In the Dugout with Dan Barker – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 30, 2006
Sophomore Dan Barker has quite a career ahead of him if his first-ever at bat is any indication. The Dayton, Ohio, native hit an opposite field home-run the first time he stepped into a batter’s box. The home-run may have been in a game when he was a child, but he has never looked back. He did not even look back to see every one pointing the opposite direction because he was heading for third base instead of first after he sent the ball into orbit.
The slugger-turned-pitcher has been at Ohio State one season and has already made an impression. Last season Barker posted a 1.76 earned run average, good enough for No. 13 on the all-time single season list. Barker pitched in 30.2 innings last year striking out 19 while walking only nine. Not bad for a guy who established himself as one of the most feared offensive force’s in Dayton tee-ball history.
What Major League Baseball team did you follow when you were younger?
“I’m a huge Red Sox fan. I have a lot of family from the Cape Cod/Boston area. I grew up going on vacation there and I followed the Red Sox. It’s kind of a family tradition.”
Have you ever been to Fenway Park?
“Oh yeah. It gets better every time I go. I love how old it is and I hope they never change it.”
What is your first baseball memory?
“I have a lot of vague memories, but my first real baseball memory was in tee ball. It was my first at bat and I hit a homerun. I just wound up, swung and hit an opposite field home-run. It was great. I was so excited I think I ran to third by mistake.”
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
“In high school we were the visiting team in the sectional final facing our arch rival. I was down to the last out of my high school career. I was up to bat with two guys on and we were down by two runs. It was the last inning and I had two strikes on me and I hit a home run. It was the greatest feeling you could ever imagine feeling. It didn’t end up working out for us, but it was definitely the high light of my career.” What is your Ohio State career highlight?
“I think it would have to be when I pitched against Cleveland State last year. I went four innings without giving up a hit or a walk. I was really throwing the ball well that day.”
What are your team goals for the season?
“To win a Big Ten Championship and go as far as we can. Baseball players dream of getting to the College World Series. I really think it would be special just to get there. Then whatever happens there would be icing on the cake. I know that’s a long way away, but just to get there would be a huge accomplishment”
What are some personal goals you have set for yourself this season?
“My goal is just to get better every game. I know that my hard work in practice will pay off. Statistically I want to have the lowest ERA possible. I would also like to pitch at least 100 innings, strike out 100 people and all those things, but. I really will do whatever I can to help my team.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
“My dad. He has always been a huge supporter. He’s gone through every trial I’ve gone through. He went to my Cincinnati Reds tryout with me and supported me all the way. I was 16 and I made the cut for the Reds tryout. He was so happy for me and t really meant a lot to me. He’s always been there for me.”
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
“I think to not be like anyone else. Go out there and do whatever you’ve learned in the past. Go out there and pitch like you know how. Focus on what you have to do and don’t try to be somebody else. Just be yourself really. And if you do those things you will be successful and go far.”
