Rock is on a roll
Craig Peters, The Reflector
Sunday rain delayed outfielder Iyhia McMichal’s chance to break MSU’s hit streak record. The all-American is hitting .454 with 12 homers.
The Reflector: You had been here with the same coach for two years before a coaching change occurred prior to this season. What was that like?
Iyhia McMichael: It was a big adjustment. He (coach Jay Miller) knows so much about the game. We had so much to learn and in a short period of time.
R What were the biggest changes?
IM: The little things: base running, bunting the runner over from first to second, nothing too big, but things that really help our team out.
R What are your thoughts about tying a team-record hitting streak at 24 games Saturday?
IM: I never really know how good I’m doing because I never check. But that’s a good accomplishment.
R I noticed you draw a cross in the dirt and have Destiny’s Child music played before each at bat. What other rituals do you have in that batter’s box?
IM: Basically, keeping my mind focused on God and knowing that everything is in his hands. Everything we do is centered around God. In the box, my focus is seeing the ball (as early as possible), hitting it, and doing my job as the three-hole hitter. Timing is everything–keeping your weight back and then exploding through the ball.
R I read that in Thursday’s game you hit a ball that was estimated at 305 feet. Describe seeing a ball hit by you clear the fence like that.
IM: I didn’t know it was that far, but it was a good feeling off the bat. I didn’t feel like I swung very hard. Each time I go up to bat, it’s a different challenge.
R Is that the farthest you’ve ever hit one?
IM: I’m not exactly sure, but I bet that one is up there.
R You recently shared National Player of the Week honors. Is that what you are most proud of? If not, what is?
IM: I am most proud of the role that I play on the team. There’s so much more off the field that I try to keep up with like being involved in the community and making sure that I talk to the fans and being there for the little kids.
R Your teammates call you ‘Rock.’ Where and when did this come from?
IM: It started last year in the weight room. Our strength coach (Richard Akins) always jokes with me about the amount of weight that I lift and started calling me Rock because we work hard in the weight room. It stuck and I named my dog Rock.
R I heard that Coach Miller allows the team to decide on tournament locations. What is that like to have input on where you go?
IM: It was cool we he told us that all the rising seniors would decide where we would go. I think there are four (McMichael, Waterman, senior Jennifer Nelson, and freshman Callye Williams) of us from Texas, so we are gonna get to go home and play in front of family and friends.