Writing the Pine

Recently, we were able to interview Ross Ohlendorf, starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and former Princeton University standout.  Let’s pop into the dugout and see what he had to say:

WtP: According to your Wiki Bio, you’ve been nicknamed “Mr. Wonderful.” How did this come about and do you have any other nicknames? In fact, if you could change anything about your Wiki biography, what would it be?

RO: Haha, funny you should ask. The Colorado Rockies announcers said that was my nickname when I was pitching against them a couple of weeks ago. I’m not sure where they got that, but it was the first time I had heard of the wrestler and the nickname. I think they may have confused me with Dodgers pitcher Justin Orenduff, but I am just guessing. So if I were to change something it would be to remove that. My nickname in college was Boss, and now my primary nicknames are Dorf and Ohley.

WtP: You made your major league debut on September 11th, 2007 for the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. I was actually watching that game. You’re on the mound wearing your road-grays pitching for the New York Yankees. If I’m not mistaken, Lyle Overbay steps up to the plate. Describe that moment. How did it feel to make it to The Show?

RO: We got to a big lead early in the game, so I figured there was a good chance I would get in at some point. The bullpen phone rang for the first time in the 5th inning and I had a serious rush of butterflies. The butterflies reemerged each time the phone rang afterward, though they weren’t as strong. By the time they finally told me I was going to pitch the 9th inning they were pretty much gone. I still had a lot of adrenaline for that inning though and I certainly won’t forget the way it went. It was extra special to make my debut on September 11th for the Yankees.

WtP: Baseball players are known to be superstitious. From pre-game eating habits to stepping over foul lines to wearing odd clothing during games. Do you have any superstitions or routines before a start?

RO: I get to the field relatively early on days I start. I usually pass the time playing cards when I first get there and then reading as it gets closer to game time. I start getting ready to pitch (hot tub, stretching and active warm-ups) about an hour and 15 minutes before first pitch. I also like to eat salmon and spinach for lunch before night games, though it isn’t always possible on the road.

WtP: With the exception John Grabow, every pitcher on the Pittsburgh Pirates is under 30 years old. How much of an effect does youth have on a pitching staff? And what difference, if any has new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan had on the pitching staff? Have you changed your approach in any way? (The Pirates have gone from 28th in the majors in ERA last year to 12th so far this year.)

RO: It is always nice to have some veterans on the team to learn from. I was fortunate to have a great opportunity in New York to observe some of the best and most veteran pitchers in the game. Even though we have a young team, there are still guys that are great to watch. Paul Maholm and Zach Duke are two in particular that have helped me to improve. Joe Kerrigan has been tremendous, both for me personally and our team as a whole. I developed a relationship with him in 2007 when he was the Yankees bullpen coach and was excited when I heard we had hired him to be the pitching coach this offseason. He does a great job identifying times when I am getting out of touch with my most sound mechanics and helps me get back on track, especially between starts. More importantly though, he has taught me a great deal about reading hitters throughout an at-bat to determine which pitch to throw next. This was a weakness of mine coming into the season and it is starting to become a strength thanks in large part to Joe.

WtP: In a recent piece on our blog which asked our staff to pick current or former athletes they would bring on a trip to Vegas (inspired by the movie, The Hangover), you were named along with Charles Barkley, Jason Giambi, and other athletes. First, how do you feel about this “honor”? And secondly, who would you bring with you on a trip to Vegas?

RO: Haha, well I am guessing that they think I am good at blackjack. I have to admit I don’t play it much though so probably wouldn’t be too helpful… Barkley sounds like a good pick to me.

WtP: Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions Ross.  And good luck the rest of the season.

(Author’s Note: FTP would like to thank his buddy, D.R. for setting up this interview with Ross Ohlendorf.  Secondly, he’d like to thank Ross for taking the time to answer some questions.  We at Writingthepine.com really appreciate his candid responses and understand that his time is valuable, especially in the midst of pitching this gem against the pre-season favorites to win the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs.   We take full credit for his 7 innings / 8 K’s of shutout ball.  Just kidding.)

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