In the Dugout: Eric Whaley
Nov. 15, 2011
Coral Gables, Fla. – They are stories of perseverance. Stories about growing up, becoming men and being a part of a family. One-by-one, we hear from them. These are the Miami Hurricanes…
Eric Whaley | Pitcher | Junior | Pompano Beach, Fla.
People might be surprised to know that I speak some Spanish. If you listen during games, then you might be able to hear me and some of my teammates speaking in Spanish to one another.
My favorite thing about being part of the “U” family is being around my teammates and the respect people give to us for being part of a program with such a storied and successful history. We really are a family on the team. We’re around each other all day at the ballpark; we go out together; and we always hang out with one another.
At the U, I’ve learned so much from my coaches and teammates. They’ve taught me how to deal with on and off the field issues. I can’t thank them enough for making me the person and player I am today.
My favorite song right now is Hustlin’ by Wiz Khalifa. It’s been out for a while now, but every time I listen, it still goes hard.
The song no one would believe I have on my iPod is Nicki Minaj Super Bass.
I always go back to my house in Pompano Beach every Sunday. My cousins live there with my dad and it gets packed when my brothers come back from college. So, there’s always something to do, and it’s always a good time.
One thing that everyone should know about Miami baseball is that we are one of the hardest working teams in the nation. We’re at the field all day working out and practicing trying to improve so we can make it to Omaha this year.
One thing people may not know about me is that I’m afraid of sharks. I’ve always been scared of them because when you’re in the water you can’t see them coming so it’s hard to protect yourself.
Competition is in everything. It’s in athletics and in people’s everyday lives. There is competition at every position on the baseball team. Everyone is fighting to be the best and no one wants to lose. I believe competition brings out the best in you.
If I could spend a day with anyone, then it would be my mom. I would thank her for everything she’s done for my dad, my brothers and me and tell her that I love her.
The greatest advice I’ve ever been given is “to live everyday like it’s your last and treat others as though it’s the last time you’ll ever see them because you never know when that day will come.”
My pre-start superstition is listening to music in the locker room which helps get me pumped up for the game. Right before the game starts, I’ll look up to the sky and say a prayer because I know my mom is watching my game from above.
To me, Miami is my second home. It’s a big city with many different cultures and has an exciting night life. I lived in South Florida which is just 45 minutes away my entire life. So, it wasn’t that big of an adjustment to move here for college.
Growing up, I played baseball and basketball up until my junior year of high school. I stopped playing basketball and focused solely on baseball after that because I realized I could make it a lot further in baseball.
Some people say the pitching staff is going to lead our team this year. We also have good hitters and we’re all working hard. So, I believe we are going to have a great season.
I was raised by a great family along with my two brothers in Pompano Beach, Fla. which I like to refer to as “PNO”. I have a lot of love for my city, and my city loves me back. Pompano will always be considered my home.
My goals for the season are to improve my statistics from last season and go to Omaha, Neb. and bring a national championship back to the “U”.
Playing baseball has given me great memories and created opportunities. Playing baseball at the “U” is something I consider special because of all the pride and tradition associated with the program. Baseball is what got me to the “U”, and hopefully baseball will continue to give me many more opportunities.
