Matt Case is a senior outfielder for the Venice baseball team. He was all-league last year, maintains a 3.5 GPA, and was even one of the senior princes at this year’s homecoming dance. Case talked about what he likes about baseball and his goals for the upcoming season.

-Oarsman: What would you change about baseball?

-Case: Nothing. Baseball as a sport is the nation’s pastime and except for the uniforms and equipment, baseball has stayed the same.

-Oarsman: What do you like about outfield compared to infield, pitcher, or catcher?

-Case: Outfield is the most important part of the field. It is the last line of defense and unless we play well, the game will be a long one. As an outfielder, we have the whole game in front of us and we need to keep it in front of us.

-Oarsman: What is your most embarrassing baseball moment?

-Case: One of my more embarrassing moments was when during scout league I lost a fly ball in the sun and went right by my head and over the fence for a home run. But I think my most embarrassing moment was last year during practice when I was running back on a fly ball and I ran into the light pole in right field. Someone is Cunningham Hall could have heard the noise that I made when I hit the pole.

-Oarsman: You were homecoming prince. How does that rank on your list of accomplishments in high school?

-Case: I don’t feel it was that big of a deal. I got lucky and won. It’s not very high on my list of accomplishments. Only four guys ran and three won, so let’s just say I’m glad I’m not that one guy.

-Oarsman: Whom do you idolize?

-Case: I idolize nobody. I am my own person and try to act like it. I admire people and learn from them, but I don’t try to be someone that I’m not.

-Oarsman: Do you have any superstitions?

-Case: No, not anymore. At one point last year I decided not to wash my under-armor, (a tight-fit long sleeve undershirt) but it started to smell really bad.

-Oarsman: What aspect of your playing ability do you wish you could improve?

-Case: My speed. Speed cannot be taught to any player. You might be able to get faster but speed is a God-given gift. I’m slow and it affects my whole game. The way I play defense is not as aggressive as it would be if I were faster. My offense is also hindered by my lack of speed. Speed opens up the game for a player and let’s just say my game isn’t open.

-Oarsman: Finally, what are your goals for the upcoming season?

-Case: Personally I want to mature as a player, but I am more concerned with the team. Last year we had a disappointing season (ineligible players, injuries) so this year I want to help the team get back to where it was two years ago, at the top.





-Interview by Graham Davis