Wolverine Q&A: Eric Jacobson
2/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Senior Eric Jacobson had a big hand in the University of Michigan baseball team's first win of the season, a 5-3, 10-inning win over Long Beach State on Sunday (Feb. 15). Jacobson drove in two runs in the fourth inning, giving the Maize and Blue an early 3-0 advantage. He also made some nice plays at shortstop to keep the Dirtbags off the scoreboard. Jacobson talks about the excitement of playing the first weekend, his contributions to Sunday's win and balancing school and baseball while travelling in the early part of the schedule.
On the excitement of playing their first series in Long Beach ... "We've had that first day marked on our calendars from fall ball to winter practice. It was definitely a big moment for all of us to step on the field and have that experience of being outdoors for the first time after being in Oosterbaan. That's what we worked for, so it was exciting."
On transitioning from second base to shortstop midway through the series ... "I was a shortstop in high school, and I also played a little bit last year behind Travis (Maezes) to start the season so I had some experience there. This year I didn't have much time at short, so before we headed to Long Beach I took some reps to get a feel for the position. For the most part, the transition was more about gaining confidence and having the mentality of helping the pitchers out."
On what advice the upperclassmen gave to freshmen before first game ... "We had full confidence in those guys. They showed great composure. They stepped up when we needed them to. Whether it was playing hard-nose defense or getting a timely hit, they were ready. We told them that and it showed on the field this last weekend."
On his big two-RBI single in the fourth inning on Sunday ... "The way the series went, our first two games were a big weight off the shoulders. Taking the lead and getting a big timely hit set the table for other people to do well. It was a big hit to get the mojo back."
On balancing being a student and playing upcoming series on the road ... "We are only in school about three days out of the week, so we have to utilize these days to the best of our ability. On the road you find time in the airport and hotel rooms or flying back on Sunday nights. It takes good time management and a focus on what needs to get done. It's not easy, but it gets done."
Communications Contact: Kent Reichert (734) 763-4423
