Feb. 20, 2008

The University of Notre Dame baseball team welcomes 19 newcomers to the diamond this season. The class was ranked as one of the top in the entire county — fourth by Baseball America and sixth by Collegiate Baseball. In the coming weeks, UND.com will feature each Irish newcomer leading up to the team’s Feb. 22 opener against Liberty. The tenth Notre Dame player in the spotlight is outfielder Andrew Wiand.

Hometown: South Bend, Ind.
High School: Riley
Position: Outfielder
Height/Weight: 5-10/185
Bat/Throw: R/R

If you were to play another sport at Notre Dame, what would it be?
Football.

Best thing about the team:
We all expect to work hard in order to be good.

What are three words that best describe coach Schrage?
Authoritative, dynamic and demanding.

Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Tori Hunter.

What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Fenway Park.

What would be the title of your autobiography?
“All The Small Things”.

What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
Hitting a three-run home run at Coveleski Stadium.

Are you a fan of the American League’s designated hitter or do you prefer the National League style?
prefer the designated hitter.

Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
No, college should stay with aluminum bats.

Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Derrick Lee, Johan Santana.

Favorite baseball team:
Boston Red Sox.

Favorite player:
Mark McGwire.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I always wrap my wrists with tape before each game.

Why did you choose Notre Dame?
I chose Notre Dame because of an academic scholarship by the Lilly Pharmaceutical Company.

— ND —