Feb. 16, 2009
The University of Notre Dame baseball team welcomes eight newcomers to the diamond this season. In the coming weeks, UND.com will feature each Irish newcomer leading up to the team’s Feb. 20 season opener against Ohio State. The seventh Notre Dame player in the spotlight is left-handed pitcher Dustin Ispas.
Jersey Number: 7
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
High School: Los Osos H.S.
Position: Left-handed Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6-1/190
Bat/Throw: L/L
If you were to play another sport at Notre Dame, what would it be?
Swimming
Best thing about the team:
The best thing about this team would have to be that we are all working extremely hard but still having fun.
What are three words that best describe Coach Schrage?
Reserved, knowledgeable and intuitive
Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Joba Chamberlain
What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Yankee Park
What would be the title of your autobiography?
I win… You lose.
What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
Getting the opportunity to play baseball in China and being named the top pitcher in the Good Will Games.
Are you a fan of the American League’s designated hitter or do you prefer the National League style?
NL, I think a pitcher shouldn’t have to worry about batting. He should just focus on pitching.
Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
Absolutely, I think that the level of play has come to a point where it is no longer necessary to be using metal bats.
Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Hitter: Alex Rodriguez
Pitcher: Mariano Rivera
Favorite baseball team:
New York Yankees
Favorite player:
Mariano Rivera
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Yes, I like to listen to the same music and I always get ready in the same way. It is just how I like to prepare.
Why did you choose Notre Dame?
I knew it would give me the best opportunity for my future.
— ND —