Mike Zunino doesn’t bat left-handed.
In 2011, Florida’s catcher hit .371 with 19 homers and 67 RBI, all from the right side of the plate. But during batting practice on Wednesday, Zunino stepped in from the opposite side and deposited a ball over the McKethan Stadium outfield wall, inciting some smiles.
Zunino said batting left-handed will “absolutely not” be an option this season, but after being named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore, he may be looking for new challenges.
“I try not to let it get to me,” he said of the expectations. “You’ve got to stay tight-knit as a team; just don’t get caught up in the hype.”
For Zunino, there is plenty of familiarity in his third year at UF. The three starting pitchers he will work with on weekends are not changing. The three options Florida has to close games have not changed. But where he will experience newfound assistance is at catcher, thanks to the addition of a player who should be starting his senior season of high school baseball.
“He’s fitting right in right away,” Zunino said of freshman Taylor Gushue. “He works really hard. He’s already getting better as a catcher and a hitter.”
With the season opener approaching, those words appear to be more than just a veteran player being nice to a newcomer. Through spring scrimmages, Gushue is tied for the team lead in home runs with four. On Sunday, he hit a homer from each side of the plate, one against left-hander Brian Johnson and one against the right-handed Keenan Kish.
The fast start for Gushue has him in consideration for work as a designated hitter and as a relief option for Zunino in midweek or even weekend situations.
“We knew he was going to be a great player, but the way he has come in and swung the bat this early is a pleasant surprise,” Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan said.
Florida’s first-team All-American catcher is taking the mentoring role in stride. Zunino said previous catchers like Ben McMahan helped him when he first got to Florida. Zunino added that he hopes to pass some of the same assistance along to Gushue. That help could go a long way, as Zunino is expected to be an early-round Major League Baseball draft pick in June.
“We want to show the younger guys how the program is supposed to be run,” Zunino said.
Much like last season, Zunino will be a fixture in the middle of the Gators batting order. As a sophomore, he batted either fourth or sixth 52 times, and the Gators went 38-14 in those contests.
Though Zunino may be as settled as any college catcher in the country, O’Sullivan added that he will still be hands-on with his star catcher and not let him completely take over games on his own.
“I’ll assist Mike,” he said. “I still watch more film than the players do. I don’t have to worry about Enlgish and chemistry and that stuff. I go home and I watch tapes and that type of thing. Mike’s got a really great feel.”
Florida junior catcher and All-American Mike Zunino said he is working with freshman backstop Taylor Gushue to help his transition.
