Michigan State University Athletics
Talking With Outfielder Ryan Basham
5/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 17, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Sophomore outfielder, Ryan Basham, has almost completed his second full season at State. Last year, the Lowell Ind., native hit .297 with 27 RBI in 56 games with 53 starts in left field. He also earned Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors. This season, Basham has started in every game for the Spartans and leads the team in batting with a .359 average and 37 RBI. He is also ranked among the Big Ten leaders in home runs with seven so far this year.
The Spartans travel to Central Michigan on Tuesday, May 17 to take on the Chippewas at 3 p.m.
Q. What did you think has helped you perform so well this season?
A. Just working on every aspect of my game during the summer and fall months.
Q. What was the highlight of the season for you?
A.I would say Ohio State weekend because it was a huge series for us. We picked up our first series win in the Big Ten. It was especially nice going to Ohio State and winning there because it doesn't happen very often.
Q. Is there any thing you think about or any rituals you do before you bat?
A. I take the same amount of warm up swings, but nothing psychotic or anything.
Q. Do you ever get pressure to live up to your last name, Basham?
A.It was never that big of a deal until I came here. Every time I am mentioned now, everyone says it is a great name for baseball.
Q. Do you being such a young team has helped you or hurt you this season?
A.In the future it is going to help us because everyone has been there now. We might have won a few more games if we had a couple older guys this year, but in the long run it's going to be good for us.
Q.How long have you been playing baseball?
A.Even before I started playing organized ball, since I was about three years old. Mostly my brother Doug taught me.
Q.What is the most embarrassing moment you have had during a game?
A.During a game, when I was 14 or 15, I was on second base and there was a ground ball hit. The second baseman and the shortstop had told me that it was a foul ball, so I started walking back and they tagged me out.
Q.Why did you choose to come to MSU?
A.I really like it up here at Michigan State. I like the campus and all the guys on the team. Plus it's fun having the opportunity to play baseball in the Big Ten.
Q. What is your greatest fear?
A.The day I stop playing baseball.
Q. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?
A.To play major league baseball.
