Jeremie Rehak knew that making the Ohio baseball team would be no easy task.
An unknown freshman out of Pittsburgh, Rehak realized that he was guaranteed nothing at winter tryouts.
I just decided to try out
Rehak said. I talked to (coach Joe Carbone) about tryouts but he never asked me to come try out.
Not only did Rehak manage to make the team as a walk on, but he has become a regular in the Ohio lineup and an integral part of the offense, a surprise for a player who did not expect to see much playing time entering the season.
I never thought that I would receive any playing at all and I just wanted to be part of the team
Rehak said. It's been an awesome experience
and I'm thankful for it.
Carbone said cases like Rehak's are rare and that a player like the freshman outfielder meshes well with the Bobcats' system.
He's been a pleasant surprise
Carbone said. He was an infielder in high school and we decided to make him an outfielder with his speed. For us
he was a fit because he's a left-handed guy who can run and hit at the top of the order.
Despite his surprisingly impressive play this season, Carbone added that he is not ready to enshrine Rehak in the hall of fame just yet.
Jeremie has a long way to go and has to improve
he said. He's a freshman
and he needs more time out there to work on his skills in the field.
Rehak said he has noticed a few areas of significant change from high school baseball that forced him to adapt his game.
I think the defense is a lot better
in high school I could beat out a lot of plays that I can't now
Rehak said. The pitching is also much faster and that has forced me to alter my swing with (assistant) coach (Scott) Malinowski.
Although he missed Wednesday's game against West Virginia with a sore foot
