Future Jayhawks Q&A

KU Baseball NLI signee Joey Luvisi

In November, Kansas head baseball coach Ritch Price announced his 2011-2012 signing class with the Jayhawks.

Throughout the season we will conduct Q&A’s with the future Jayhawks, who have signed the National Letter of Intent with KU during the November signing period.

Our third Q&A is with Joey Luvisi from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Luvisi is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound infielder from Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He was named first team all-region as well as to an all-tournament team during an in-season tournament in Anaheim, Calif. He hit .378 last season with eight doubles, three homers and 21 RBIs in 82 at bats. His older brother, Jordan, was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009, while his older sister, Jessica, is a junior at KU.

• Following the recruiting process, why did you decide to sign with the Jayhawks?

Loved the school, and Coach Price is the man.

• Did you make a visit to Lawrence and what was your most memorable moment or place you remember from your trip?

Yeah, watching KU upset Georgia Tech in football and rushing the field after.

• What would you like to major in at Kansas?

Pre-Med

• Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

My Dad

• What is one thing Jayhawk fans would be surprised to know about you?

I love storms and weather.

• What is your most memorable sports moment you have been involved in?

Winning the Hockey State Championship my freshmen year in overtime.

• Favorite Major League Baseball team and player? Why?

Diamondbacks cause they’re my hometown team, and Peter Bourjos because he is the hardest working player in the bigs.

• What do you bring personally to the Jayhawk program?

Hard work

• Do you have any superstitions when playing the game?

Look Good-Feel Good-Play Good, and I chew a new piece of gum every at bat.

• Besides sports what are your hobbies?

Playing Guitar, hanging out with my friends

• What do you look to get out of your Jayhawk experience?

Become the best baseball player I can be.

• What teams are playing for this spring and summer?

Notre Dame Saints and the Diamondbacks Scout Team

• If you were not playing baseball what would you be doing?

Storm Chasing

• If you had to be something other than a baseball player what would it be?

Host a survival show like Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls

• What is your favorite thing about Kansas Baseball?

• Everything!

Promotions Update: Kansas vs. Baylor

Kansas will play seven of it's next nine games at Hoglund Ballpark.    Here's a look at this weekend's promotions schedule for KU vs. Baylor:

Kansas vs. Baylor

Friday, April 1st - 6:00 PM
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day: $3 Admission with KU or state employee ID.

Saturday, April 2nd - 2:00 PM
Rock Chalk Rewards Double Points Day: KU students participating in the Rock Chalk Rewards program will receive double points.

Sunday, April 3rd - 1:00 PM

The first 100 kids in attendance will receive a free set of 2011 Kansas Baseball trading cards.

Sunday's are always a great day to bring the family out to Hoglund Ballpark.  Every Sunday is Family Fun and Food Day.  For just $40 the whole family can enjoy the game with four tickets, four popcorns and four drinks.  It's also Youth Baseball Day when all kids wearing a youth baseball jersey receive admission for just $3.

Be sure to come early for the bounce house on the 1st base concourse (weather permitting).  Kids can also take the field with the Jayhawks for the National Anthem and run the bases and get autographs in the dugout after the game. 

Waters vs. Strong

A few days ago senior outfielder Jimmy Waters wrote about the his upcoming reunion with summer teammate and Oklahoma State pitcher Mike Strong in his Summer Teammates Reunited blog.  The camera caught up with Jimmy and Mike before the doubleheader on Sunday.  Strong started on the mound in the day's second game. Waters went 1-for-2 against Strong and 3-for-4 in the game.  The Jayhawks swept the doubleheader to win the series. 


Waters vs Strong from Kansas Jayhawks on Vimeo.

Jayhawk Scrapbook

The Hoglund Ballpark videoboard brings fans many special features throughout the season.  We'll post some of them here for those of you that can't make it to the game.  These features are always better on a sunny afternoon with a hotdog and popcorn, so if you can, join us for a game or two, or ten at Hoglund Ballpark this spring.

Check out this Jayhawk Scrapbook.  See if you can figure out who the featured Jayhawk is before the end. 


Jayhawk Scrapbook from Kansas Jayhawks on Vimeo.

Traditions Night

Kansas Baseball held their annual Traditions Night during thier recent trip to Surprise, Arizona.  Take and inside look with this weeks edition of From the Dugout.


Taditions Night, KU Baseball from Kansas Jayhawks on Vimeo.

Summer Teammates Reunited

Senior outfielder Jimmy Waters is back with another update about standing up for a friend during a summer league game and facing one of his Jayhawk teammates in the same game.

After a couple up and down weeks, we are excited to begin the new season. The new season of course is the beginning of Big 12 conference play. This gives everyone on the team a fresh start and a chance for us to begin making a push to reach our goal of finishing in the upper half of the conference.  This week weekend we will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  The last time the Cowboys were in Lawrence we were able to sweep them and we hope to do the same this season. It will be a difficult task has the Cowboys boast a pretty stellar pitching staff, but we have been preparing all season to face this type of pitching.

I’ve been personally looking forward to this series because this summer while playing for the Rochester Honkers in the Northwoods League, I was roommates with Mike Strong, who will be starting on the mound Sunday for the Cowboys. Playing 60-some games, traveling, and living together all in one summer with a person you become pretty good friends. A few of my teammates and I went down and visited him in Stillwater for a weekend this fall and it was a pretty fun time and we got to know a bunch of their players.

A funny story this summer happened to Mike and I in Willmar, Minn.  Mike was pitching for us and I was playing left field. It looked like the umpire was squeezing Mike and all the sudden it seemed like no matter where Mike threw the baseball, it was being called a ball.

This was frustrating for me because all the sudden the other team is scoring runs they shouldn’t have. Finally, when the last out was made Mike said something to the umpire and got thrown out. I was running in from left and figured I should probably defend my buddy (might not have been the best decision). So, I defended Mike and said something to the umpire myself.

Well, then I was also kicked out of the game. At the time you are pretty mad about everything that happened, but now I can look back on that day and I’ll remember it forever because it was pretty comical. The other reason I will always remember the three innings that I played because the starting pitcher for Willmar was my Kansas teammate, Wally Marciel. In my first at bat against Wally, he fell behind 2-0 in the count and I knew he would be coming to me with a fastball and I was right and put the ball out of the park for a homerun.

Jimmy Waters had a home run trot
to remember this summer.

I may have “pimped” it a little bit too just because it was Wally on the mound. It was funny because I knew he was mad about it and he would not look at me at all when I was rounding the bases. So when I got thrown out of the game I think Wally was madder than I was because he wanted to face me again and get even, but he never got that opportunity.

The other cool thing for Mike and I is our host family from this summer will be making the trip from Elgin, Minn. to watch us face off this weekend. My host family this summer was great. We became pretty close and really enjoyed each other all summer long. I think it’s pretty cool that they will be able to watch us play against each other this weekend because there was plenty of talk about it this summer at the dinner table on what was going to happen when we faced off. I think it’s an interesting dilemma on who they will be cheering for come Sunday when I’m at the plate facing Mike.

It should be a very fun time for them.

Promotions Update: Big 12 Conference Opener

Kansas will open Big 12 Conference play in the friendly confines of Hoglund Ballpark with a three game series with Oklahoma State beginning Friday, March 18th.  Here's a look at the weekend's promotions schedule:

Friday, March 18th - 3:00 PM
The first 200 KU students in attendance will receive a free corndog and candy.  KU students are admitted to all Kansas Baseball games free of charge with thier student ID.

Saturday, March 19th - 1:00 PM
The first 500 fans will receive a free Jayhawk Mult-Function Headwear.

Sunday, March 20th - 1:00 PM

A young fan slides into home
after a recent Sunday game.

Sunday's are always a great day to bring the family out to Hoglund Ballpark.  Every Sunday is Family Fun and Food Day.  For just $40 the whole family can enjoy the game with four tickets, four popcorns and four drinks.  It's also Youth Baseball Day when all kids wearing a youth baseball jersey receive admission for just $3.

Be sure to come early for the bounce house on the 1st base concourse (weather permitting).  Kids can also take the field with the Jayhawks for the National Anthem and run the bases and get autographs in the dugout after the game. 

Young baseball fans have the opportunity to get autographs in the dugout after every Sunday game.

Future Jayhawks Q&A

In November, Kansas head baseball coach Ritch Price announced his 2011-2012 signing class with the Jayhawks.

Throughout the season, we will conducts Q&A’s with the future Jayhawks, who have signed the National Letter of Intent with KU during the November signing period.

Our Second Q&A is with Connor McKay from Aurora, Colorado.

McKay, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound outfielder from Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo., is ranked as the top high school player in the state of Colorado by Perfect Game USA. During his junior season, he batted .446 with 10 homers, 34 RBIs and seven stolen bases. He was named an Under Armor All-American and was selected first team all-city and all-conference.

• Following the recruiting process, why did you decide to sign with the Jayhawks?

I decided to sign with the Jayhawks because it’s one place that just fits for me in all ways, as well as my family.  They had my major as well as a good business school and a great D1 atmosphere. I’m excited to play for Coach Price and love how the KU fans support the school. Lawrence is a total college town. Plus it’s close to home, and that keeps my mom happy!

• Did you make a visit to Lawrence, and what was your most memorable moment or place you remember from your trip?

Came down the weekend of Feb. 20. I was able to see the Jayhawks play OSU at Allen Fieldhouse and then the next day got to see the Jayhawks' home-opener against Creighton.  I really got to see the campus as a student before I arrive as a student-athlete.

• What would you like to major in at Kansas?

Business, Economics, Engineering

• Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

My dad has, by far, been the greatest influence in my life.

• What is one thing Jayhawk fans would be surprised to know about you?

I can solve a Rubik’s cube, and I love ping pong. Those are 2 things off the top of my head.

• What is your most memorable sports moment you have been involved in?

The Under Armour All-American Game by far. It was a once in a lifetime experience to play on Wrigley Field and play side by side with 35 of the best players in the nation. Not to mention being able to meet Cal and Bill Ripken.  I’ll never forget participating in the Home Run Derby and being the recipient of the first annual Kelly Kulina Award, which is awarded for character, work ethic and sportsmanship.

 

Favorite Major League Baseball team and player? Why?



KU Baseball Signee Connor McKay



The Rockies, Yankees, and Phillies are my favorite teams and my favorite player is Josh Hamilton.  By far he has the greatest story to tell, he motivates me to make something of myself to be somebody. When I grow up and when I’m playing ball I want to be that guy who makes people want to get up and do something with their lives.  That’s why I feel like my injury is a blessing in disguise.

• What do you bring personally to the Jayhawk program?

Personally I feel I bring speed, a bat with both power and average, I bring an arm from the outfield and a glove, I love to dive for balls!  But most of all I bring energy and leadership.  Since my injury I’ve learned I won’t ever take playing the sport I love for granted.  No one should know what it feels like to have the game end abruptly and not be able to come back. Play every moment like it’s your last. Because you never know when it might end.

• Do you have any superstitions when playing the game?

Plenty of superstitions!  One I'm avid about is not stepping on the line EVER. I follow all of my routines.

• Besides sports what are your hobbies?

Ping pong, hunting, cars, just tinkering with things in general.

• What do you look to get out of your Jayhawk experience?

An education, I want to be able to understand more about myself and who I am as a person.

• What teams are you playing for this spring and summer?

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to play this spring, but if/when I do I’ll be playing for the Regis Raiders. I’m still deciding on a summer team, but will most likely be playing on a local college league or the Northwoods League.

• If you were not playing baseball what would you be doing?

Playing another sport!  Maybe become an Olympic ping pong player, a sharpshooter, be a snowboard bum, be an economist or engineer.

• If you had to be something other than a baseball player what would it be?

I would do something that involved baseball.  I like coaching kids.

• What is your favorite thing about Kansas Baseball?

The coaches, the coaching philosophies, Coach Price and the entire coaching staff.  I haven’t gotten to know a lot of the players yet, but I’m really looking forward to my future here.

Eldredge vs. Eldredge

Earlier this week, Kansas freshman Kaiana Eldredge got the rare opportunity to square off with his father - Southern Utah head coach David Eldredge - on the baseball diamond. The Kansas Baseball Blog caught up with both Eldredges before the doubleheader Tuesday.

Kansas Baseball Father vs Son from Kansas Jayhawks on Vimeo.

Kansas Baseball Promotions Update

Kansas Baseball begins a five game home stand on Tuesday against North Dakota at 3:00 pm.  Here is a look at upcoming promotions.  We hope to see you at Hoglund Ballpart next week.

Tuesday, March 8 vs. North Dakota @ 3:00 PM

·    Take Two Tuesday: Buy two tickets and get one free ticket to a conference game

      of your choice.

·    Jay Days: Corndogs, Popcorn, Candy and Peanuts are all just $2.

Wednesday, March 9 vs. North Dakota @ 3:00 PM

·    Admission is Free

Friday, March 11 vs. Eastern Michigan @ 3:00 PM

·    Buy 1 Get 1 Free: Buy one ticket and get one free.

Saturday, March 12 vs. Eastern Michigan @ 1:00 PM

·    Buy 1 Get 1 Free: Buy one ticket and get one free.

·    Jay Days: Corndogs, Popcorn, Candy and Peanuts are all just $2.

Sunday, March 13 vs. Eastern Michigan @ 1:00 PM

·    Family Fun and Food Day: 4 tickets, 4 popcorns and 4 drinks for $40.

·    Youth Baseball Day: $3 admission for kids wearing a youth baseball jersey.

·    Kids Day: Kids take the field with the team for the National Anthem and run the

      bases postgame.

·    Postgame Autograph Session in the Dugout

For tickets call 800-34-HAWKS or log on to kuathletics.com.

Future Jayhawks Q&A

KU Baseball NLI Signee Dakota Smith

In November, Kansas head baseball coach Ritch Price announced his 2011-2012 signing class with the Jayhawks.

Throughout the season we will conducts Q&A’s with the future Jayhawks, who have signed the National Letter of Intent with KU during the November signing period.

Our first Q&A is with Dakota Smith from Leavenworth, Kansas.

Smith, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder from Lansing High School in Leavenworth, Kansas, is the No. 2-ranked high school player in the state by Perfect Game USA. Smith batted .500 last season with nine home runs and 36 RBIs for Lansing. He stole 19 bases and struck out just twice during his team's 23-game season.

• Following the recruiting process, why did you decide to sign with the Jayhawks?

I decided to sign with the Jayhawks after looking into my top choices for colleges, meeting the coaches, and seeing the facilities. I decided it was the best place for me to become a better student-athlete.

• Did you make a visit to Lawrence, and what was your most memorable moment or place you remember from your trip?

I live about 45 minutes away from Lawrence and make several trips there for sporting events. My most memorable event so far has been some of the basketball games I have gone to. They are intense.

• What would you like to major in at Kansas?

I don't know for sure, but either business or sports management.

• Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

Probably my parents and my summer coach Mike Macfarlane. They have taught me a lot and have been a major reason why I want to stay in state and continue to get better with them around me.

• What is something Jayhawk fans would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a pretty shy person until you get to know me than I am a real outgoing guy.

• What is your most memorable sports moment you have been involved in?

I took a trip to the Dominican Republic when I was around 11 or 12.  It was the most memorable moment I have had. We played some pretty amazing baseball players on great fields and the country was just so different.

• Favorite Major League Baseball team and player? Why?

Yankees, I don't like all the players on the team now but they have a great tradition and their past players are people I look up to.  My favorite players are probably Josh Hamilton and Cody Ross.  Josh Hamilton overcame some pretty big problems in his life and Cody Ross is an undersized outfielder just like me and I like to think I can make it just like he has.

• What do you bring personally to the Jayhawk program?

I am a very good offensive player with surprising power and I don’t strike out a lot, plus I can run.

• Do you have any superstitions when playing the game?

None out of the ordinary, I don’t step on the chalk lines before a game and I have a regular walk up when I hit that I never change before I hit.

• Besides sports what are your hobbies?

I like to work out and hang out with a few friends. 

• What do you look to get out of your Jayhawk experience?

I want to learn more about the game and become a better overall athlete.  I also want to become bigger and stronger and be a better leader and more outgoing and meet some good long time friends.

• What teams are playing for this spring and summer?

I will be playing for Lansing High School and then traveling up to Cincinnati to play for the Midland Redskins in the summer.

• If you were not playing baseball what would you be doing?

I don't know what I would do without baseball. Maybe I would try basketball or football. I was pretty good at those sports.

• If you had to be something other than a baseball player what would it be?

I would be a coach or a sports business owner.

• What is your favorite thing about Kansas Baseball?

Great coaches, I love all the people that work with the program and like all the players I have gotten a chance to meet.  The team is close and I know many of the guys I get to play with next year.