St. John's University Athletics
Twenty Questions With Jim Martin
3/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 16, 2005
Jim Martin came to St. John's in 2001 as an unheralded player from Massachusetts. He was an Eastern Massachusetts all-star as a junior and earned all-scholastic honors in the state as a senior despite not playing the sport year round. During his freshman year in Queens, he played in 44 games as a freshman at first base. Martin moved to third base during his sophomore year and was one of the most consistent hitters on the team in 2004, ranking among the top-five hitters in the BIG EAST. He was named to the preseason All-BIG EAST team as a third baseman and was named one of the Red Storm's captains this season. Jim sat down with RedStormSports.com to answer some questions.
1.How did you first get started playing baseball?
"My father started playing catch with me when I was three or four. That was when I first got into it."
2. What was the first sport you played?
"Growing up in Massachusetts, we played a lot of hockey, but baseball was the first. When I was younger, I didn't like the cold weather and I wasn't big on skating. I didn't really like being outside much during the winter."
3. What sport did you like most?
"I never really got into which I liked better. When it was winter, it was hockey; when it was the summer, it was baseball. When hockey season was going, I had my spikes and my glove in the closet. When baseball was going, I had my hockey equipment in the basement. It was always seasonal for me."
4. Was there a point when you knew you had to give up one sport?
"The only decision, it was my senior year in high school, was to come here and play baseball year round. I had some schools that would give me the chance to play both hockey and baseball, but it was mainly at the Division II or III level. I felt the opportunity to get better as a baseball player and give it a year-round commitment would be better for me. Coming here to St. John's has been one of the best decisions I've ever made."
5. What was the biggest transition for you when came to New York City?
"Not being around my friends and family. Being in New York was different for me because I had never left my town. The whole lifestyle was a big change. My accent made me stand out too."
6. Speaking of your accent, you're a big Boston Red Sox fan, is it tough rooting for your team here?
"It's tough. Four years later, people still say things to me that I never thought about. People used to joke with me about that. But I don't have to hear it anymore. It was sweeter being in New York on that last out. I finally have the last laugh."
7. What's your favorite part of New York City?
"I love Times Square, but I really like everything about the City. The charisma that surrounds the city, everything is new, no matter how many times you're there."
8. What goals has your team set for this season?
"We have certain goals throughout the season that we want to obtain. We wanted to get off to a good start. We want to do well in league play. We have five different goals, starting with those. Obviously, everyone wants to make the BIG EAST Tournament and get back to the NCAAs. It's a pyramid, you start at the beginning of the season and you get better as the season goes along."
9. What do you miss most about home?
"My family and friends, especially seeing my parents and my brother. My brother Joe is playing hockey back home and they're in the playoffs right now, so it's hard not to see him play. I remember it from when I was going through it, and it's a big part of your life. That's one of the things I miss most."
10. You've worn the number 33 all four years, Is there any significance to your number?
"I had been 15 been my whole life and that's what my father wore. I was thinking of switching a year or two ago. When I came here, it was just available and I took it."
11. Day games or night games?
"I prefer day games. I feel like I see everything better."
12. How you want to be remembered when you leave St. John's?
"I feel like an old man answering that, but I guess since it's my last year, it's time to think a bit about it. I just want to remembered as a hard-working student-athlete who got the most of out of himself."
13. Is it amazing for you to see how you've progressed from the fall of your freshman year until now?
"I just take myself back sometimes and think about it. It's a lot harder than people would expect. But it's about believing in your coaches and your ability. It's about going the extra mile. I'm not the most gifted student-athlete, but I try and do the best I can."
14. Your parents have come to a lot of games. How important is it for you to see them at games?
"Honestly, they get here the most they can. It's meant a lot to me. They went out to California last year (for the NCAA Tournament). That meant t a lot to me because it was a big moment in my life. I know a lot of kids aren't as fortunate because their parents might not have the chance go see them as much as they would like, so it's very important to me."
15. If you could have dinner with three people, who would it be?
"Ted Williams, Michael Jordan and my grandfather, who passed when I was five-days-old."
16. What is the walls of your room?
"I have my Red Sox hat, a picture of me playing here at St. John's and my nametag from the (NCAA) Regionals. There's not much. My roommate (Anthony Varvaro) has more up than I do."
17. If you could choose anyone as president, who would it be and why?
"Theo Epstein. The Red Sox won the World Series with him, so you can't argue with that track record."
18. Do you have any phobias?
"Fear of heights. I don't mind flying, but if I'm on a ferris wheel or at the top of a building, I start to feel it."
19. Do you have any pet peeves?
"I don't like it when people read over my shoulder."
20. What's your biggest interest outside of baseball?
"Sports. I love watching college basketball. I'll watch all sports."
21. If you could eat one food, what would it be?
"My mother's lasagna."
22. Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
"I'd love to be living somewhere nice and warm with money, although I don't know how I'll be earning it at this point. Or I'd like to be teaching or coaching somewhere."
