Senior Spotlight: Andrew Habecker

On and Off the Diamond is no stranger to flipping switches, but what happens when an individual is asked to flip a switch that completely alters his role and value to his team? For an answer to this question, we turn our attention to SR Andrew Habecker. Andy who hails from Pittsford, NY is the son of former Yellow Jacket baseball player, Ron Habecker. After his first two seasons on campus, in which he racked up 25 appearances, 50 innings pitched and 2 wins all out of the Jacket bullpen - Andy was involved in a slight role change going into his junior year.

They say some things you never forget how to do, apparently in addition to riding a bike you can add swinging a bat to that list for Habecker. The 2012 season saw Andy perform not only on the mound for DC but in the field as well. Starting in 34 games at either first base or designated hitter, Andy posted a .265 batting average, 113 at-bats, 18 RBI and a .994 fielding percentage. In addition to his time at the plate, he also added 13.1 innings pitched - including one start on April 4th at Bowling Green.

Through the first 15 games of 2012 Andy was sitting pretty with a plus .300 batting average. After a mid season lull, he would go on to round out the season by hitting .400 in DC's last five games. In games that resulted in a Yellow Jacket win, Andy hit .372 and also had an on base percentage of .452 when leading off an inning. His .994 fielding percentage, which is the fifth-highest single season mark in program history, was as a result of leading the team with 169 putouts and 181 chances.

The Two-Way Specialist recently stepped On the Diamond:

OAOTD: What is your best memory of DC in the past three years, On the Diamond?
AH: Getting the game-winning hit against Franklin last year and sweeping Mount St. Joseph to wrap up the season (reached base safely 9 times and went 4-8 with 3 RBI in the series).

OAOTD: What is your best memory of DC in the past three years, Off the Diamond?
AH: Making friendships that will last me long after I've left Defiance.

OAOTD: Going into your final season, what is the biggest improvement you've made since freshman year?
AH: Both my running speed and endurance.

OAOTD: What are your expectations for the 2013 season?
AH: It's my last year, I want to see us make the conference tournament and really make a run at an HCAC title.

OAOTD: After your time at DC is up, what do you plan to do?
AH: After interning for the Rochester Red Wings (AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) this past summer, I'd know that I'd really enjoy working for a professional sports franchise.

OAOTD: What is one life lesson that being a Defiance College baseball player has taught you?
AH: Control what you can control - attitude, concentration and effort.

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