[2024-03-08]
ridge Winand: Ohio State Buckeye’s Journey Through Baseball and Academia
Table of Contents
Columbus, OH – Ridge Winand, a former Ohio State baseball player, has demonstrated a compelling blend of athletic and academic excellence throughout his collegiate career. Winand, currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport governance at Ohio State, concluded his playing career in 2019 after a five-year run with the Buckeyes.
Athletic Career Highlights
Winand’s time with the Ohio State baseball program was marked by consistent academic recognition and on-field contributions. He earned Big Ten distinguished Scholar honors in 2019 and was a two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete (2018-19). He was also a two-time Academic All-Big ten selection (2018-19) and a member of the 2018 Buckeye Strength & Conditioning power Club. He served as a team captain in 2019.
2019 Season
In his final season, Winand appeared in 50 games, making 39 starts as a center fielder. he finished the year with a .243 batting average (35-for-144),including two doubles,two triples,three home runs,12 RBI,and 20 walks. notable performances included going 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, an RBI, and a walk at Bethune-Cookman on March 4th. He also had a .500 batting average (4-for-8) with two RBI and three walks during a two-game series in south Carolina (March 9-12), and a three-hit game at Furman on March 11th. Winand achieved a career-high three runs scored and his first career triple against Lipscomb on March 15th,followed by a career-high four-hit game at Rutgers on March 30th. He hit .444 (4-for-9) with three runs scored, a home run, three RBI, a walk, and a stolen base in a series against No. 24 Michigan (April 12-13). He finished strong with two home runs and a career-high four RBI at Maryland on April 21st, and batted .375 (3-for-8) with two runs scored, a triple, and two walks in a series against Iowa (April 26-28). Winand started all five games in center field during the Buckeyes’ tournament title run in Omaha (May 22-26) and hit .286 (4-for-14) in three starts at the NCAA Regional in Nashville (May 31-June 2).
Earlier Seasons
Winand’s journey with the Buckeyes included periods of advancement and resilience. In 2018, he made seven starts in 21 appearances, marking his return to the field after a hiatus. He made his first appearance since 2016, scoring a run off the bench against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Febuary 18th, and earned his first collegiate start against Georgetown on March 25th, adding a multi-hit game against Nebraska on April 1st. The 2017 season was unluckily sidelined due to injury. He first appeared in 2016, making five appearances off the bench and recording his first career double, RBI, and run scored in his collegiate debut against hofstra on March 18th. He redshirted the 2015 season.
High School Career
Before arriving at Ohio State,Winand was a four-year letterwinner at Clear Fork High School. He was a three-time All-Ohio Cardinal conference honoree and a three-time All-District selection. As a junior, he batted .460 and was named first-team all-district. He earned third-team all-district honors as a sophomore, batting .411, and was an honorable mention all-district selection as a freshman, leading the area in home runs.He served as team captain in 2014. Winand also excelled in basketball, earning four letters and being named a three-time all-league and all-district selection, including an All-Ohio selection as a shooting guard captain in 2014, averaging 23 points per game. he also lettered in football for two seasons as a wide receiver.
Personal Life and Education
Ridge Winand is the son of Karla winand and the late Bart Winand. He has three siblings: Taylor, Bailey, and Tanner. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport industry in the spring of 2018 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in sport administration at Ohio State.
