4/1/2009
Taking Over
Marquette Baseball
Reprinted with permission from The News Dispatch

Nick Dettmann
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - At first, Cole Tribble was shy. Quiet.

He didn't know anybody.

Tribble, a senior on Marquette's baseball team, transferred to Marquette from Lake Central, citing various "issues."

The adjustment was hard at first.

"It was different," Tribble said. "It took a little bit of time to get used to."

By the end of the first couple weeks of the season, he was acclimated and is now viewed as THE guy for the Blazers this season.

Tribble will be looked upon to lead a young and slim group of Blazers for the 2009 season, just his second with the program.

"He's going to do what it takes to help this team win," said first-year coach Bob Pitts. "Anything it takes. He's got a strong arm, and he can swing (the bat) as well.

"He brings a lot to the table."

Early on last year, it was all about getting to know the guys and making himself feel like he fit in, and also get accepted by the guys already on the team.

The expectations of the program were a tough adjustment as well.

"They expect you to work hard, hit the weights and keep yourself in shape," Tribble said. "They give you a lot of lee-way, and you have to take advantage of it."

Once in, it didn't take them long to see what kind of player Tribble was.

"He's a strong player," said Pitts about his first impression of Tribble. "You knew he was going to be a good player."

Tribble will be a key defensive player this year for the Blazers at shortstop, who are looking to fill the shoes of nine departed seniors and a coach which led the team to a 67-21 record in three seasons.

"I'll do whatever it takes (to win)," Tribble said. "I'll bunt, hit and run. I want to win."

Tribble, who admits he's a streaky hitter, got a good chunk of the playing time, mainly playing at short, but also pitched a bit, and did well. That's why his experience will be an important asset this season.

"It was a blessing to get these two kids," said Pitts about Tribble and fellow transfer Andrew Nash. "You can't ask for a gift like that."

His "coming out party" came at the Frontier Tournament early in the season. He had a couple doubles and hit the ball extremely well.

"You could see that smile and him saying, 'OK, I'm ready,'" Pitts said.

After that, Pitts said, is when he believed Tribble believed he could contribute to the team.

Now as the 2009 season approaches, Tribble is ready to be THE guy, instead of being the NEW guy.

"At first I thought I haven't put my time in," he said. "But when you play hard, you gain respect. It wasn't too weird after that."

Contact sports writer Nick Dettmann at ndettmann@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 447.