At 17-7 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, the MSU baseball team is off to one of its best starts in recent memory, and first baseman Jeff Holm has had a large part in that early-season success.
Through 24 games, the left-handed senior out of St. Charles, Ill., is batting .396, good enough for second in the conference, and has driven in 23 runs.
Recently, The State News had a chance to talk with Holm about his time in East Lansing, his superstitious side and a variety of other topics.
State News: As one of the few seniors on the team, what does it feel like knowing this is your last go-around at MSU?
Jeff Holm: It hasn’t really hit me yet, and it probably won’t until that last series. It’s definitely in the back of my mind, but hasn’t really hit me. It’s pretty crazy to know this is it, though.
SN: You and senior outfielder Brandon Eckerle started off hot this season. Do you think you saved your best for last?
JH: I certainly hope so. I don’t wanna have any regrets; I’m just going to work as hard as I can and do the best I can. That’s what everyone wants to do, and it looks really positive for all of us.
SN: Looking back on your time here, what has been your favorite part about playing at MSU?
JH: Probably the downtime off the field hanging out with the guys. Even the bus rides — those seven-hour bus rides. They’re long and arduous, but I’m riding the bus with my friends and family. It doesn’t get any better than that
SN: A player’s intro song before at-bats usually is a big deal to that player in baseball. What is yours and how did you choose that song?
JH: My song is “Smile” by Slim Thug. I used it this summer and I did really well, so I stuck with it to hopefully get some of that success to carry over.
SN: Baseball players also are known for being very superstitious. Do you have any superstitions when playing?
JH: I have a ton. I don’t know where to begin.
SN: How about before and during an at-bat?
JH: Before at-bats I can’t put my helmet on until I’m in the hole, and I can’t put my gloves on until I’m on deck.
SN: Who was your favorite player growing up?
JH: Ken Griffey Jr., because he did it all. He can run, he can hit, he can throw. He just did everything, so he was definitely my favorite.
SN: What do you hope to accomplish individually and as a team in your last season with the Spartans?
JH: Personally, I don’t really care as far as stats go. I just want one of those rings and to celebrate that with my team. We’re always told that if we win that Big Ten championship, we’ll be remembered 10-20 years from now, so we’re all just working toward that.
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