Freshman Mick Doyle.

Countdown To First Pitch: In The Dugout With Mick Doyle

Feb. 15, 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 fifth Notre Dame player in the spotlight is infielder Mick Doyle.

Hometown: LaGrange Park, Ill.
High School: Benet Academy
Position: Infielder
Height/Weight: 6-1/200
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 with the guys.

What are three words that best describe coach Schrage?
Calm, competitive and focused.

Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Derek Jeter.

What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Wrigley Field.

What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Go Big or Go Home” by Mick Doyle.

What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
Winning the IHSA state playoff regional championship. We were a huge underdog and won on a buzzer beating lay up.

Are you a fan of the American League’s designated hitter or do you prefer the National League style?
National Legue, Go Cubs!.

Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
No.

Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Alex Rodriguez, Greg Maddux.

Favorite baseball team:
Chicago Cubs.

Favorite player:
Omar Vizquel.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
No.

Why did you choose Notre Dame?
I’ve been a Notre Dame fan since I was a little kid.

— ND —