Hayden Johnston sat down with The Post's Dylan Scott to talk about everything from hitting behind Marc Krauss to spring fests. Injuries hampered the senior from Strattanville, Pa., early in his career. He broke his wrist as a sophomore and took the field just 27 times in 2008. But he's back with a purpose this season, starting every game and batting behind the leadoff combo of Gauntlett Eldemire and Marc Krauss. He is second on the Bobcats with a .396 average at the plate and has pelted a team-high 16 doubles to go with eight home runs.
The Post: How good does it feel to be back in action after a rough go-around last season?
Hayden Johnston: I knew I was capable. I worked with my coaches during the off-season and tried to get back to the basics - back to what I first learned when I started playing baseball: hitting, throwing, everything.
Post: What's it like batting behind arguably the most intimidating hitter in the Mid-American Conference, Marc Krauss?
Johnston: I don't know if it makes it any easier. It's good, though, because they have to pitch to me if they pitch around Marc and Gauntlett. Can't put me on base. It's been a pleasure.
Post: How do these constant rainouts affect the team? Have you guys learned to deal with it?
Johnston: We all want to get out and play, but the juniors and seniors have seen a lot of rain. You can't get too hyped up over midweek games. We've got to be ready at all times, but stay on an even keel.
Post: Who's the biggest personality on the team? Who breaks the tension if coach Joe Carbone isn't happy or the team just had a rough inning?
Johnston: Kevin Mementowski. He always gets a smile out of everybody. You need that looseness in the dugout. You can't worry too much, and you've got to have fun.
Post: What's your pump-up song before you step in the batter's box? Why'd you pick it?
Johnston: Right now, I've got Brooks and Dunn's Boot Scootin' Boogie. I tried rap and hard rock before, and it just didn't do it for me. So, I decided I'd go with country this year and it's working pretty well so far.
Post: Baseball pretty much rules out the spring festivals. Do you ever wish you could skip a weekend series and trek out to SixFest with the rest of the students?
Johnston: That's something we knew about when we came here. It might be nice to get out with everybody, but we love playing baseball. That's what we're here for. I think we'd all rather be at Bob Wren Stadium.
2 Sports
Dylan Scott
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Ohio infielder Hayden Johnston throws the ball across the diamond during the Bobcats
