Posted 2/26/08
UW-Platteville's Jay Lindner is a senior pitcher from Iowa-Grant High School. He and his Pioneer baseball teammates are schedule to open the 2008 season Saturday and Sunday just outside of St. Louis in the Webster University tournament.
With the winter we've had, how much are you looking forward to getting outside and playing baseball?
"Every week we get closer to St. Louis for our first trip, it gets to be more and more of a challenge to stay focused while inside. With this last storm, it seems like we are never going to get there. With nine seniors, we are very deep in leadership. We've done a lot to keep the younger guys focused and stay headed towards the goals we've set for ourselves."
What are those goals?
"We don't have actual goals in that 'we want this or that.' We want to be competitive for one, and we want to improve upon those things we didn't do well last year. We lost a lot of close games, especially in conference. We just want to improve and hopefully get to the conference playoffs."
Is it easier this spring training, knowing that the new field is ready and having Coach Eric Frese for a second season? Last year at this time, you were not even sure you could play on the new field.
"Last year was a lot of stress, especially with the field. This year, instead of wondering if we have one, we're just wondering when we're going to get on it. We're going to have to do some shoveling, but that's baseball in Wisconsin. As far as coach goes, we all know him a lot better, and he knows us. He knows what he can expect from us."
What kind of role do you see for yourself? Last year you closed some games, recording three saves.
"My position has always been to do whatever I can do to help the team. If that means coach thinks I'm going to do really well as a closer in conference games, give me the ball. I'm more than happy to do that. If he thinks I would be better starting, I'll do whatever I can to excel as a starter. As far as personal goals, I just want to make sure we leave the program better than when we came, heading in a direction where the Platteville Pioneers are not one of those teams where people can come in and take three of four. We want to be right up there with the Whitewater's and Oshkosh's."
What would be your career highlight?
"One of them is as a freshman when (then) Coach (Jamie) Sailors brought me in to face Brady Endl (of UW-Whitewater), who would later be drafted by the Atlanta Braves. At the time, coach called the pitches, so I didn't have much control over that, but I gave him three pitches, and Endl went back to the dugout. I always like to remember that one. I don't throw very hard, and even if I only make it to the Home Talent League, I can always say 'at least I struck out a kid who played somewhere in the pros.' The other one would be my first collegiate save, which came on spring break last season."
What would you like to do after graduation?
"Planning a wedding, for one. As far as baseball, I'm going to play Home Talent League, and I don't expect any more than that. I'm going to get my degree and hopefully get a job with Trelay Seed Company. I have my internship with them this summer."
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson