A weekly Q&A with Baylor's student-athletes

March 1, 2007

BEAR FACTS Archive

Chase Gerdes
Baseball
Senior, OF

When did you start playing your sport?
When I was five

Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Terry Raley

What is the best part of being a college athlete?
Getting some of my school paid for

Favorite sport other than your own?
Football

After meeting Coach Thompson, what was you first thought?
He got me here. He was my recruiter, and I'm thankful for that.

What is the most unique item in your locker?
A nickel

What is the funniest moment from Baylor practice?
When Coach Smith got hit in the mouth with a foul ball. It wasn't funny at the time, but looking back now it is.

Who are your favorite sports heroes?
Pete Rose

What is the highlight of your sports career?
Going to Omaha for the College World Series

What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
I don't get embarrassed

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Getting used to the speed of the game

What opposing schools do you most look forward to competing against?
Texas, Texas A&M, and Nebraska

What is one thing Coach Smith always tells you?
He always has something positive to say

What is your favorite team road trip?
Omaha for the College World Series

Who is your biggest fan?
My parents and my sister

Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
My sister graduated from here and we used to go the baseball games, so that made me want to come here.

What's the most important thing you've learned as a Baylor athlete?
To never give up

What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
The atmosphere and baseball

As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
Keep your head up and keep trying. There's always tomorrow.

What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, jokester, confident

What song is stuck in your head right now?
"Lips of an Angel" by Jack Ingram

What is your favorite T.V. show?
Criminal Minds

Name one thing you can't go a week without.
Vanilla ice cream

What is your dream job?
If it's not baseball, I'd like to work with my Dad.

What's your most valued possession?
My cowboy boots

Favorite musical artist?
Jason Boland

Biggest fear?
Spiders

Biggest pet-peeve?
People asking questions

Least favorite food?
Spinach

Best opposing Big 12 fans?
Nebraska

Movies or TV?
TV, the Outdoor Channel

MTV or ESPN?
ESPN

Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Bruiser the Bear

Daytime or Nighttime?
Daytime

Cars or Trucks?
Trucks

compiled by Meggie McNutt, Athletic Media Relations student assistant