Feb. 1, 2010
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Just four more players remain in UCFAthletics.com's feature with the UCF baseball newcomers, and in part 10 we take a glimpse at Michael Holmes and Jonathan Griffin.
#17 Michael Holmes - IF - Jr. - 6-0, 185 - Tallahassee, Fla./Gulf Coast CC
Q: What is your first memory of playing baseball growing up?
- My first memory of playing was T-ball. There were seven kids in the outfield, yet strangely competitive.
Q: Is there a game you played in that you remember the most?
- The most memorable game for me was the 2A state championship game my senior year of high school in 2007. We beat Montverde Academy 6-1 then dog-piled on the mound. The celebration was a blur, but I made a diving catch to save two runs that I will remember forever.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most so far about being at UCF?
- So far I have enjoyed the chemistry of the team and the national exposure our program receives.
Q: If you won a trip to see a game at any ballpark in the country, where would go and why?
- I'd actually love to watch a game in every park across the nation but one that stands out to me is Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers because of its fun atmosphere. Miller Park has a huge slide in left field used by their mascot, as well as the sausage race in the sixth inning.
Q: What would be the one place or thing you want to visit before you die?
- One place I would want to visit before I die would be Fiji for obvious reasons.
Q: Is there anything you have to do before a game, such as any pregame rituals?
- Pregame rituals of mine include getting decked out in wrist bands, arm sleeves, athletic tape and sunglasses and also getting my sunflower seed stash prepared.
Q: Growing up, what was your video game of choice, as well as your favorite place to go as a kid?
- The video game I played nonstop as a kid was Ken Griffey Jr. Slugfest, and my favorite place to go was Discovery Zone, the venue of choice for my birthday parties from ages 5-8.
Q: What do you prefer watching: Top Chef, 24, American Idol, Price is Right, Deadliest Catch, The Office?
- The Office is definitely one of my favorite shows because of the characters. The many personalities and Steve Carrell make it hilarious.
Q: What reality show would you like to be on the most?
- I'm not a huge fan of reality shows, but if I could pick one it would be the Amazing Race.I believe if my brother was my partner, we would win the million dollars easily.
Q: If someone was making a movie about your life, who would you want to play yourself?
- I have often thought about this question before so I have a list: Brad Pitt because he always gets the girl, Bradley Cooper becuase he is really cool and John Krasinski because he is smart, sarcastic and funny.
Q: What would be the one thing you would wait in line overnight to have?
- I would definitely wait overnight for Linkin' Park concert tickets, maybe even multiple nights.
Q: Tell us one thing you would like people to know about you.
- I currently have 26 different Major League team hats, only four more to go to have every team.
#33 Jonathan Griffin - IF - Jr. - 6-7, 230 - Bradenton, Fla./State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Q: Is there a game you played in that you remember the most?
- It would have to be last year when I hit three home runs in three swings.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most so far about being at UCF?
- Being a part of a championship caliber baseball team who are also a great bunch of guys.
Q: What would be the one place or thing you want to visit before you die?
- Las Vegas. To hike.
Q: Growing up, where was your favorite place to go as a kid?
- My favorite place to go was on the river behind my house to fish. It still is today.
Q: What do you prefer watching: Top Chef, 24, American Idol, Price is Right, Deadliest Catch, The Office?
- The Deadliest Catch. It always keeps me on my toes.
Q: What reality show would you like to be on the most?
- Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Q: If someone was making a movie about your life, who would you want to play yourself?
- Brad Pitt. Resemblance!
Q: What would be the one thing you would wait in line overnight to have?
- Carrie Underwood.
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.