Q&A with Pitcher Luke DeBold

May 24, 2002

What are your goals for your last three-game series at Miami?
Well, we need to win these three games if we want to win the tournament.

Miami holds a 10-0 record over New York Tech. Do you feel that puts any pressure on you or other team members?
I don’t think so, because it’s just another three games. We play every game to win, no matter who it is. The past doesn’t really matter, it’s what happens today.

What are your post-graduation plans?
I want to play pro-ball.

Did you accomplish everything you wanted to in these 4 years at UM or is there something you wish you’d have done differently?
I guess there are always little things you could do differently, but I’m happy overall with my experience here. I’ve won 2 national championships, which is more than what most people could say.

What has been your best baseball memory?
Winning the national championship for the second time.

What has been your biggest baseball disappointment?
My biggest disappointment was not getting drafted last year.

What is your favorite major league baseball team?
I really don’t have one. It used to be the White Socks when I was younger but now I’m indifferent.

Which athlete did you look up to when you were a kid?
Lou Gerrig. I was born on his birthday, so I guess I gravitated towards him. He was always a hard worker, and he had a very admirable character.

What’s your favorite baseball movie?
The Natural

What advice would you give young athletes?
Baseball is fun. It’s a lot of hard work, but make sure it stays fun.

What is the one thing a lot of people don’t know about you?
People might mistake my being shy for me not wanting to talk to them, but I’m a pretty quiet guy most of the time.

Do you have a going away message for your fellow team members?
I’m really going to miss playing with these guys, and hopefully down the road, I’ll be able to play with some of them at some point.