March 19, 2010

March 18, 2010

62 degrees and sunny! That is what the weather was like on Tuesday and Wednesday during our first outdoor practices of the year. It seemed surreal. It was nice to get back in the groove. We played a simulated game for a few hours to get some guys extra reps. Our intensity was high, which is good to see after struggling last week. Before and after practice we accomplished a lot of the tedious maintenance issues around the field. We are less than a week away from our home opener against the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers, so we have to make sure "The Ralph" is presentable.

I mentioned last week that I was going to give you an insight into the lives of NIU baseball players. Can O' Corn #9 is going to spotlight sophomore pitcher/outfielder Jake Hermsen. If you aren't interested in Jake, I recommend you stop reading now and keep up with us on GameTracker this weekend as we take on the Salukis of Southern Illinois.

Brian (10:12 p.m.): How are feelin' after that bus trip?

Jake (10:13 p.m.): Well I'm a little sore. Boondock Saints II wasn't as good as I thought it was gunna be. Huge disappointment. But I fell asleep after the movie and woke up at the hotel so overall not bad.

Brian (10:15 p.m.): That's good. . That's real good. . I was sleeping when Boondocks II was put in. Whose idea was that?

Jake (10:16 p.m.): Well I saw Coach Mathey had a Blockbuster bag. So he must have went on a spending spree for this trip. Hopefully he can rebound with his next movie choice.

Brian (10:19 p.m.): He better. You've been rooming with Brett and Beckman on all the road trips right?

Jake (10:20 p.m.): Yes a couple times. We get along like peas and carrots. But having to sleep with Brett is a terrible experience. He has some very large shoulders.

Brian (10:21 p.m.): I can't imagine that being too comfortable. . I'm gunna get a little personal here - answer these as honestly as possible

Jake (10:21 p.m.): Oh boy

Brian (10:22 p.m.): What do you eat for breakfast?

Jake (10:22 p.m.): Cinnamon swirl bagel with a cup of orange juice

Brian (10:25 p.m.): What is your favorite language, other than your native one?

Jake (10:25 p.m.): Parsel Tongue

Brian (10:27 p.m.): I don't even know what that is. . . why don't you explain to everyone what that is?

Jake (10:28 p.m.): For all you Muggles out there, Parsel Tongue is the language that my good friend Harry Potter speaks when encountered with a serpent. So to sum it up, it's the language between Wizards and Snakes.

Brian (10:28 p.m.): I hate you

Jake (10:28 p.m.): Why?

Brian (10:29 p.m.): Because of your harry potter crush

Jake (10:29 p.m.): haha. i don't know any other languages haha I got D's in Spanish in high school

Brian (10:30 p.m.): That's good - work hard at your Parsel Tongue. I sure it'll be key to getting a job as a hobbit when you grow up

Jake (10:30 p.m.): That is the wrong movie dude. That is lord of the rings

Brian (10:30 p.m.): Whatever - next question

Jake (10:31 p.m.): Hit me

Brian (10:32 p.m.): Can you sing me some lyrics of your favorite song?

Jake (10:33 p.m.): I don't have a favorite song.... Should i just make something up?

Brian (10:33 p.m.): make up lyrics? You're not a lyrical genius, like Kanye . . . Don't bother - this interview is over

Jake (10:34 p.m.): Is it really?

Brian (10:34 p.m.): Yeah we're done here . . its 10:30 - shouldn't you be in bed?

Jake (10:34 p.m.): is that another interview question? lol. ask me another one that is a decent question one more

Brian (10:37 p.m.): ok What has been your most memorable moment as a huskie?

Jake (10:38 p.m.): Pat Minogues emphatic celebration after his Inside-the-Park Grand Slam last year.

Brian (10:40 p.m.): What song do you listen to the most on your Ipod?

Jake (10:41 p.m.): Shining Star by Earth Wind and Fire

Brian (10:42 p.m.): Not bad Jake . . That may have saved you from your Harry Potter reference . . . I just want to congratulate you on being the 1st player Spotlighted this year. . . is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Jake (10:44 p.m.): Well I wanna thank you, Jason, for choosing me to be the first, and possibly the last player spotlighted. I have been following your Can O' Corn blog since i was a Freshman in high school and it just seems to always get better with your age. Everyone come out and support the Huskies!

Brian (10:45 p.m.): thats cute

That's all she wrote!

Brian

If you have any questions, comments or concerns for Brian, please e-mail Baseball SID Zach Peters (zpeters2@niu.edu).