Ronnie Dawson used to “run to the ball,” using his natural speed and glove in order to just make a play. Today, the Ohio State left fielder times and tracks the flight path in an effort to make the smartest and most effective move. When it comes to awareness and technique, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior has developed extraordinary skills comparable to those of a player with much more experience — and he’s done it in just three years, earning a starring role with the Big Ten Tournament-champion Buckeyes in the process. “I didn’t play a lot of high-level baseball when I was younger, even through high school, I didn’t play in the Under Armour Game… I didn’t do any of that,” said Dawson, who had a tournament-record 15 hits and six doubles during a marathon run through Omaha this past weekend. “I played football, went to football camps. “But then you know, Coach (Greg) Beals and (assistant) Coach (Mike) Stafford, they saw me and they took a chance on me. I was real raw, and they developed me.” Listening to their instructions has worked well for Dawson, who is absolutely one to watch heading into the College World Series regionals. “That’s why I am the player I am today,” said Dawson, who hit a crucial home run against Michigan State and scored the winning run during Ohio State’s 8-7 title-game win over Iowa. [embedded content] To date, Dawson has started 56 times this season. Before then, he started in each of the Buckeyes’ 55 games in 2015 and started 53 times as a freshman in 2014. Baseball wasn’t always the plan for Dawson, though. Once upon a time, he tore up fields as a linebacker, running back and tight end for Licking Heights in Grove City, Ohio…
Continue Reading: Ronnie Dawson was meant for Ohio State baseball
