First-year Jacksonville Ospreys pitcher Lane McEachern wants to set the record straight regarding his height.

“Ok, so I’m 6-foot-6 and a half, according to my physical,” he quipped. “I got all the jokes every time someone asked me how tall I was and I told them 6-7. It was a big thing.”

McEachern was referring to the internet meme and slang term that went viral among children within the last year.

But regardless of how tall McEachern is, one thing is for sure: the right-hander originally from Wichita, KS., enjoys closing for the third-year summer collegiate baseball team.

“I think it’s really cool because the team played its butt off all game to give us a chance to win, and I’m the guy they trust to come in and slam the door,” McEachern said. “And personally, I also like being the first one in line after the game.”

McEachern has often been a middle relief pitcher for Mission University, a private Christian university in Springfield, MO., that advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association World Series this past season.

But with the Ospreys, McEachern is called from the bullpen to help seal wins. And he has done that as he has earned four saves.

“There’s always a little bit of nerves when you get in, but I just think about doing my job, which is to throw strikes,” McEachern said. “Everyone has done their job all game. I just have to trust my defense and not try to overdo anything.”

That’s all Ospreys coach Josiah Zamora asks for from his closer.

“I think Lane has definitely taken the step in the right direction to be a closer,” he said. “I think he can make a big impact on his college team. He’s been a guy we can lean on late in games, and it’s been good to see him take the next step in his progression.”

It can be mentally challenging preparing to take the bump late, but McEachern makes it work by staying engaged inside the dugout with his teammates.

“I try to be as energetic as possible in the dugout, and I always have an energy drink on me during games as well,” he said. “I just like being loud so I can stay in the game. I’m not a big fan of talking junk to the other guys because it could always come back to bite me when I go and pitch, but I am rooting for our guys.”

Then when McEachern is called upon to pitch, he handles his business, no matter if it’s a safe situation or not. He did admit, however, enjoying pitching in pressure situations.

“Even if we’re up 10 or down 10, I just love playing. I will take any chance I get to pitch,” McEachern said. “But I do enjoy safe situations more because the other team thinks they have a chance and I want to come in and shut it down. It’s a great feeling getting that third out and feeling the adrenaline.”

The 21-year-old McEachern wants to continue helping the Ospreys while also working to improve his delivery.

“I think the big thing for me is just staying consistent in the zone,” he said. “I have days when I get a little wild, and I just need to minimize that. If I stay in the zone, I know my stuff is good enough to get outs.”

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.