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.
 
Daniel Vazquez, RHP, Freshman
 
What were you doing last baseball season?

DV: I was at Mater Academy. We lost in the first round of the state playoffs. I led the team in hitting with a .430 batting average. I played first base. I had an arm injury in high school that prevented me from pitching but I'm good now.

What is your best baseball experience?

DV: Throwing two no-hitters my junior year. One was against a team that had the highest batting average in the district.

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

DV: Coming through for your team when they need you in the clutch. It's great to see your team succeed when you come through in the clutch.

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

DV: I like old classical music. I'm a fan of the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" from the movie "Remember the Titans".



FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Vazquez:

"Coming off of an injury during his high school season he continues to improve and mature on the mound."
 
2018 FIU PANTHERS
Logan Allen
Diandre Amion
Daniel Brown
Seth Cannady
Derek Cartaya
Steven Casey
Frank Chacon
Cody Cortelli
Adan Fernandez
Jan Figueroa
Greyson Fletcher
Jose Garcia
Andrew George
Lorenzo Hampton
Michael Harkcom
Everett Hurst
Christian Khawam
Matt Logullo
Kobe Lopez
Nick MacDonald
Jose Machado
Tyler Myrick
Andres Nunez
Davy Phrathep
Chandler Raiden
Christian Santana
Will Saxton
Austin Shenton
Eddie Silva
Gio Soto
Juan Teixeira
Javier Valdes