Not many people can say they are one of only nine people in the country at any given thing. But Ohio outfielder Matt Stiffler can.
During halftime of Tuesday's Bowling Green-Ohio basketball game, Stiffler received the American Baseball Coaches Association Rawlings Gold Glove trophy for not committing a single error last year.
It's a great honor
Stiffler said. Only nine people in the nation won it so it's just a sweet award to win and I'm happy to take it.
Stiffler and the rest of the Bobcats head to Charleston, S.C. this weekend to take on Charleston Southern University in a three-game series to open the 2008 season.
I know nothing about (Charleston Southern)
catcher Chris Klimko said. I just want to go down there
(win) a few and start the season off strong.
Last year, Ohio had a mediocre year, finishing with a 23-31 record. But pitcher Matt Smith feels they have all the pieces they need to win this year.
We need to put it all together (this year)
Smith said. Last year
we'd hit well and not pitch well
pitch well and not hit well
so if we put it all together this year
we'll be all right.
Ohio's offense was a major strength for the team last year, averaging 6.8 runs per game. Ohio players feel that offense will be a strength for them again this year.
Our hitters are some of the best you can find in the conference
Klimko said.
With 12 freshmen, led by the power-hitting Robert Maddox III, Ohio will be an inexperienced team with a lot to prove.
Our freshmen are good
