Feb. 21, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Fairfield University senior Jim Girolamo (Wayland, Mass./Wayland) has been the starting centerfielder for the Fairfield University baseball team for the last few seasons. Last season, the Wayland, Mass. native started 46 games for the Stags, and finished second on the team with 50 hits. In addition, he was 15 of 18 in stolen base attempts.
Girolamo, along with the rest of the Fairfield baseball team, opens the 2006 season on Friday afternoon at James Madison University. He recently took some time to sit down with FairfieldStags.com to answer some questions.
1. When did you first get started in playing baseball?
A: I started playing baseball when I was two with my dad in the backyard.
2. What other sports did you play growing up?
A: I also played soccer and basketball.
3. What are you goals for the upcoming season?
A: As a team, I want to make the playoffs. Personally, I want to improve my productivity as a hitter.
4: How do you feel Fairfield will do this season?
A: We should be better. Our pitching staff has improved, and we have almost our entire lineup returning. We have the pieces in place, but it is all about getting better each time you step on the field.
5. How has the preseason gone?
A: I think it has gone well. The seniors have done a good job of providing leadership, and the fall season and the preseason practices went well.
6. Are you looking forward to this weekend at James Madison?
A: Yea. I'm ready to get going. I'm tired of practicing inside; I want to get out on a field and play. I'm also ready to get outside and see how well we'll do.
7. What is your favorite Major League Baseball team?
A: The Boston Red Sox.
8. How many Major League Baseball stadiums have you been to, and which one is the best?
A: I've been to Fenway, Toronto, and Baltimore. I've also been to a few minor league stadiums too.
9. Is there any significance to the number 10, which you wear?
A: I got it as a freshman. I like No. 3, which I had in high school, and had the chance to wear it this year, but figures I'll stick with 10.
10. Why did you choose to attend Fairfield University?
A: I liked it in the beginning, because I was going to get the chance to play two sports, baseball and soccer. But I decided to stick with baseball. I didn't want a school that was set in the city, and Fairfield seemed like a perfect fit.
11. What is your greatest sports moment?
A: In my senior year of high school I scored the game winning goal to win the State Championship.
12. What is your major?
A: Marketing
13. What are your career plans after you earn your degree here at Fairfield?
A: I would like to get involved in a front office position with a professional baseball team. I would also like to become a baseball or soccer coach.
14. If you could run the Red Sox, what would be the first thing you would do?
A: Get Johnny Damon back.
16. What music do you listen to, in preparing for a game?
A: I like to listen to classic rock, and country music, because a lot of baseball is played in the south, and at different stadiums they seem to be playing more of it.
The Fairfield-James Madison series begins on Friday at Long Field/Mauk Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va. First pitch for the season opener is 2:30 p.m. Saturday's contest is slated for 1 p.m., followed by the series finale on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Following this weekend's series at James Madison, the Stags will make a short trip down Interstate-95 for a three-game series at Fordham University, March 3-5.
