Going from the big man on campus to a freshman on the University of Michigan baseball team hasn’t always been easy for Michael McCormick.
Still, the 2003 Goodrich High School graduate is going through the normal ups and downs of a college freshman, and has a bright future ahead of him, according to Michigan coach Rich Maloney.
‘We’re getting his feet wet,? Maloney said. ‘Any time any of these kids comes to a school like Michigan, that has to be an eye-catcher. It’s competitive both academically and athletically.?
McCormick, a 6?5?, 185-lb. left-hander, has worked out of the bullpen in his freshman year. He said the biggest adjustment from high school to college is the full-time commitment players make at the college level.
‘We lift and throw in the off-season, every day of the year,? he said. ‘It was tough at first, but I’m getting the hang of it.?
When deciding where to attend college, McCormick said he also considered Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. He said he decided on Michigan because of the school’s coaching staff and educational opportunities.
Through Michigan’s April 18 game against Illinois, McCormick has appeared in eight games with a 1-1 record and an 8.10 earned run average. He has pitched 13 innings, allowing 17 hits, 14 runs (12 earned), walking five and striking out 10.
McCormick picked up his first career win April 7 against Eastern Michigan, throwing 1-1/3 innings in relief without allowing a run as the Wolverines defeated the Eagles 5-1.
For the season, Michigan is 18-14 overall and 7-5 in Big Ten Conference play.
The Wolverines are tied for second in the Big Ten with Minnesota, Penn State, and Michigan State, one game behind Ohio State (8-4 in conference play).
McCormick said his goals for the rest of the season are ‘to get stronger and get a few more wins under my belt.?
As with any college freshman, McCormick has had to balance academics with college life and extracurricular activities. So far, Maloney said McCormick, 19, has done a good job in that respect.
‘He’s structured himself real well,? Maloney said. ‘He has a great future. We’re glad he’s a part of our program.?
McCormick said two Michigan players in particular, senior Brandon Roberts and junior Mike Penn, have helped him make the transistion from high school to college a little easier.
‘They’ve made me feel relaxed,? he said.
McCormick is in the beginning stages of developing his pitching repertoire. Maloney said McCormick throws a good tailing fastball and has the makings of a good curveball, as well as a splitter and a changeup.
As McCormick gains more experience, he will learn to put things together on a game-in, game-out basis, Maloney said.
‘Consistency is the next stage for these kids,? he said.