time management is the biggest lesson I have learned. As a student-athlete if you don’t learn how to manage your time you are in for a long and hard career. At first managing your time is very demanding but then you get used to it and create schedules which are comfortable for you.”
How old were you when you began playing baseball?
“I started playing baseball when I was 5 years old. I have grown up with the sport. When I was younger I was a bat boy for my older brother Dave and his teams. Dave would always practice hitting, throwing and catching with me whenever he had the chance. I credit my brother for getting me started in this great sport.”
What has been your favorite college baseball moment?
“Winning the NCAA regional championship against Auburn last season was the best moment of my career. It was an amazing feeling when we won. It was very surreal at first because we could not believe it had happened. I want to get back to that level this year and feel the excitement again.”
Who are the biggest influences in your life?
“My family has been the biggest influence in my life. The support and guidance my mother and father have given me has made me the person I am today. They always were the ones who made sure I had everything I needed to succeed in life. From equipment for baseball to supplies for school, they made sure I was on the right track in everything I did.”
You had a career year last season as a sophomore, what kind of season do you expect this year?
“Overall, I would like to have a better season than last year. I had a good season but I wasn’t consistent last year. I played strong the last half of the 2003 season but this year I want to play strong the entire season. I don’t think I am at the level I want to be but I feel I am improving and coming along each game.”
What are your goals as a player this season?
“My personal goals are to help our team win every game. I will do the best I can in each and every game. I will look to help the team by getting as many hits as possible and by making my catches and throws while playing defense.”
How far can this team go this season?
“I think if we are healthy we can go as far as we did last year. We are young but we are experienced. We have the talent if we play hard we will be back in the regionals.
Who is your favorite Major League Baseball player and why?
“My favorite player is Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Jim Thome. He is a good friend of mine and he always lends his insight to help improve my game. I think I have become a better player by using the advice he gives.”
When did you meet Jim Thome?
“I was at an Ohio State Football game last year and a friend of mine, who knew him, introduced us. He told me to stay in touch and if I ever needed help just call him. Since then we have kept in touch and talk on the phone every so often.”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“In my spare time my favorite things to do are read and listen to music. I love every kind of music from rock to hip-hop. I also find reading enjoyable and relaxing. My favorite book is “1984” by George Orwell. Orwell is a great author and the book is very fun and relaxing to read because you are engulfed in the world Orwell creates the moment you start reading.”
Did you ever attend any Ohio State baseball games when you were younger?
“I did attend some games when I was in high school. I think seeing how exciting the games were is what sold me on coming here. It was great to watch the games from Bill Davis Stadium because it looks like one of the classic stadiums from the past. It is probably the best stadium in the country.”
How do you feel the season is going so far?
“I think we are coming along. We have been away from our home stadium playing against great teams. As of now we are a better team than before the season started and we just need one win to get us over the hump and get our team rolling. I think once we start playing more at home we will get that momentum.”
Has your shoulder injury kept you from playing your best this season?
“I don’t want to blame injuries on my performance but they have slowed me down. It seems whenever I get my game to the level I want an injury comes along and keeps me from getting to the next level. So this season I want to try and stay as healthy as possible.”
Who do you look forward to playing the most?
“I get ready and excited to play every team but if I had to pick one, it would probably be Minnesota. It seems we always are competing for the Big Ten title with them. When we play them it is a very competitive and emotional game.”
