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.
 
ADAN FERNANDEZ, OF, Freshman

What were you doing last baseball season?

AF: I played for Archbishop McCarthy. We made states and ended up winning the national championship against Tampa Jesuit. We were tied until the bottom of the sixth when we broke it open. I hit .398 with four home runs last season but as long as I help my team win that's all that matters.

What is your best baseball experience?

AF: I would say winning the state championship three years in a row. I played with Kobe Lopez, Andres Nunez and Eddie Silva on those McCarthy championship teams.

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

AF: Playing in the summer with the Legends in Farmington. It was a new experience. There were like 10,000 people every night in the stands. It felt as if you were in a minor league game. It was amazing.



Tell me something away from baseball about you that someone might find interesting?

AF: I sing a little bit of opera. My whole life I have gone to Catholic schools and we sang "Ave Maria" all the time and that's how I picked it up. That's my go to song when I sing opera or I make up a song as I sing.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Fernandez:

"Fernandez is a power-hitting right fielder. Will most likely command the right field spot for most of the year. Will most likely hit in the middle of the lineup."
 
2018 FIU PANTHERS
Logan Allen
Diandre Amion
Derek Cartaya
Jose Garcia
Kobe Lopez
Andres Nunez
Chandler Raiden
Javier Valdes