The eve is the end... for now.

Michael Jordan, Urban Meyer, Chris Webb.

Legendary figures of course.

But no, this is serious.

Whether it was Jordan pursuing minor league baseball or Urban battling with health issues each stepped out while at their highest. For Jordan the return to basketball took a year and a half, for Urban he retracted his statement the next day. In both cases the passion and effort needed to continue just wasn't there.

My time has come as well.

It really does tear me to pieces, especially on the eve of such an important season to the baseball program that I step away from the site for a bit. I have poured nearly everything I have into following, rooting, and cheering for Ohio State baseball that I have heavily sagged in other aspects of life.

I've skipped class to be the only Ohio State student rooting on the Bucks in frigid Oldsmobile Park in East Lansing, I've worn face paint to Big Ten Tournament games in Ann Arbor, I've shared absolutely thrilling moments with personal friends, I've suffered the heartache as well, and I have established enjoyable and cherished relationships on the field, in the stands, and in the media world.

It really has been a great ride, finally a Big Ten championship was won, but for now its over.

As you may remember in November my grandfather passed away. It was and still is a hard thing to deal with. In fact my writings were something he was very proud of, and as someone who attended Illinois he would ask me about the Illini. When the time came I realized how much time I spend on personal projects and perhaps letting some of life's finer moments pass by.

Though I am now older than all of Ohio State's baseball team, I still am just 23, a college student, and someone who works two jobs to have the gas money to run around the Big Ten. As much fun as it is to do this, I really haven't considered what I ultimately want to do. Though 23 isn't old, it isn't exactly young and out of fairness to myself and family I need to really focus on what and who I want to become and take the appropriate actions.

I thought I could juggle everything but truthfully I cannot and it pains me to admit that. I have so many ideas and storylines I would love to write about, but I end up putting more and more things off and out of fairness to the players, the program, parents, and readers that is not fair.

So on the eve of the season I feel terrible to say it is for the best to not start than quit halfway in or do a half-hearted job.


Will this be the complete end? I can't say for sure, I'm looking into ways to possible work out a better job schedule, that always more flexibility but still provides me with what I need to do to take care of personal responsibilities at home.

I sincerely apologize and thank everyone for everything over the last year and half.


It is not the complete end of me, I will still have Buckeye State Baseball which I have aid in running, just the truly in-depth Ohio State coverage will not be like it would here.

I owe an extremely big thank you to Todd Lamb for allowing me this opportunity. I've created numerous ties withing the baseball world, and I feel I've provided you all with a true passionate and unrivaled coverage, that withouth him would not be possible.

If anyone ever wants to drop a line or chat, feel free to reach me at cmwebb24@gmail.com

Again I thank everyone and sincerely am sorry for letting a faithful following down as I have. I just need to allow myself more me time right now. I hope everyone understands.

Thank you, and Glad to Be Here!

First, I want to take the time to thank Todd. I very much appreciate the chance to contribute to such a fine blog. Hopefully I can do whatever it takes, to continue the high quality the blog brings, and to keep everyone interested in Ohio State baseball informed.

With that over the next few days I will gather what information I can and fill in everyone on how our Buckeyes are doing in their summer leagues, as well as the Buckeyes that have moved on and are playing in the professional ranks.

Again, thank you Todd, you have created a great outlet, and for the readers, I hope I do not disappoint and offer posts you enjoy.

B9 Welcomes New Correspondent

After I announced my new job as assistant commissioner of communications with the Southland Conference, I got an email from Chris Webb, a.k.a. to fans of The Buckeye Nine as Rockybuckeye, who suggested he would be interested in helping provide content to this Blog. He will be a "voulunteer correspondant" for The Buckeye Nine.

Chris grew up knowing Matt Angle and followed Ohio State baseball when the former Whitehall H.S. product began playing for the Buckeyes. He has followed the team for four years, supporting the team at home and on the road. A sport and leisure studies major with a minor in communications, Chris is a student employee at the OSU Ice Rink.

I know he has relationships with many of the players and I suspect he'll be bringing readers of The Buckeye Nine up to speed on their summer exploits, while hopefully providing valuable insight as the team approaches the start of fall ball in early September.

Chris was a huge help during the 2008 season and was one of the most habitual posters and was often one of the first to offer comment. He also encouraged significant discussion throughout the season and I suspect that will continue in the near future. I'm looking forward to great things for the site with his contribution.

Welcome Chris!