The Red and Black

By JOSH KATZOWITZ Staff Writer

The second generation of Osbolts is making its presence felt. Fans of Georgia football might remember the name of Terry Osbolt, a three-time lettering defensive lineman from 1966-1968 and a member of two Southeastern Conference Championship teams ('66 and '68).

"When I first came to Georgia as a coach, he was the first player that I actually saw on film," Athletic Director Vince Dooley said. "I liked the way he struck the opponent, and he ran to the ball with great tenacity."

The Osbolt in the present spotlight, however, is not gunning for the opposition's quarterback at Sanford Stadium. Instead, Andy Osbolt, first baseman for the Bulldogs, is sending opposing pitchers diving for cover and baseballs screaming over the fence at Foley Field for the Diamond Dogs.

After having a solid season last year as a first-year transfer player from Middle Georgia Junior College, the Clarke Central High School two-sport star (in baseball and football) has exploded for the Bulldogs this year.

Through 29 games this season, Osbolt is third on the team with a .377 batting average, first in home runs with 15 and third in RBIs with 30.

His stats last year in 55 games were .275, 10 HRs, and 36 RBIs.

That's an increase of more than 100 points in the batting average department and his home run total has increased by 50 percent.

These eyebrow-raising statistics are not an optical illusion, and Osbolt is not taking steroids.

Instead, the senior explains that his migration from catcher to first base this year has played a huge role in his power surge.

"I'm a lot fresher this year, and I have a better approach to my hitting," he said. "I lost a lot of focus as a catcher, but this year I've gotten it back."

Head coach Robert Sapp agrees the change was in the best interest for Osbolt.

"He's always hit with power, but he feels more comfortable this year," he said. "Now, he's concentrating more on his bat."

But like his dad, Osbolt also has been impressive on defense.

This season, Osbolt has displayed a remarkable .996 fielding average and has been charged with only one error.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Osbolt would like to see the Diamond Dogs play well in the SEC.

"I'd like to see us go .500, at least," he said. "It starts this weekend against Tennessee."

Osbolt, thus far, has risen to the occasion hitting a staggering .392 with eight homers and 17 RBIs in the conference, compared to last year's .214, five HRs, and 16 RBIs.

Osbolt, though, is not concerned with his stats nor his pursuit of Georgia's home run record of 20, set by Ron Wenrich in 1985. Instead, his focus is on the team.

"We've played the best in the nation," he said. "If we can have a good weekend, we might be able to get on a roll."

The Diamond Dogs will face Tennessee at home Friday.

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