Posted 03/30/07
UW-Platteville's Jerod Haxton is the Pioneers' starting shortstop. The junior from Elkhorn hit his first career home run--at any level--in UWP's 7-3 victory over Tri-State (Ind.) March 17.
It had been 691 days between home games, but Saturday and Sunday you play on the new Kendall Murray Field against UW-Stevens Point. How is it going to feel to play back in Platteville?
"It will be great to have our fans here and to not ride on a bus. It will be nice to get a home-field advantage because we will have played on it and don't have to worry about getting used to new surfaces all the time. It's beautiful, and the setup is perfect. There's a lot of room for fans. It's going to be pretty sweet to play on."
How is the season going so far?
"We've been a little inconsistent. The second game of the season, we put up 15 runs and really showed our capabilities, hitting and pitching-wise. After that, we've had at least a two-run lead in nine of the 10 games (winning four). We're a young team, with just one senior, so we need to learn how to close out the games. It's still early, and we're getting into the swing of things. It's not great, but it's a start."
You've switched positions from second base to shortstop. What kind of difference is that?
"It's a big difference. I played shortstop last summer to get ready. I'm more of a utility player, and second base is my main position. Shortstop is kind of a captain of the infield, if you will, and I kind of like that role. I have more experience than anybody else (in the infield). There are different moves than second base. I have to charge the ball and get rid of it faster. I'm still learning it."
Another new thing is your power stroke, hitting your first collegiate triple and home run in the same game. What was that like?
"I don't even look at the fences when we get to the park, like some guys do. I just go out and try and hit the ball. Coach (Eric) Frese's hitting philosophy has really clicked with me about working deep into the count. I had two strikes against a lefty and he threw a curveball. People say when they hit home runs, it's like they never feel it on their bats. I hit it but couldn't locate the ball right away. It just kept flying, and I was like 'no way!' " I didn't even see it go out because I was running. I tried to be a professional about it and not grin, but by the time I rounded second I had the biggest grin on my face.It was my one home run that I'll probably take to my grave with me."
Saturday begins Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with UW-Stevens Point. Where do you see the Pioneers?
"When we get into conference play we're going to have to have a totally different mind-sets. Last year, we got beat pretty bad by Stevens Point last year, by the 10-run rule. There's no way those teams should be 10 runs better than us. It's all in our minds. It seems like when we play the Whitewaters and Stevens Points, we're playing the names of the front of their jerseys. I think we have come out early against Stevens Point and play well early to set a tone. We have to show that we can compete this year, no matter who we play against."
What is your major and future plans?
"I'm a business administration major with an emphasis in business management. Last summer I worked for my dad at Dean Foods in sales management. I'd like to get into management and open my own business someday. Obviously something I enjoy and have a passion for is sports, so maybe open a sports outlet store or something like that and see where it takes me."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson