St. John's University Athletics
Twenty Questions With P.J. Antoniato
4/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 26, 2005
P.J. Antoniato is in his second season at St. John's after transferring from Briarcliffe Community College on Long Island. In his first season with the Red Storm, the Antoniato not only had to make the transition to playing in the BIG EAST, he had to do it while playing a new position, second base. Antoniato, who played shortstop while growing up, has moved back to the left side of the infield and continued to thrive. After a strong season in 2004, when he helped lead St. John's to the NCAA Tournament, he is hoping to cap off his career with a BIG EAST Championship. He sat down with RedStormSports.com recently to answer questions.
1. How did you first get started playing baseball?
"When I was young like, 1- or 2-years old, my parents bought me this little pitching machine and I just picked up a bat and started hitting. I guess that's how it all started."
2. What was the first sport you played?
"Baseball, of course."
3. How did playing junior college baseball help prepare you for the BIG EAST?
"It helped me get prepared for the better competition that I faced last year and continue to this season. It really helped me grow a lot, not just as a player, but as a person."
4. What was the transition like playing at the BIG EAST level?
"It was a big jump, but you have to make the adjustment right away."
5. As a Long Island native, you know the area pretty well, did you follow St. John's baseball as a kid?
"No, not really. I didn't follow much. I didn't know much about college baseball back in those days. Growing up, especially in this area, if you're a baseball fan, you watched the Yankees or the Mets. I just had fun and wanted to see where baseball would take me."
6. What does it mean to you to play right near your hometown?
"It means a lot. My dad still gets to come to the games and see me play and that means the world to me."
7. Your parents have come to a lot of games. How important is it for you to see them at games?
"They support me so much and always have and I am lucky for them to still be able to watch me now."
8. You played second base last year and have moved to short this season. What has the transition been like?
"It has been a good experience its good to know how to play both positions and to learn all the angles from both sides of the bag."
9. Do you prefer playing second or short?
"I loved playing second. I love turning double plays. It's a tough call, but I'd have to say second."
10. What's your favorite part of New York City?
"The atmosphere. I've always lived here and I love it."
11. Is there any significance to the number (2) you wear?
"I've always had either numbers 1, 2 or 3, but Coach Blankmeyer is No. 1 here and 3 was taken when I transferred, so that left me with 2."
12. Day games or night games?
"Definitely day games. On a hot, sunny day with a cool breeze, nothing beats it."
13. What is your favorite meal to prepare?
"I would have to say pizza night. I love pizza. I don't prepare it, which is good too."
14. How you want to be remembered when you leave St. John's?
"I just want to be remembered as a hard worker and respected as a ball player."
15. If you could have dinner with three people, who would it be?
"Ted Williams because he is one of the best hitters of all time; Dave Chappelle, because he is hilarious; and Achilles, because that guy was serious."
16. What is your dream job outside of playing baseball?
"Coaching. I want to coach at some point, but anything that involves baseball."
17. What is the walls of your room?
"Just plain old sheetrock."
18. Do you have any phobias?
"Spiders. I hate them, especially the little white ones that are on your car during the summer. Man, I hate them."
19. What is your favorite television show?
"Probably Everyone Loves Raymond. It depends on the time."
20. What's your biggest interest outside of baseball?
"Cars. I loves cars, especially my Civic."
21. If you could eat one food, what would it be?
"Anna's pizza Sicilian, or Center Lane Individual regular slice."
22. If you could trade places with one person, who would it be and why?
"Bill Gates because he is crazy smart (though I'm not that far away) and he's worth more than the world."
23. Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
"Hopefully playing ball and pitching to my son and teaching him how to play ball just how my father did with me on my off time."
