In the Dugout with Rory Meister – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 9, 2006
Junior right-handed closer Rory Meister graduated from Mansfield Madison High School and now is in his second year as an Buckeye. Following his red-shirt freshman year in 2004, Meister made his first season on the field a great one. Last year, Meister led the Buckeyes with 26 relief appearances while finishing with an 8-2 record and a 2.11 ERA with four saves. At the end of last year, Meister shuffled in the bullpen from reliever to closer and won five games in eight days to close the regular season and into the Big Ten tournament. Now pitching in situations that he loves to be in, Meister is in great position to help the Buckeyes as much as possible. As he continues to improve on the mound, Meister promises to be a great clutch pitcher for the Buckeyes in years to come.
What are your goals this season?
“As a team, our goals are to capture the Big Ten championship. We got off to a good start and have won four conference series this season. We have a good team with nine guys always playing that want to win. I like our chances.”
What do you like to do off the field?
“I really enjoy playing golf on my days off. I spend most of my free time relaxing with friends and family.”
Were you a big Buckeye fan growing up?
“Yes, I was big fan when I was little. I was more into Ohio State than any major league team.”
Was that a big factor in attending Ohio State?
“Absolutely, Ohio State was my No. 1 choice and I was excited when I was presented with the opportunity to come here and play baseball.”
Now that you are at Ohio State, do you have any special pre-game rituals?
“On Big Ten weekends we like to sit around and listen to music. My big thing is to just try to stay relaxed. I really get going around the sixth inning. That’s when I start stretching and loosening up.”
As a student-athlete, do you find it difficult to balance academics and athletics?
“At first I did. My freshman year was the hardest. It is difficult to get used the lifestyle right off the bat. Time management has helped me the most. Now I am in my third year so I think I’m used to it by now.”
What is it like playing for head coach Bob Todd?
“He is a great coach to play for and is very business oriented. He is the winningest coach in Ohio State history for a reason. He definitely keeps everyone on their toes.”
You moved from reliever to closer. Are you comfortable with being a closer?
“When I came in I wanted to be a starter, which is what I was in high school. My first opportunity to pitch at Ohio State was as a reliever and it worked out well. I started closing at the end of last season and I love it. There is nothing like knowing you have to stop the other team from scoring in the ninth inning. I love playing under the pressure.”
