Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Thursday, March 29, 2007
UW-L's Podmolik ready for the future
 UW-La Crosse outfielder Andy Podmolik takes a swing against St. Mary's. Erik Daily |
Naturally, Andy Podmolik knows all about Vinny Rottino and would love to follow his career path from UW-La Crosse to the major leagues.
It could happen if everything falls into place perfectly. If not, Podmolik is ready for that, too.
“If the chance comes up for me (to sign a pro contract), there’s no question I’m going to look at my options,” Podmolik said Wednesday after the Eagles lost their home opener to Saint Mary’s (Minn.), 5-2. “But I’m also trying to land a real job.”
Podmolik, a senior outfielder, has done almost everything possible to make himself an attractive prospect as an NCAA Division III player.
In three-plus seasons, Podmolik’s career batting average is .389, with 37 doubles and 52 stolen bases, plus a .980 fielding percentage. He was named All-WIAC first team in 2005 and 2006.
Podmolik raised his profile over the last two summers by playing with the La Crosse Loggers. He batted .242 (.391 on-base pct.) in 2005 and earned a Northwoods League Silver Glove Award. In 2006, he batted .283 and was the team’s co-MVP.
UW-La Crosse coach Chris Schwarz is careful when comparing Podmolik to Rottino.
Rottino finished his UW-L career in 2002 with a long list of accomplishments, including All-American and Midwest Region Player of the Year. Rottino signed a free-agent contract with the Brewers in 2003 and was called up to the major league team last September. He is in contention for the club’s final roster spot this spring.
“The main thing that they have in common is their work ethic,” said Schwarz, who played with Rottino at UW-L and is still friends with him. “Vinny is in the place he’s in now because nobody works harder. Pod’s the same way. He’s the first one here and he’s the first one to get extra at-bats.
“But they’re different players. Pod is more of a speed guy and Vinny is a corner infielder, a utility guy, who has more power.”
Podmolik attended two pro tryout camps last summer in the Midwest and Schwarz said scouts have been calling him occasionally to ask about Podmolik.
“He has the ability to make it,” Schwarz said. “A lot of teams have tracked him and now it’s a matter of whether or not he has an outstanding game when someone comes to look at him.”
Podmolik had a chance to meet Rottino this spring during UW-L’s trip to the Greater Phoenix Invitational.
“We just made some small talk,” Podmolik said. “I haven’t spoken with him about his experience, but I know about them through (Schwarz). It does give you some hope, a guy like that from a Division III team who gets his chance and makes the most of it. That’s what I want.”
Podmolik, who had Lasik eye surgery in January, has started this spring on a tear. He batted .537 (22-for-41), including six doubles, two triples and six steals in 10 games in Phoenix. He went 0-for-2 with an RBI in Wednesday’s loss.
“It helped having 400 at-bats from last March through August,” Podmolik said. “Baseball is a lot of ups and downs; that’s how it is. You’ve got to be mature enough to handle it.”
Podmolik, a finance major, said he’s ready if the path that opened for Rottino doesn’t open for him and has been interviewing for jobs with insurance companies.
“I’d love to live the dream,” Podmolik said. “If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn’t, I’m preparing for that.”
Joel Badzinski can be reached at (608) 791-8402 or joel.badzinski@lee.net
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