Feb. 26, 2007
A new weekly addition to the und.com coverage of the Notre Dame baseball team is the “Freshman Focus” series, providing a quick insight into the team’s newcomers through a short Q&A format. This offering is similar to the “20 Questions” series that have been posted previously on und.com for several sports. Third baseman A.J. Pollock recently kicked off the 2007 Freshman Focus series (link below) while his classmate Michael Wright is the second newcomer to stop by und.com with his answers to a variety of questions.
Wright adds a hustling presence to the 9-hole spot in the lineup while serving as a second leadoff-type hitter (photo by Pete LaFleur).
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Wright has made the biggest impact of any Notre Dame freshman so far this season, starting all six games (mostly in right field) while ranking fourth on the team with a .294 batting average (5-for-17). The spirited newcomer’s .429 on-base pct. – while batting out of the 9-hole – ranks third on the team while his four walks are second on the team and his four runs scored are tied for the team lead. Wright has swiped a team-best two stolen bases this season and has yet to make an error, with his pair of RBI including a solo home run in the season opener.
Previous Freshman Focus entries:
Freshman Focus #2 – Michael Wright (Outfielder)
Full Name – Michael Martin Wright
Hometown – Lockhart, Texas
Is there anything unique about your hometown? – We are known statewide for our Bar-B-Q. Lockhart is called the Bar-B-Q capitol of Texas.
High School – Lockhart High School. There are 1,200 students that go to Lockhart High School, 900 go to the high school itself and 300 go to a separate freshman campus.
High school’s nickname and colors – We are called the Lockhart Lions, and our colors are maroon and white.
Family members – My parents, Michael and Janie Wright, both went to Texas State, then known as Southwest Texas State. My sister, Amanda Wright, is a freshman at Lockhart High School.
Is there anything unique about your family? – My sister and never have missed a day of school due to illness or injury. My sister is in 9th grade (10 years of perfect attendance). I made it to graduation (K-12, 13 years perfect attendance).
Something most people don’t know about you – I was intentionally walked in a high school game after hitting a triple and two home runs in consecutive at-bats.
Have you been a longtime Notre Dame fan? – Coming from the south, it was harder to follow teams from the north such as Notre Dame, but the traditions at Notre Dame along with being Catholic allowed me to fall in love with the school quickly.
Who has been most influential to your baseball career? – My family as a whole. My dad because of the countless hours we spent practicing and my mom because of how she stressed balance in my life. This balance, along with the hard work and support, allowed me the opportunity to play baseball at the college level. I would also like to thank coach Andrew Prater and the Austin Baseball Club. His organization gave me the opportunity to become a student of the game and to play in the showcase tournaments where Notre Dame first saw me.
Wright is one of six Irish players to start every game this season (photo by Pete LaFleur).
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If you could change something about the game of baseball what would it be? – I like the way it’s played. It’s a perfect game.
Favorite thing about coach Schrage – You know exactly what is expected. He knows when it’s time to be serious and when it’s time to joke. That combination in a head coach makes players work hard but also allows them to stay relaxed, two important characteristics of a winning team.
Favorite thing about coach Lawler – How he talks with his hands.
Favorite thing about coach Clinkscales – How he doesn’t use any sort of profanity.
Favorite thing about coach Fitzgerald – How he can keep a straight face while he’s joking.
Area you want to improve most this season – I’d like to improve my HBP (hit-by-pitch) ratio like Brett Lilley. It’s a free way to get on base.
What do you like most about the team’s freshman class? – The competition. I like that we compete so much within our class. That can only make the team better.
Your number with the Irish – #1. I wore #10 in high school, but #1 seemed to be more fitting. Plus, my best friend in high school wore this number. It helps to remind me that you represent more than just the name on the front and back of the jersey.
Did you play other sports at a high level? – I played football until my sophomore year. I was our quarterback and free safety.
Favorite sports teams – Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys
Favorite athletes – Craig Biggio (current), Pete Rose (past)
How would you describe the changes in adjusting to the college game? – The game moves faster. The biggest adjustment will come in hitting. In college guys are able to throw more than one pitch for a strike.
What are your rituals before a game? – Before the first defensive inning, I jog out to the fence and pat it 3 times. While I’m batting, I readjust my gloves 3 times on each hand.
What road trip are you most looking forward to this season? – San Antonio (first weekend), it was only an hour away from home. There were a lot of people there from my hometown. I’d like to thank them for their support.
Wright had the thrill of hitting a home run in his first collegiate at-bat while playing in front of family and friends at San Antonio’s Wolff Stadium (photo by Pete LaFleur).
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What do you do when you’re not on the baseball field? – I like to hang out with my family and friends and catch a nap if possible.
Favorite food – Steak
Favorite TV show – Baseball Tonight
Favorite movie – The Rookie
Favorite book – Millionaire Next Door
Favorite actor and/or actress – Jim Carrey