Editor’s Note: Freshman Jett Bandy has made a name for himself in baseball circles around the Pacific 10 Conference as a talented player, but after collapsing during Friday night’s game and somehow still managing to play on Sunday he has officially become one of the toughest guys in the conference. The versatile freshman spoke with Daily Wildcat’s Tim Kosch to discuss his frequent body cramps and the future of the team.
Daily Wildcat: You’re a freshman, but you’ve played a huge role. How have you handled it?
Bandy: I’ve played pretty well. I just go out there and do the best I can everyday. I work hard, and good things happen when you work hard.
Especially hitting third in the lineup, is there any extra pressure?
No, I’m all right with it. I mean, I feel confident and I like hitting in that spot.
You’re starting at third base, but you’re listed as a catcher.
I’ve always felt catcher is my natural position, but I’ve always played third as well. I’m just trying to help the team out and the best spot for me to do that is at third. Maybe in a year or two I would like to move back to catcher.
How about the team this year?
It’s been a roller coaster ride, but I mean, it shows a lot that we’ve turned it around. We could’ve thrown it in the bag but we turned it around showed our character.
On Friday you were running out a groundball and you just froze, looked down, and collapsed. It looked terrible, but then you’re in the lineup on Sunday. What happened?
My abs down my whole body just cramped. I cramp up a muscle here and there a lot, but I always stretch it out and drink water to get rid of it. But never in my whole life had I had that, it was weird. I thought I was paralyzed. I felt really light headed the next day but on Sunday I woke up and felt great.
Do you like the U of A?
I really do. I’ve made some great friends on the team and its a real good school and atmosphere.
What, other than the obvious things, do you like most?
The girls, definitely.
Who’s your favorite kid on the team?
Dillon Baird. I call him my big brother because everyone says we look alike. We’re like best buds. Me and him are the funnier guys on the team.
Is there a side to head coach Andy Lopez that most people don’t know?
There are some days where there’s a different side. He just does not like losing and hasn’t been in this position very much in his career so I’m sure anyone would have a different side to him during rough times.
Is this team dead, or is there still life?
Still some life. We swung the bat unbelievably well this weekend. We just have to continue that on Tuesday and Wednesday and again this weekend.
