Mike Assmann has never had a lot to say about his game.
He lets the wins do the talking.
Cortland's freshman pitcher has carried his high school success over to the next level, compiling a 5-0 record with an 4.76 ERA this season for the 38-3 Red Dragons.
The former Auburn High School standout will learn this morning whether he made Cortland's postseason roster for the Division III Regionals, which begin today at Falcon Park.
The Red Dragons earned the top seed and will play No. 8 Grove City at 1 p.m.
While his ERA is a bit high for his liking, nobody can argue with the results.
“I was quite happy with the amount of innings I was given,” Assmann said. “But I wasn't too pleased with the way I pitched. The good thing though is that we won and that's all that matters.”
And winning is something the Red Dragons are quite familiar with. They currently have a 34-game winning streak and will try to improve upon that by the end of the tournament.
“It's exciting to be a part of the winning streak,” Assmann said. “No other school in New York State can win as consistently as we can. I think it's the best baseball program in New York State right now.” His support doesn't just come from his teammates around him, but also from his parents and family. His grandparents, Ron and Pauline Tucker, just so happened to live in Arizona where he picked up his first collegiate win over Dickinson on March 14.
“It was exciting to see them watching me pitch,” Assmann said.
“We get a lot of support from all of the parents. They all cook us food after the games. It's something special to be a part of.”
And returning home, to the stadium where he played varsity baseball, is expected to be a memorable experience.
“It's weird I guess,” Assmann said. “It's going to be different, I know that. I don't have much information as to whether I will be on the team or not - it's something I will find out before game time.”
If he does so happen to make the team, the support will definitely be from the fans. Whether it's from family, friends, former teammates or loyal Auburn baseball supporters, one thing is sure for Assmann.
“It brings extra pressure to know everyone is watching you,” he said. “But it won't bother me. I just go out there and do my thing. It's not going to change the game situation or anything.”
While Cortland is having success 40 miles away, Assmann is aware of the success of the current Auburn baseball team, which clinched a share of the division title Monday.
“It's nice to see (head coach T.J.) Gamba is getting the program shaped the way he wants,” Assmann said. “It will be a success when all is said and done.”
At Cortland, Assmann is fitting right in with his new teammates, just as he did in Auburn.
“There is no hazing or anything that goes on,” Assmann said. “Obviously there's a few seniors that are higher up, but other then that we are all equal. We (freshman) might have to carry a few bags, but nothing too out of the blue.”
As always, if he is called to pitch this week, Assmann will be ready. And if he is handed the ball, he will only have one thing on his mind - winning.
“I just hope our success continues in the future,” Assmann said. “I will do whatever is needed to make sure that it does.”
If you go
What: NCAA Division III Baseball Regionals
When: Today, first game begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Falcon Park
Tickets: $3 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens
Cortland's freshman pitcher has carried his high school success over to the next level, compiling a 5-0 record with an 4.76 ERA this season for the 38-3 Red Dragons.
The former Auburn High School standout will learn this morning whether he made Cortland's postseason roster for the Division III Regionals, which begin today at Falcon Park.
The Red Dragons earned the top seed and will play No. 8 Grove City at 1 p.m.
While his ERA is a bit high for his liking, nobody can argue with the results.
“I was quite happy with the amount of innings I was given,” Assmann said. “But I wasn't too pleased with the way I pitched. The good thing though is that we won and that's all that matters.”
And winning is something the Red Dragons are quite familiar with. They currently have a 34-game winning streak and will try to improve upon that by the end of the tournament.
“It's exciting to be a part of the winning streak,” Assmann said. “No other school in New York State can win as consistently as we can. I think it's the best baseball program in New York State right now.” His support doesn't just come from his teammates around him, but also from his parents and family. His grandparents, Ron and Pauline Tucker, just so happened to live in Arizona where he picked up his first collegiate win over Dickinson on March 14.
“It was exciting to see them watching me pitch,” Assmann said.
“We get a lot of support from all of the parents. They all cook us food after the games. It's something special to be a part of.”
And returning home, to the stadium where he played varsity baseball, is expected to be a memorable experience.
“It's weird I guess,” Assmann said. “It's going to be different, I know that. I don't have much information as to whether I will be on the team or not - it's something I will find out before game time.”
If he does so happen to make the team, the support will definitely be from the fans. Whether it's from family, friends, former teammates or loyal Auburn baseball supporters, one thing is sure for Assmann.
“It brings extra pressure to know everyone is watching you,” he said. “But it won't bother me. I just go out there and do my thing. It's not going to change the game situation or anything.”
While Cortland is having success 40 miles away, Assmann is aware of the success of the current Auburn baseball team, which clinched a share of the division title Monday.
“It's nice to see (head coach T.J.) Gamba is getting the program shaped the way he wants,” Assmann said. “It will be a success when all is said and done.”
At Cortland, Assmann is fitting right in with his new teammates, just as he did in Auburn.
“There is no hazing or anything that goes on,” Assmann said. “Obviously there's a few seniors that are higher up, but other then that we are all equal. We (freshman) might have to carry a few bags, but nothing too out of the blue.”
As always, if he is called to pitch this week, Assmann will be ready. And if he is handed the ball, he will only have one thing on his mind - winning.
“I just hope our success continues in the future,” Assmann said. “I will do whatever is needed to make sure that it does.”
If you go
What: NCAA Division III Baseball Regionals
When: Today, first game begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Falcon Park
Tickets: $3 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens
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