Oklahoma State University Athletics
Kevin Lucas Personifies the Fundamentals
April 08, 2003 | Cowboy Baseball
Baseball coaches constantly talk about the importance of fundamentals, and in Kevin Lucas, OSU's roster includes a second baseman who is the personification of those qualities.
The sure-handed second baseman has worked his way into being a success from a strong foundation of baseball.
"Growing up, I looked a lot at Ozzie Smith, me being close to St. Louis and being an infielder." Lucas said. "I really like the way that he played infield, his glove and just the way he played the game."
With aspirations set for the best, Lucas has been a competitor all of his career with support from his family and coaches.
"My dad (Roy) was always my coach in little league and pretty much has been my hitting coach throughout my baseball career." Lucas continues. "He has always given me tips when I was in a slump, and tells me what I have been doing right or wrong."
A three-sport star at Festus High School in Festus, Mo., Lucas was in many ways the proverbial All-American teenager. A four-year letterwinner in baseball and football, as well as a three-year letterwinner in basketball including all-state and all-district honors, he was bound for continued success in the college ranks.
With a continuous, strong work ethic, Lucas has worked on different fundamentals that helped him in his game performance.
"From high school to junior college it was my fielding." Lucas said. "In high school, I had a pretty good arm, so I would sit back on a lot of balls and rely on my arm. In college, everyone was a lot faster and I had to work on my fielding quite a bit."
With his first transition, Lucas had continued success on the field. As a freshman, he earned all-region and all-conference honors at Jefferson Community College in Hillsboro, Mo. His sophomore season yielded more success with him receiving all-district, all-region and All-America honors.
"From junior college to Oklahoma State, it was my hitting." Lucas said. "I made quite a few adjustments just because of the pitchers that we faced. There are more guys that can throw harder here than in high school and junior college."
One of the major pluses in Lucas' baseball career has always been fundamentals.
"I would say that fundamentals are really important." Lucas explains. "With bunting, I think that it helps me out a lot, because sometimes I can go up and fake a bunt, and that is going to move the infielders and open up some holes for me for my hitting."
Baseball fundamentals help him not just at the plate but also with his fielding at second base, Lucas says.
"At second base, I would say that I concentrate more on fundamentals just because you are so close to first. You can take you time more and you don't have to rush yourself."
These ideals have helped him since becoming a Cowboy.
Last season, Lucas claimed honorable mention All-Big 12 honors at shortstop. He led the team in hits (79), at bats (238) and sacrifice bunts (10).
The Cowboys' senior leader has some advice for youngsters who hope to pursue a future in baseball or any other endeavor.
"You can do anything with a lot of hard work. If it is something that you want, then put your mind to it and work hard at it and maybe someday it will come true."
