Working your way up in any field can be challenging, but the reward is what one strives for.University of Tampa pitcher Max Krueter came here as a freshman to take his baseball talents to the next level. The junior not only worked his way up through the system to his current pitching status, but he has also learned lessons during his time at UT.
Krueter, a 6’1’’ left-hander from Dunedin, Fla. was a standout pitcher at Dunedin High School. In his senior season he went 13-0 as a starter, putting up impressive statistics that not only surprised him, but colleges too.
Since Krueter was a starting pitcher and also started in center field in high school, his talents were being noticed.
“I always thought I was going to be playing at the college level, but it was a matter of where,” said Krueter.
With success coming at a fast pace, Krueter decided to enroll at UT and play baseball for Coach Joe Urso and the Spartans. The decision process for Krueter to play and study at UT came easy.
“Senior year, I did a lot of research on different schools, but since UT was close to my house and the program has been so successful in the past, UT just felt like the right fit,” said Krueter.
The change from high school sports to the college level is never easy, but the Spartan coaching staff has helped Krueter make a smooth transition.
“They’ve been great,” he said. “They helped me excel at the next level and make the switch from high school to college very easy. They keep things relaxed and simple and coach the right way, even with a challenging professional baseball curriculum.”
Krueter has been on the varsity squad since his freshman year and has stayed on the team since, but his role as a player has fluctuated.
Although he entered UT as a starting pitcher, he has accepted his new role as a reliever coming out of the bullpen late in games
Some players may find the change in assignments challenging, but Krueter believes taking one pitch at a time is what it takes to be a successful set-up man.
“As a bullpen specialist, you just have to throw strikes and take things out-by-out and minimize mistakes. You never know when you’re going to pitch but you have to be ready at all times for your name to be called and enter the game,” said Krueter.
Things were not always smooth sailing for Krueter, however. Last July, he suffered a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder while playing in the Valley League. The injury required surgery. The recovery process took six months, but Krueter’s arm is now back to full strength.
“It was a long fall for me with all the physical therapy, but I feel strong again and glad to be back on the mound.”
Although dealing with that injury during his time in the Valley League, Krueter pitched out of the bullpen and credits his experience in the league that has made him more comfortable in his current role with the Spartan squad.
With a strong arm back on the bump, the UT baseball team looks for another successful and title-winning season; expectations for the season stay positive and within sight for the Spartans.
“I think every year we go out as a team to win a national title and we are going to try our best to make that happen,” Krueter said. “We lost a lot of great players last year, but we’re not missing any steps this season to achieve our goals.”
With success on the field evident for the team and Krueter, he is also a student just as much as he is an athlete.
Krueter is majoring in exercise science and has enjoyed his major for his three years at UT.
“The teachers within the major are great and the small classes here make sure you get the most attention a student can receive,” stated Krueter.
Michael Paonessa can be reached at mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu.