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.
 
AUSTIN SHENTON, 3B, Sophomore

What were you doing last baseball season?

AS: I was at Bellevue College, about 10 miles east of Seattle. I had a good season, hit .395. It's been kind of a crazy ride to get all the way down here. I played summer ball for Jered Goodwin two years ago in Florida.

What is your best baseball experience?

AS: Last summer when I played for the Bellingham Bells, playing up there in front of my family and friends. The last night of the season I came up to bat with our team down one run and I hit a double off the top of the center field wall to drive in the tying run. The next batter hit the walk-off single to drive me in with the winning run.

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

AS: The fact that makes baseball such a great game is that it is so difficult. Every single night you go out there and you don't know if you are going to go 0 for 4 or 4 for 4. Every day is a challenge. Every pitch is a challenge but you always have a chance to redeem yourself every game. If you start 0 for 2 you can still finish the day 2 for 4.   



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

AS: I like photography and cooking. I'm probably a better photographer than cook. I started taking photos in eighth grade. I can pan sear some salmon with a little maple glaze and roast some sweet potatoes and veggies.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Shenton:

"Austin will be our third baseman. He's a left-handed hitter that will hit in the middle of the lineup."
 
2018 FIU PANTHERS
Logan Allen
Diandre Amion
Derek Cartaya
Adan Fernandez
Jose Garcia
Christian Khawam
Kobe Lopez
Nick MacDonald
Tyler Myrick
Andres Nunez
Chandler Raiden
Eddie Silva
Javier Valdes