Get to know.... Shortstop Mark Hallberg
Get to know.... Shortstop Mark Hallberg
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by Drew
Hankin
1) How you got to Florida State is an
interesting story. Can you explain it in your own words?
This summer I was thinking about leaving UIC
because they did not offer my major. I talked with my family and told them I
wanted to find a place where I could pursue both my athletic and academic career
at the highest level. After a somewhat lengthy release process, my choices were
LSU and FSU. I knew both were great programs, but after meeting Bryan Henry,
Mike Hyde, and Buster Posey up in the Cape, I knew these were the kind of people
I wanted to be around. In my mind I feel like I made the best decision for me
and my family by choosing FSU.
2) How would you compare you experience in the Cape Cod League with previous
experiences playing summer ball elsewhere?
The Cape Cod League is the best summer league
in the country in my mind. The level of competition on a daily basis is very
good. The two main differences between the Cape and Northwoods League is the
pitching and the defense. Both are a better in the Cape.
3) How much of a culture-shock was it for going from Chicago to Tallahassee?
There was no culture-shock at all for me. I was
born in Saudi Arabia, and have lived and traveled all around the world. Going
from one place to another has been something I have done my whole life.
4) What are some of the biggest differences you've noticed so far, between
playing (practicing) at FSU than at UIC?
The biggest difference is the depth at each
position. It creates competition which makes you a better player. Also, we did
not have the fan support at UIC like we have here at FSU. The fans support says
a lot about the job 11 and his staff have done here.
5) Players, coaches, and media have all raved about how good your defense is,
but an over-looked stat is your performance at the plate, and the ridiculously
low
number of times that you strike out (6 times in 217 at bats last season). What's
your secret?
My secret more or less is to hit the ball. It
is nothing more then that. Let the ball travel and find a way to put the barrel
on the ball. I have always hated to strike out.
6) What's the biggest crowd you've played in front of? What have you heard about
the atmosphere at Dick Howser Stadium and The Animals?
I would have to say between 6 and 7 thousand
people in Lincoln versus Nebraska, in the Regional my freshman year. I have been
told the atmosphere at Dick Howser Stadium is one of the best, if not the best
in the country. I'm looking forward to the experience. To be honest with you, I
have not heard that much about the Animals.
7) Did you play any other sports when you were in high school/growing up?
Yes, I played a lot of different sports growing
up. Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Cricket and of course Baseball.
8) Are there any MLB players who you would compare your style of play to? Any
heroes/idols in MLB?
Although everyone has their unique style of
play, I would compare my game similar to David Eckstein's. My heroes/idols
growing up were Kirby Puckett and Derek Jeter, but my new favorite player is
Eckstein!
9) What was your first impression when you met Coach Martin?
Southern man who was very friendly and
determined.
10) Do you have any gameday superstitions?
Not really. I'm sure I do things the same way
on game day but I don't think about it.
Word Association
1) Omaha: College World Series
2) Mike Martin: True leader, Great Person
3) Tony Thomas Jr: Amazing Talent, Good Teammate.
4) Dick Howser Stadium: My New Home!
5) Team Leader: We will have to wait and see.
Previous Interviews:
Get to know....Senior starting pitcher
Bryan Henry
know....FSU's Director of Baseball Operations Chip Baker
know.... Junior starting second baseman Tony Thomas Jr
know.... Outfielder Ruairi O'Connor
Get to
know.... Pitcher Luke Tucker
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