In the Dugout with Eric Fryer – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 22, 2006
Before every game sophomore catcher Eric Fryer always checks the stands for his biggest fans: his grandparents, his mom, his dad and his two younger brothers. They have always been a driving force, not only in his baseball career, but all through his life. Every time he sees his family at his games, he always wants to do everything he can for them. Fryer’s strong family life has helped him become a leader for the Buckeyes and help the team out in what ever way he can. When the Reynoldsburg, Ohio, native steps on the field, he never forgets how lucky he is to be living his dream of playing for Ohio State. He always is reminded by his family in the stands who are always there to watch him.
What other sports did you play when you were growing up?
“In high school I played baseball and basketball. I only played basketball through my sophomore year. In middle school I played basketball, baseball and football. Baseball is it for me though, I trained all through the winter for it and played in spring and summer leagues.”
What made you choose baseball?
“Well I was better at baseball then anything else. The camaraderie is great. The guys in the locker room are great and you get to know your teammates a lot more than in other sports because it is a longer season.
What is the toughest position for you to play?
“It would have to be DH. I would much rather be out on the field playing catcher or first base. It is very different from anything else. If you have a bad at bat you don’t get the chance to make it up in the field. When you have a bad at bat it will stick with. I would say in some ways it is even harder than playing in the field. You have to be really mentally tough because not being on the field can sometimes take you out to the rhythm of the game and keep focused all the time.”
Is there any special reason that you wear No. 33?
“I wore No. 11 all through high school, but when I came here it was already taken. So first they gave me (No. 3) to wear but I had to change my number again for whatever reason. I looked at it and I did like the ‘3’ I had been wearing but I still had a thing for an odd repeater, so I went with 33 and have been wearing it ever since.” What do you like to do away from baseball?
“I like to hang around with the guys (on the team) the most. I really like to go bowling. I used to go a lot in high school and I was pretty good I bowled about 215-220 most of time. However I really haven’t gone in a while now so I’m probably pretty awful now. Also in the summer, my family and I always go up to Michigan and go hunting and fishing.”
What influence has your family had on your baseball career?
“We have all been real big Buckeye supporters throughout. My dad and I used to play baseball in the backyard growing up. My mom would travel around with me to all my games and they would bring my two little brothers, Matt and Tim, along with them. Matt is a great baseball player and Tim is very good at football. My parents never pushed me though when it was time to pick a school. Ohio State was just a great fit for me and it was the place I always wanted to go to when I was growing up.”
Do think being an older bother has helped you become a leader in the club house?
“When I was back home, I’m not so sure if I was leading them more or less than I was bossing them around. Sometimes I think I was a little tough on them. Now, though, it is fun to teach them what I know and help raise them a little. I really enjoy teaching Matt what I know about baseball. Tim has really always been into football and I have really never had to help him out. He is really good about working things out himself. Leadership really comes from just being with the guys over the summer and just letting that carry over into the spring.”
Does your family come to a lot of your games?
“They come out all the time they come out as much as they can. When my brothers get done with practice or a game they come on over and watch me play. My dad coaches my brother Matt so sometimes for the bigger games, Matt’s practice might end a little early so they can make it to the stadium to see most of my game. I get really pumped up to see them in the stands. My mom and my grandparents make it to just about everyone of my games but when I see them in the stands it is all the motivation I need to go out there and do my best.”
