Spring Break
Coming full circle
Mike Lissman has returned to his freshman form after becoming a role player the previous season
Casey Grogan
Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Sports
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"Every year one guy comes out of nowhere," senior outfielder Mike Lissman said. "That's just how baseball is."
During the OSU first run at Omaha, first baseman Andy Jenkins lit up the stat book and performed at a high level. Last season Chris Kunda played so well at second base the Pac-10 created an award to give to him. This season Lissman looks to be having his breakout season, proving an extra year of polishing can make these Beaver athletes just a little bit better.
"Hopefully it is just the time spent," coach Pat Casey said. "Just putting in the work and getting better every year. We have a program that allows guys the time and ability to do that. The numbers he has put up are really strong, he's done an incredible job in leftfield and as a leader."
Lissman played his high school ball at Ontario High School in Eastern Oregon. As a senior, Lissman had a big year hitting .529 and 10 home runs on his way to an All-State selection. His success translated into a chance to play Pac-10 baseball at Oregon State.
"One of the reasons I chose Oregon State was the small town atmosphere," Lissman said. "Little college town is more of my setting. It was a change playing on a field like this from a field where you have to chase the cows off it before the game."
The hot streak Lissman had in his final year at Ontario continued in his first year as a Beaver. The freshman earned a starting spot by hitting .349 and eight home runs.
The fast start gave Lissman confidence, confidence which was added to the following year when the vocal young outfielder was named a co-captain.
"Even my freshman year I was a very vocal person," Lissman said. "That is just the kind of person I am. Leaders are just born, I guess. My most important role is as a leader and keeping these guys together. Mitch (Canham) and I are the vocal guys so that is our role."
As a sophomore, Lissman was asked to be a leader for Oregon State and its upperclassmen. Despite a decline in offensive numbers, Lissman remained as a starting outfielder as the Beavers went to the College World Series for the first time since 1952.
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