Big League Bobcat
Photo Courtesy of OU Athletics
When you think of Ohio University, what do you think of? Court Street? Parties? Baseball is probably one of the last things that cross your mind, wedged right between sobriety and flat land. Marc Krauss and his extended, polished piece of lumber (referred to by insiders as a “baseball bat”) are about to change that. After posting a batting average of .402, hitting 27 home runs, knocking in 70 runs and becoming the first player in OU baseball history to win Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, Krauss was drafted in the second round of the amateur baseball draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. We decided to catch up with the now former Bobcat on his transition to the Major Leagues, his difficult decision to leave Athens behind and the economic crisis—just kidding: the dude is stinking rich now.
How did it feel to be drafted?
Coming in, I had some expectations to go pretty high, based on what I had heard from different people, and I had a pretty good season. It was definitely a relief to hear my name. There had been so much hype and build-up at that point that I just kind of wanted to get it over with.
How early into your college career did you realize that you had a chance to be drafted?
It was always a dream. I didn’t realize it was a good possibility until I was done with my first full year at Ohio. I was a Freshman of the Year and also a Freshman All-American. I knew I had talent and the ability to play with the best of the best and that I had a chance professionally as well.
Was it difficult to balance academics and athletics?
It was. It was tough. You need to spend a lot of time on both. You’ve got to find that equilibrium and figure out what works best for you. It was tough, but everybody helps each other out on the team and the coaches were good at working things out. It wasn’t too tough, but it definitely wasn’t easy.
Have you met any of the current Diamondbacks?
I got a chance to meet most of the guys after I signed my contract. I got to take batting practice with the team before a game out here in Phoenix. It was a pretty surreal experience: being in a Major League clubhouse and being with all these guys that I had been watching on ESPN. They’re all pretty regular guys. They just told me to keep working hard so that I can get to that level.
How have you been adjusting to life on the road as a Minor Leaguer?
It’s different. You can’t really settle in too much. I was in South Bend and we’d play at home for a week then head out on the road for another week. So you’re pretty much just living out of a suitcase, which can get tough at times. It’s something you have to deal with. It’s definitely a different daily grind from when I was at Ohio, though.
Are you satisfied with your performance so far?
I adjusted pretty well—everything from starting my professional career to changing from metal bats to wooden bats and jumping on a team mid-season. Obviously the knee injury hit. It’s part of the game. It could’ve been worse. I’m focused on getting ready and getting healthy for 2010. But for my first season, I thought I did pretty well.
What will you miss most about Athens?
I love Athens just like everyone else. I’m going to miss everything. Luckily, I still have the chance to get back. I can go back for one more year sometime. I’ll be around in the off-season, visiting. I had a great three years there. They treated me well. And it was a lot of fun.