By Pete Pelegrin
Twitter: @Petepelegrin

With more than half of its roster comprised of new players the FIU baseball team has such a different look this coming season that you might need to hand out "Hello, My Name is" stickers at the FIU ballpark. Since there are so many new faces, from now until Opening Day on Feb. 16 when Missouri comes to town for a three-game series, we'll profile the newest Panthers as well as the returning FIU ballplayers.

With Zack Soria and JC Escarra getting drafted by the Braves and Orioles, respectively, the Panthers have an open catching job. Freshman Jose Garcia is vying for the spot.

JOSE GARCIA, Catcher, Freshman

What were you doing last baseball season?

JG: I was at Doral Academy where we made it to the regional championship game but we lost to Belen. I had a good year my senior season, made first team all-county.

What is your best baseball experience?

JG: Two years ago when we won our district championship. We were being no-hit by Westminster Christian late in the game. I led off the seventh inning with a hit and was driven in to tie the game. We ended up with a walk-off win to win the district title.  

Give me an example of a game or a moment that makes baseball such a great game.

JG: Watching all of the final season for David Ortiz. The last game of that season was real special when he had his daughter sing the national anthem at Fenway Park. He was such a great player for such a long time.



What is something about you off the field that people may not know?

JG: I love to eat at all times during the day and night. I'm Dominican. I love food 24/7. I named a bunch of Dominican dishes for a video that will play between innings during our games this season. My favorite dish is something my mom makes with rice and beans and strips of meat mixed in. I don't know what it's called. And there is also potato salad in there. It is out of hand.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Garcia:

"Jose has the ability to hit for power. He continues to strengthen his defensive game to help lead our pitching staff."