Feb. 22, 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 16th Notre Dame player in the spotlight is right-handed pitcher Justin Gingerich.

Hometown: Goshen, Ind.
High School: Bethel College
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-3/185
Bat/Throw: R/R

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

Best thing about the team:
Hanging out with the guys.

What are three words that best describe coach Schrage?
Soft-spoken, competitive, and focused.

Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Greg Maddux.

What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Fenway Park.

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Justin Gingerich.

What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
My freshman year at Bethel College, we broke the school’s win record.

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

Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
Yes.

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

Favorite baseball team:
Chicago White Sox.

Favorite player:
Joe Crede.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Pray.

Why did you choose Notre Dame?
I had to transfer to finish my degree. Everything transferred well to ND and ND is a great school.

— ND —