By Elizabeth Contreras
There are players who contribute to a lineup, and then there are players who anchor it. For Claremore’s Tyler Osgood, being a senior catcher and infielder means doing both by bringing toughness behind the plate and versatility across the field.
Osgood has been around baseball from a young age, picking up a glove at four years old and over the years the game has shaped not only his skills, but his mindset. Now a senior, he has years of experience to contribute to the Zebra’s program.
Coach Gelnar, Osgood shared, has been a constant source of encouragement, providing him with every bit of baseball knowledge he has needed to succeed. It’s a relationship built on trust, accountability, and a shared hatred of losing, something Osgood says fuels the entire team.
“I can’t thank him enough,” Osgood said, who described years of unwavering support that undoubtedly helped forge his path in baseball.
Like many ball players, Osgood has his own pregame superstition. His right sock has to go on before the left, no exceptions. It’s a routine he has followed since childhood.
“I’ve done it since I was little,” Osgood said. “It just stuck.”
For Osgood, preparation is essential during a demanding season, requiring both mental focus and physical discipline to continually improve.
“Physically, I’m big on making sure my body feels right, so I spend a lot of time stretching,” Osgood explained.
And while being prepared involves many aspects of his game, he would argue that it really starts with that simple first step: right sock, then the left.
What begins with personal habits is only amplified by the atmosphere his team creates.
He explained that the team’s energy keeps him motivated and when his own intensity dips, their competitive drive pushes him to elevate his game. Everyone shares the same goal, and that collective drive creates an environment where effort is expected, and excellence is chased.
With positive energy to boost his confidence, Osgood has learned to embrace high-pressure situations.
“I rise to the moment by controlling my breathing and trusting my training,” he shared. “Big moments are what you play baseball for.”
This season, his focus is on sharpening his skills, particularly boosting his exit velocity. Through dedicated training, his goal is to improve contact consistency while adding distance and power at the plate.
Osgood shared that he is committed to Eastern Oklahoma State College to continue his education while playing baseball.
“I’m excited to see wherever God has me going after my time there, but all I can do is trust in his plan that baseball is written in my story.”
