TicketsJan. 27, 2007
This is the fifth in a 17-day series previewing the 2007 Bearcats baseball team. Today's installment features 10 questions with senior outfielder Brian Szarmach.
by Elise Helene Keeler, UC Sports Communications Student Assistant
1. Why did you choose to come to UC?
It was pretty much one of my only offers. I liked where they were going with the University as far as rebuilding everything. The new baseball field, and I knew they would be up and coming.
2.What did you gain from your experience with the Amsterdam Mohawks?
It was really pretty cool because you meet guys from all over. They have different ways of doing things that you can incorporate with the way you practice. The different drills, the way they carry themselves, and mentors. Especially the coaches, who were baseball players as well. They were easy to relate to.
3. What do you do before a game to get ready?
Music, and you get into a mode where you hit, stretch, throw, and it's the same routine every time. I have my own routine in the batter's box. I try to stick to the same thing every time because if you are consistent every time, you are consistent at the plate.
4.What has been your favorite memory on and off the field?
Since I've been here, we've had our ups and downs. The first two years we weren't very good, but last year we made it to the conference tournament. It was pretty cool. We didn't do very well, but it was still good to go there. The guys on the team are great, and I'm excited about this year.
5. What do you do in your free time?
It's definitely a lot of watching Sportscenter, watching other sports, playing pool, and video games every once and awhile.
6. What is one thing about you that most people don't know?
I'm big on family. I love my family very much, and I'm very connected with them. I'm pretty close with the guys on the team, and maybe, that is why I'm looked up to as a leader.
7. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
My high school baseball coach always said, "Never be satisfied; succeed at never giving up." I've taken that with me. It's what I live by.
8. When did you start playing baseball and why?
My biological father played baseball, and it started with the big red bat in the backyard, when I was four or five. Went from t-ball on up, and it has been a long time.
9. If you could be given one talent that you currently don't have, what would it be?
I would like to be really fast. There are a lot of guys that are faster than me, and I would like to be able to run super-human fast.
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A lot of things could happen. I'd like to see myself still playing baseball. If not, I'd like to have a solid position at an employer, and be successful. Perhaps getting ready to start a family.