In the Dugout with Ronnie Bourquin – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 22, 2006
Ronnie Bourquin had a frustrating season last year. While sliding into first to avoid a tag during game three with Illinois the opening Big Ten series of the year, the Canton, Ohio, native broke a bone in his left thumb. The injury sidelined him for 11 games, something he had not anticipated. Now that he is back at full-strength, Bourquin has been making up for the aggravating season in spades. The Big Ten’s leading hitter, Bourquin is making a case to become the Big Ten Player of the Year with his .426 batting average, 80 hits and 58 RBI. With sights set for both Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and a trip to an NCAA regional, the junior third baseman puts team goals ahead of individual accomplishments.
Last season you sat out a string of games with an injury to your thumb. How has that changed the way you play?
“Last year was a frustrating year for me. It was tough to sit there through the 10 or so games I missed and not be able to get out there. I did not get to have the season I was expecting to have. So, when it was time to get ready for this season, I really wanted to get out there and prove myself. I wanted to show that I could play third base here and get the job done.”
How is this year’s team different from the teams you have played with previously?
“This is the most unique team I have ever played on. I have never been on a team were everyone gets a long so well. We all know how to joke around with each other but when things need to be said, we all can say them. Nobody gets offended when we say things either. We all just work together and I think that will help us go far.”
What is it like living with three of your teammates?
“I live with three guys from the team: Adam Schneider, Chris Macke and Jonathan Zizzo. It’s great. I’ve lived with them for two years now. I get to go home everyday and have fun with these guys. It’s great to have people who play with you and understand everything. It’s been great.”
What are your goals for the team and yourself this season?
“First and foremost we want to win the Big Ten regular season title. From that point, we would like to move onto winning the Big Ten tournament. Hopefully, we will get into a regional and then move onto super regionals. Obviously, a goal is to make it to the College World Series. For myself, I want to go out everyday and try to be consistent in my play and do the best job that I can to help make the team goals a possibility.”
What do you think of earning individual accolades, like Big Ten Player of the Week?
“Everyone enjoys getting recognition for their personal performance. For me, that is not as important. I always want to see the team succeed before I do. The recognition is always nice, though.”
Has third base always been the position you wanted to play?
“When I was younger, I used to play a bunch of different positions. I would switch between pitcher, short stop and third base. In high school I just began playing short stop and third and then eventually it was just third base. Third really is my favorite position to play, it is definitely the best spot for me.”
Entering the final weeks of the season, have you made any plans for the summer?
“I will play summer baseball, although I’m not sure where yet. Summer baseball is fun because it is a little more laid back and you have the chance to meet other players from around the country. I’ll be working, too.”
During summer baseball your teammates are usually your opposition during the college season, is it difficult to put aside your differences?
“No. When you start playing with the other guys you start to earn each other’s respect. It makes the games during the regular season fun, too. Whenever you know the guys on the other team it makes the game fun. It gives you a competitive edge and makes you want to outperform the other team even more.”
Next season will be your final season as a Buckeye, how do you think your role and outlook will change?
“Well, this year I became a junior and on this team anyone that has three or four years with the team is expected to pick up a leadership role. Next year, I think I will be looked upon in a leadership role both on and off the field. I think I am a little verbal and non-verbal in my leadership skills. If there are things that need to be said, I am okay standing up and saying them. I think I lead by example as well.”
