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.
 
Nick MacDonald, RHP, Sophomore

What can you say about last season?

NM: I thought I had a pretty good year as a freshman. As a team I thought we could have definitely done better. I look forward to taking the next step as a team this season.

What is your best baseball experience?

NM: Probably my 16-U summer with my elite squad summer team. We won the BCS championship in Fort Myers. That was my first summer team. I pitched a shutout in the championship game.

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

NM: When Pedro Martinez beat the Yankees in the playoffs in Yankee Stadium and the Yankee fans are chanting, "Who's your daddy?"



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

NM: I'm a big music guy. I have a big red truck so I like to go mudding. I also play a bunch of other sports besides baseball. I'm a pretty good sand volleyball player, soccer player. I can sling the football.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about MacDonald:

"Nick has solidified his spot as one of our top starters. He will be a weekend guy and has really improved all of his pitches and his strength as well."
 
2018 FIU PANTHERS
Logan Allen
Diandre Amion
Derek Cartaya
Adan Fernandez
Jose Garcia
Kobe Lopez
Tyler Myrick
Andres Nunez
Chandler Raiden
Eddie Silva
Javier Valdes