Q&A with Kiki Bengochea
June 4, 2002
Pitcher Kiki Bengochea took a few moments to discuss his goals and experiences at Miami. Here’s what he had to say…
What do you hope to accomplish in the Super Regionals?
Personally, I want to go out there and put my team in the best position to win the game.
Besides practice, is there any other way you’ve prepared?
We do a lot of scouting reports. We look over the team, so we pretty much know everybody that’s on that team before we go out and play.
In one word, how would you describe this baseball season so far?
“Rollercoaster.” It’s been an up and down season. Just when we think we’re putting something together, things look positive, then we kind of hit a bump on the road. That doesn’t really matter anymore. We’re in the playoffs. That’s what matters, and we’re going to the super regionals.
What do you hope to accomplish in your last year at UM?
Hopefully this is my last year. We’ll see how the draft goes. There’s no better feeling than last year and winning. I hope we can do it again.
What is your favorite major league team?
The one that gets me to the big leagues, I guess.
When did you start playing baseball?
I wasn’t really good at baseball at a really young age. I started getting good at eleven or twelve. There was really nobody I looked up to. It was all luck and talent.
What has been your best baseball memory?
Wearing the orange and green and winning the College World Series last year.
What has been your greatest baseball disappointment?
I haven’t had too many disappointments. Maybe my freshman year not making it into the College World Series. That really doesn’t matter now though.
What is your favorite baseball movie?
Bull Durham
What song gets you fired up to play?
I’m more of a mellow guy. I like to settle down and relax, and concentrate on the game.
What advice would you give young athletes?
Keep working hard. Find something that motivates you and go out there and do the best you can every time.
What’s one thing a lot of people don’t know about you?
I’m involved in community service, and I like working with Habitat for Humanity.
