Indiana University Athletics
In the Dugout with Joe Vicini
12/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Dec. 13, 2005
Along with head coach Tracy Smith and assistant coaches Ty Neal and Micah Nori, the Indiana baseball team also welcomes 12 new players to the 2006 roster. In the coming weeks, IUHOOSIERS.com will feature each IU newcomer. After outfielder Cameron Satterwhite took his turn in the spotlight, pitcher Joe Vicini is up next.
A 6-0 left-handed hurler from West Shamokin High School in Rural Valley, Pa., Vicini recorded a 2.60 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 34 innings while holding opponents to a .198 batting average in 2005. This effort came on the heels of a 5-2 campaign, where Vicini posted a 0.86 ERA and 80 Ks in 53 innings of work. The southpaw garnered Pitcher of the Year accolades after both impressive seasons.
Vicini was honored with the 2005 National Guard Outstanding Athlete & Scholar award in 2005 and earned the Who's Who Among High School Students honor from 2003-05. In addition to starring on the baseball diamond, Vicini played soccer. The son of Joseph and Allison Vicini has one sister, Kathryn (13), and one brother, Benjamin (6). Vicini plans to study sport marketing and management at IU.
Hometown: Rural Valley, Pa.
High School: West Shamokin
Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6-0/190
Bat/Throw: L/L
If you were to play another sport at IU, what would it be?
I would love to play hockey.
Best thing about Bloomington:
It's a great college town, and you never get bored here.
Best thing about the team:
The guys are awesome. We all get along really well, and they are like brothers to me.
What are three words that best describe coach Smith?
Tough, work, honest
Who would play you in a movie?
Keanu Reeves
Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Zach Duke - Pittsburgh Pirates
What is your favorite major league ballpark?
PNC Park (Pittsburgh)
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Joe Vicini: Behind The Scenes
What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
For myself, it would have to be my first no-hitter. I also would say Mario Lemieux's return to hockey. I was at his first game back.
Should Pete Rose be eligible for the Hall of Fame?
Yes
Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
Yes, aluminum is getting too dangerous and I would rather pitch against wood.
Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Hitter- Albert Pujols, Pitcher- Dontrelle Willis
Should baseball impose a salary cap?
Yes
Who is the one MLB pitcher/hitter you would want to face?
Pitcher - Roger Clemens; Hitter - I would love to pitch against Barry Bonds.
Have you faced any players that are now playing professionally?
Yes, Neil Walker - he plays on the Pirates' Double-A team.
Favorite baseball team:
Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite player:
Oliver Perez - Pittsburgh Pirates
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I pray
Why did you choose IU?
For the opportunity to play Division I baseball and because Indiana is a great academic school
