Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is formally into baseball mode just a couple of weeks after leading a national championship win over Auburn in football.
And he had a message for those who questioned whether he would stick with two sports.
"After I won the Heisman a lot of people were thinking I probably wouldn't set foot on a baseball field, but I love this game, too. That's what some people fail to realize. Some people don't understand that after football season, I've got to go to baseball," Winston said.
In a media session with reporters published by wtxl.com, Winston touched on other topics from the difference between his throwing motion in football and his pitching motion, the difference between the vibes in the football locker room and the baseball clubhouse, and what's next for him developmentally in baseball.
See the full interview here:
FSU baseball has been to the College World Series on a regular basis under coach Mike Martin, most recently in 2008, 2010 and 2012. In fact, the strength of the FSU baseball program was among the reasons the redshirt freshman chose Florida State over Alabama and other suitors.
Winston pitched well for the Seminoles last year as a reliever, although his hitting left something to be desired. So while his football teammates will be working toward a repeat national title in spring drills in April, Winston will be swinging what he hopes to be an improved bat.
"I've got to get back into the swing of things. I used to be a hitter when I was in high school. Now I've got to get back in a groove," he said.
Winston said FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher has only counseled him to stay healthy, but otherwise supports the two-sport endeavor. One can only wonder if that will last, however, if the shoulder and elbow injuries common for pitchers become an issue for Winston.
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