Jan. 15, 2010
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Part two of UCFAthletics.com's feature focuses on Derek Luciano. The junior from Bradenton was injured in the fall but could come back in the 2010 preseason to challenge for a starting role on the infield.
#4 Derek Luciano - IF - Jr. - 6-2, 190 - Bradenton, Fla./State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Q: What is your first memory of playing baseball growing up?
- Playing tee ball when I was about four or five and always trying to hit the water tower out in right center, when in reality in was about 500 feet away. Never happened.
Q: Is there a game you played in that you remember the most?
- Our exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates last year at MCC. We beat them 6-4 for the first time in 11 years. It was awesome to play against guys who've already made it and also some of their top prospects like Andrew McCutchen. It was a little taste of pro ball that hopefully will be a reality for me soon.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most so far about being at UCF?
- I love everything about it. The team, the program, the environment. It's cool to be a part of a program and school on the rise.
Q: If you won a trip to see a game at any ballpark in the country, where would go and why?
- Definitely Fenway Park. I was born up in New Hampshire into a family of die-hard Red Sox fans and would love nothing more than to take (Dustin) Pedroia's job rather than sit in the stands.
Q: What would be the one place or thing you want to visit before you die?
- I want to travel the world as much as possible before I die. There's no reason to stay in one place all your life when there's so much out there to see and experience.
Q: Is there anything you have to do before a game, such as any pregame rituals?
- Nothing before the game, but I do have many ridiculous things I do during the game and between pitches. For example when I'm out in the field, if I spit, I have to cover it up with clay. It's a stupid habit I picked up somewhere along the way.
Q: Growing up, what was your video game of choice as well as your favorite place to go as a kid?
- I definitely got my money's worth out of 007 Goldeneye and MarioKart. Also my favorite place to go as a kid and even now is our family's place up in Maine. It's a little cabin right on the lake where you can relax and fish as much as you want.
Q: What do you prefer watching: Top Chef, 24, American Idol, Price is Right, Deadliest Catch, The Office?
- Deadliest Catch because it's an awesome show and those guys risk their lives everyday to get crab.
Q: What reality show would you like to be on the most?
- Probably Survivor. It looks like a cool challenge.
Q: What would be the one thing you would wait in line overnight to have?
- World Series tickets.
Q: Tell us one thing you would like people to know about you.
- I'm looking forward to playing in the World Series of Poker one day.
Season tickets for the 2010 campaign are already on sale. The Knights will play 36 games at home this year, and reserved chairbacks are just $199, while reserved bleachers seats are only $150. Faculty/staff, youth and senior season tickets are $99. To purchase tickets, call 407-823-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.
Tickets for Baseball Knight Fest Jan. 30 are on sale as well. The event is free to everyone who wish to meet the team and get autographs, but for just $5 a ticket fans will be able to grab a ballpark meal and be eligible for prizes. Opening day is set for Friday, Feb. 19, against Savannah State.
And for the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures, and become a follow of the Knights at Twitter.com.