Indiana University Athletics
In the Dugout with Eric Wagner
1/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 24, 2006
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 pitcher Tyler Tufts took his turn in the spotlight, pitcher Eric Wagner is up next.
Wagner is a 6-4, right-handed pitcher from Naperville, Ill. He attended Neuqua Valley High School along with teammate and fellow freshman Jon David. At Neuqua Valley, Wagner garnered all-conference, all-city and all-area honors.
Additionally, he compiled an 8-1 record with a 1.34 ERA as a senior and clinched the team's 20005 regional championship with a complete game effort in the title game. Wagner was coached by Robin Renner and John Fumagali.
The son of Mark and Vicki Wagner has one sibling, Ryan.
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
High School: Neuqua Valley
Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6-4/205
Bat/Throw: R/R
If you were to play another sport at IU, what would it be?
Basketball
Best thing about the team:
We have a bunch of good guys that all get along well. Everyone has a good time, but we get down to business once it's time to hit the field because everyone wants to turn IU into a championship program.
What are three words that best describe coach Smith?
Disciplined, focused, dedicated
Who would play you in a movie?
Vince Vaughn
Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Mark Prior
What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Wrigley Field
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Perseverance
What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
Pitching in the regional championship against our crosstown rival my senior year and shutting them down in a complete game effort for the victory.
Should Pete Rose be eligible for the Hall of Fame?
Yes
Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
Yes
Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
The best hitter in baseball is Barry Bonds and the best pitcher is Roger Clemens
Who is the one MLB hitter/pitcher you would want to face?
The one hitter I would like to face would be Barry Bonds, and even though I don't hit, I would like to see Eric Gagne throw live.
Favorite baseball team:
Chicago Cubs
Favorite player:
Mark Prior
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I take a nap before every game.
Why did you choose IU?
Indiana was the best fit for me. I wanted to play in a big-time program where I could contribute as soon as possible.
