Jim Negrych is the second baseman for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. Negrych is from Buffalo, NY where he earned all-Western New York honors for both his junior and senior seasons. The accolades continued when he arrived at Pitt. He was a Baseball America Freshman All-American and was named the Big East Rookie of the Year. His sophomore year was just as impressive. Negrych was named Baseball America's Best Defensive Second Baseman and Best Pure Hitter for the Big East. Negrych proved his hitting skills in last year's Big East tournament semifinal game against Boston College. With Pittsburgh trailing by one in the bottom of the 12th inning, Negrych hit a two-run home run to win the game and send the Panthers into the title game. Entering his junior season, the 5'10", 180 lb. second baseman has a .364 average at Pitt with 34 doubles and 23 home runs. I caught up with Baseball America's third-team, pre-season All American via e-mail, and here is what he had to say...
Jim, first off, can you please talk about yourself a little bit? Tell everyone where you grew up, a little about your youth baseball career and what made you choose to attend the University of Pittsburgh.
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and played in a lot of leagues when I was younger. My dad was usually my coach and we did not lose much around Buffalo, which always made it fun. My choice to go to Pitt was an easy one. It was a program on the rise, in a great conference, with a location that was close enough for my family to watch me play.
What has been the most memorable moment in your baseball career?
There have been a lot, but as of right now I'd have to say getting to the Big East Championship last year with Pitt.
You played in the Cape Cod League last summer. Please tell me about that experience. How did your adjustment to wood bats go? At Pitt, do you take batting practice with wood bats?
Playing in the Cape was exciting and was another one of my most memorable moments. The Cape Cod League will go down as the greatest summer league ever, and it was great honor to get a chance to go out and play with some of the best college players. The adjustment to wood bats takes about a week, but it’s more of just going out and hitting than it is the bats. At Pitt some of us take BP with wood, but we try to swing metal for at least one round during BP.
What player have you played with or against that makes you say, "That guy is going places!"?
There's been so many, especially after this past summer, but I'd have to say Tim Lincecum who pitches for UW.
On a related note, who is the best pitcher you've faced?
I'd have to say Craig Hanson, who pitched for St. John’s and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox last year.
What is a specific part of your game that you are working to improve this season?
I’m working to improve my footwork at second base, and I’m always just trying to help my team win any way we can.
How much time does your commitment to baseball take each week? How do you keep up with classes? Will you complete your history degree?
Baseball takes up a good amount of time, but a lot of work is on your own and you just learn how to get the classes done with. Hopefully I will be completing my degree within a year.
What is your conditioning regimen during the season and during the off-season?
We have a great trainer at Pitt who gives us a workout for the summer and while we’re in school. Let’s just say he doesn’t let you get by without working hard. There’s definitely alot of running and lifting weights.
Is it difficult to maintain a healthy diet while you're in school?
To some degree it gets hard when you start playing and you’re traveling. Since we drive everywhere, we end up eating a lot of fast food.
Do you have any superstitions? If so, how did they develop?
I have to get three mini swings in before I get ready to hit. I started
it in high school and it seemed to be working, so I just kept with it.
THE LIGHTNING ROUND…
Who is your favorite MLB team?
New York Yankees
Who is your favorite baseball player?
Derek Jeter
If you make it to the big leagues, what pitcher would you most like to
hit against?
Roger Clemens
What is your favorite movie?
Anchorman
Who is your favorite band / musician?
Jack Johnson
What is your favorite food?
Chicken Wings.....from Buffalo
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