Maybe the Wildcats were a little too eager to play two weeks ago as they opened their season in Charleston S. C.
They won two-of-three games, but things were a little shaky.
Coming off their most successful season program history, one in which they reached their first regional tournament, this team was eager to make another run. They were ready prove last year was not a one-time accomplishment — it was time to move to this season.
And perhaps one of the most enthused of the Wildcats was redshirt senior Adam Muenster. The newly transitioned third baseman may have even been a little too excited. During their first series, the redshirt senior hit an immediate slump, going just 1-14 before returning home.
But he wasn’t alone in his frustrations, the Wildcats committed four errors in the field during those opening three games.
“Everybody has nerves that first week of the season,” he said during an interview Wednesday. “Everybody is excited to play; it might almost be a thing where you get too amped up to play. Baseball is a game of relaxing, and I think that is something that just goes away with time.”
This young team was indeed eager to begin the season, as they continue to search for an identity beneath the shadow of the historic accomplishments from last year’s squad.
But the they know it is still early in the season, and the Wildcats (6-2 0-0 Big 12) have won games. They just understand this a transition period for the team.
As a senior, Muenster especially understands that.
He is playing in the third different position in his career. After seeing time at second base and right field, head coach Brad Hill has now called on his services to replace the injured Jason King at third base.
“It was like a challenge for him,” Hill said.
And Muenster jumped at the opportunity to try something new. Following a season of serving as the designated hitter, he was eager for another opportunity to play in the field.
He worked out in Illinois during the summer months and set a goal of increasing his arm-strength by playing catch everyday while also tweaking his throwing motion to make a quicker, stronger throw.
The adjustments and added strength have shown to be extremely beneficial.
“I thought it would be a lot more difficult than it was, but I’m actually starting to like it.” Muenster said. “Third base is kind of a position I like to be at, you just react instead of think about the play you have to make.”
After the Wildcats two opening series, Muenster has blossomed at the corner position. In 19 chances, he has made just one error, good for a .963 fielding percentage.
“It’s just one of those things, it’s kind of fun for me,” he said. “I like to diving a lot and making plays.”
Meanwhile, Muenster was able to break out of his early hitting slump last week. After a week of practice, he was able to find his stroke at the plate, reaching base 11 straight times in the Wildcats three-game series in Winter Haven, Fla. last week.
It’s the kind of lead-off production Hill said he needs from the senior.
“With him being a lead off hitter we want him on base more,” Hill said. “He has come back this week and been outstanding for us.”
Muenster and the Wildcats will continue to mold their identity this weekend as they end their road trip with a three-game series in DeLand, Fla.
K-State opens their home schedule with 11-game home stand on March 12. The home stand begins with a three-game series against Kent State.
Photo - K-State Sports
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