April 18, 2008
Nick Cassavechia
Baseball
Senior, Pitcher
When did you start playing baseball?
I started playing "competitively" when I was 6 in t-ball
Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Former pitching coach Chris Berry who was the one that recommended that I drop my arm slot and helped me through the process.
What is the best part of being a college athlete?
Getting to represent my school, playing the sport that I love, with all of my friends, every single day
Favorite sport other than baseball?
Basketball
What is your nickname on the team and why?
Cass, just because my last name is so long and it makes it a lot easier
After meeting Coach Smith, what was your first thought?
This is a coach that really cares about his players
Do you have a pre-game ritual, if so what is it?
I always catch balls at first base during pre-game batting practice and slap every hitter's hand twice as they run by me. Right before the national anthem Beamer Weems and I go underneath the stadium and do a "handshake" routine. I also have a routine for the national anthem, and right when Coach Johnigan touches the grass as he goes to coach first base in the first inning, I go into the locker room and get sunflower seeds.
Who are your favorite sports heroes?
Huston Street, Derek Jeter, and Lebron James
What is the most unique item in your locker?
Lineup card from our Sunday game against Purdue. Since Coach Smith pulled the DH so that Aaron Miller could pitch in the 8th inning, I was scheduled to hit in the 9th inning, but fortunately for Purdue, I did not get to hit.
What is the highlight of your sports career?
Winning the 2007 Cape Cod League Championship
What is the funniest moment from a Baylor practice?
When Coach Johnigan imitates players on the team, specifically Beamer Weems and former pitcher, Ryan LaMotta
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
After blowing a save, coming back the next day ready to pitch in a similar situation
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
When I was running down to the bullpen last year, I tripped and fell right on my face. A lot of people saw, but I was fortunate it wasn't on television or anything. It could have been a lot worse.
What opposing schools do you most look forward to competing against?
Texas, because the crowds are amazing.
What is your favorite team road trip?
Big XII Tournament and obviously, Omaha.
Who is your biggest fan?
My mom and dad who make just about every game, and my aunt Trisha who follows every game from Connecticut.
Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
Great coaching staff, dedicated fans, top notch facilities, and a winning tradition
What's the most important thing you've learned as a Baylor athlete?
That if you fight, work hard, and give everything you have, you can't lose
What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
I will miss the coaches and players and the relationships I have formed with all of them.
Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete?
Ryan LaMotta. The way he competed on the mound made every outing he had, good or bad, so much fun to watch.
What is one thing you would change about Baylor?
I would put the football field on campus
As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
If you work hard and give it everything you have, you will have no regrets.
What are three words that describe you?
Competitive, Independent, Funny
What song is stuck in your head right now?
Queen-"Bohemian Rhapsody"
What is your favorite T.V. show?
Rob and Big, LOST, Entourage, Prison Break, Nip Tuck, American Idol...The list goes on
Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
Just about every morning, I go to IHOP, get the spinach and mushroom omelette with pancakes, and I read the Dallas Morning News by myself.
Name one thing you can't go a week without.
Talking to my mom
What is your dream job?
Closer in the big leagues
What's your most valued possession?
Cell phone
What song is playing in your MP3 player right now?
Lil Flip-"Game Over"
Best non-athletic talent?
Guitar Hero
Favorite musical artist?
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Biggest superstition?
All my pre-game traditions
Biggest fear?
Losing someone that I love
Biggest pet-peeve?
Wasted talent
Least favorite food?
You can ask my friends, I eat absolutely everything. I guess it's the Italian in me or something.
Favorite T-Shirt?
All Baylor Baseball shirts
Best opposing Big 12 fans?
Texas A&M
Movies or TV?
Movies
MTV or ESPN?
Close call but ESPN because its good all day, everyday
Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Bruiser
Daytime or Nighttime?
Nighttime
Penland or Memorial?
Memorial
Cars or Trucks?
Cars
Compiled by David Kaye, Athletic Media Relations student assistant
