TicketsFeb. 3, 2007
This is the 12th in a 17-day series previewing the 2007 Bearcats baseball team. Today's installment features 10 questions with senior pitcher Nick Buscemi.
by Mark LoVellette, UC Sports Communications Student Assistant
1. What is your earliest baseball memory?
"Playing Pony League baseball at the age of 10. That season I was selected to play in the Pony League All-Star Tournament.
2. Do you have any pre-game rituals?
"Nothing really special, I just like to hang out in the locker room, listen to music and do as little talking as possible. I try to clear my mind and focus on the game."
3. How does it feel to have your degree early and start a second major?
"It is a great feeling; for the most part I am taking classes that interest me and I wouldn't have been able to take if it weren't for graduating early."
4. Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?
"Roger Clemens is my favorite baseball player because he was an awesome pitcher and he is the ultimate hard working athlete. I have so much respect for him because of the time and effort he puts into being a great pitcher."
5. Who is your biggest role model?
"My parents have always been my biggest fans. They were the ones who got me into baseball and they have always been behind me. During my career, I have played on multiple travel teams in which it cost an arm and a leg to play and they have always supported me fully. For me, earning a college baseball scholarship was my way of paying them back for all the time and effort they invested in me."
6. If you could attribute your success to anyone, who would it be?
"My parents, because they have always allowed me to play travel baseball. They were very open for me to go wherever I could go to play baseball."
7. What brought you to University of Cincinnati?
"At the time Cincinnati was in Conference USA, which was a warm weather baseball conference. I love to play baseball in the warm weather and Cincinnati and the Conference USA offered that."
8. Away from baseball, what is your favorite past time?
"I like hanging out with friends, family and my girlfriend. I also love to travel. My family always goes on vacation before Christmas. I really like seeing the world."
9. What is your dream job?
"I would love to be retired and play golf professionally. I would love to play on a warm golf course every day; it would be the most amazing job in my opinion."
10. Any significance to wearing #21?
"Not really, I was #11 as long as I can remember. When I had the option of what number I wanted to pick, #11 was taken. Roger Clemens was #21 in college, and with him being a role model, I decided to follow him."