Jan. 27, 2010
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In part seven of UCFAthletics.com's Taking the Field With..., we focus on Nick Cicio and J.M. Blake.
#34 Nick Cicio - LHP - Jr. - 5-9, 155 - Baltimore, Md./CCBC Catonsville
Q: What is your first memory of playing baseball growing up?
- My first memory of playing baseball growing up was playing with my dad in the backyard. I had recently got a tee to hit off and my dad was showing me how to hit. I remember wearing a red plastic helmet and hitting wiffle balls off the tee to my dad.
Q: Is there a game you played in that you remember the most?
- The game that I remember the most was a summer ball game. I threw a no-hitter for the Columbia Reds in the first game of the playoffs.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most so far about being at UCF?
- I have enjoyed numerous things so far here at UCF, but the most enjoyable thing would have to be being part of the baseball team and working hard with the guys in our pursuit of Omaha.
Q: If you won a trip to see a game at any ballpark in the country, where would go and why?
- If I won a trip to go to any ballpark I would go to Fenway Park to see the Green Monster and be in one of the oldest parks still around today. It would be neat to be there knowing all the history that has happened there.
Q: What would be the one place or thing you want to visit before you die?
- Before I die I would like to visit Australia.
Q: Is there anything you have to do before a game, such as any pregame rituals?
- I always pray before the game just to thank God for the opportunity and the ability to play the game of baseball.
Q: Growing up, what was your video game of choice?
- Growing up I loved to play Sonic on Sega Genesis.
Q: What do you prefer watching: Top Chef, 24, American Idol, Price is Right, Deadliest Catch, The Office?
- I prefer to watch The Office because of the humor.
Q: What reality show would you like to be on the most?
- I don't know what reality TV show I would like to be on but I would like to go on the show Wipeout on ABC.
Q: What would be the one thing you would wait in line overnight to have?
- I don't think there is anything that I would wait in line for overnight.
#28 J.M. Blake - RHP - Jr. - 5-11, 205 - Lady Lake, Fla./Lake-Sumter CC
Q: What is your first memory of playing baseball growing up?
- I'd say my first baseball memory is T-ball. I never trusted the first baseman to catch the ball, so I had to outrun the baserunner to first from whatever infield position I happened to be playing.
Q: Is there a game you played in that you remember the most?
- The game I remember the most is probably a game I pitched in high school. I no-hit Trinity Catholic and also scored the game's only run in a 1-0 victory.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most so far about being at UCF?
- I love everything about UCF. The team, the atmosphere and the excitement surrounding the program are all awesome.
Q: If you won a trip to see a game at any ballpark in the country, where would go and why?
- I would say Fenway, but considering the fact that everyone else said the same thing, I might go with AT&T Park in San Fran.
Q: What would be the one place or thing you want to visit before you die?
- I have to go to Scotland.
Q: Is there anything you have to do before a game, such as any pregame rituals?
- I really don't do anything differently on game day other than try to visualize positive results on the field. Just another day...just another win.
Q: Growing up, what was your video game of choice, as well as your favorite place to go as a kid?
- I used to get pretty into some Goldeneye 007 on the N64. Favorite place to go was always the baseball field. It's boring, but it's my life.
Q: What do you prefer watching: Top Chef, 24, American Idol, Price is Right, Deadliest Catch, The Office?
- Top Chef.
Q: What reality show would you like to be on the most?
- Probably none. Not my thing.
Q: If someone was making a movie about your life, who would you want to play yourself?
- This is the easiest question hands down. CHUCK NORRIS.
Q: What would be the one thing you would wait in line overnight to have?
- Not sure if there is one honestly.
Q: Tell us one thing you would like people to know about you.
- Actually, I had a band in high school and I played drums and was the lead singer. Dont worry about it.
Tickets for Baseball Fan Fest Jan. 30 as well as 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.
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.