April 11, 2010
Junior catcher Ben Heath was the feature player in the March 26-28 game program against Hofstra. The Johnny Bench Award candidate covers a number of bases in this short Q&A. Check back all season long as different Penn State baseball players continue to "cover the bases."
Why did you choose Penn State?
BH: I came to Penn State for the opportunity to play for a distinguished school in a premier conference, both athletically and academically. The athletic facilities at Penn State are second to none and were definitely a big part in my decision to play for PSU. Finally, just the career opportunities that come with graduating from Penn State are endless.
Three years into your collegiate career, what is your favorite thing about the university and baseball program? Why?
BH: My favorite part about Penn State is competing in intercollegiate athletics. The experience of playing all over the country against some of the best competition in the nation has been incredible. Seeing different universities and playing in parts of the country that I have never been before has left me with a lot of good memories.
How special was it to play so close to home last weekend in South Carolina? Was that the closest to home you've played while at Penn State?
BH: Playing close to home at Winthrop was a special weekend for me. It was the closest I have ever played to my hometown of Charlotte and it was a series that I had been looking forward to all year. It was a great experience to play with so much support from family and friends who made the trip down to watch us play and support the team. Plus, there was a Penn State Alumni association from South Carolina that made the trip for the Winthrop game on Saturday night. It felt as if Penn State had more fans there than Winthrop did, which is just a testament to the great fans and alumni of Penn State.
What was your reaction when you heard you were named to the Johnny Bench Award watch list?
BH: It was an honor to be named to the Johnny Bench Award watch list. There are some great catchers around the country and it's an honor to be mentioned on the same watch list.
How do you mentality prepare for a big game or series?
BH: How I prepare for big games and weekends is just to have fun. All of us have been playing baseball since we were young and it's still the same fun game that we played as kids. Obviously there is a lot of preparation that goes into playing sports, with the practices and workouts during the week as well as the scouting reports. But when it comes down to it and it's time to play, I just go out there and relax, have fun and let your hard work and ability take over.