After a sluggish 2000 season, junior center fielder Marcus McBeth has returned with a vengeance in 2001, wreaking havoc on the field with improved power from the lead-off spot.
The past season, McBeth hit nine home runs in 66 games. Through 15 games this season, he has knocked seven balls out of the park, including one grand slam.
So how do you make yourself into a home-run champion over one off-season? According to McBeth, it’s not Wheaties — it’s hard work, motivation and determination.
“I did a lot of practicing on things I felt I needed to work on, especially my hitting, which I needed to improve on dramatically,” McBeth said. “Most of it was preparation in the weight room. I’d spend hours in there. I’d go like five days a week and spend maybe an hour and a half (each day).”
McBeth said he has “just been blessed this year so far to be doing so well.”
One of those blessings came as a relief to the team. McBeth’s first career grand slam came at a critical point in last month’s game against George Mason.
Down 6-2 in the sixth inning, McBeth crushed a ball over the left field wall to tie the game. Later in the game, he hit a second home run, this one winning the game in the bottom of the ninth. McBeth’s six RBIs over the course of the game carried USC to victory.
“I really can’t explain the feeling,” McBeth said of the grand slam. “I was amazed and shocked more than anything else. It felt like a dream. I didn’t realize until the next day what had really happened.”
Along with the big performance in the George Mason game, McBeth has also posted a 10-game hitting streak this season and leads USC in hits (21), runs scored (20) and total bases (46). He is also second on the team in home runs and third in RBIs with 20.
McBeth’s motivation on the field stems from gratitude and remembrance of those around him who aren’t so lucky.
“I just think of people who don’t have the opportunity to do the things that I can do,” he said. “I try to think of that in every situation and opportunity I get into. I constantly thank God that he has blessed me with these abilities.”
This Gamecock also has a good head on his shoulders. McBeth is following in his family’s footsteps, seeking a career in business as a backup plan to professional baseball.
“I’d really like to keep playing ball, but if I don’t make it here, I’ll pursue a career in business,” he said.
As for the team, which is 13-2 after back-to-back losses to Clemson and Furman, McBeth expressed confidence in the remainder of the season.
“Hopefully, we can keep it going,” he said. “We can’t get a big head. We have to stay at a calm level and take every game one at a time.”
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