Name: Michael Patrizio

Year: Freshman

Major: History/Education

Minor: Secondary Education

Hometown: Belle Mead, NJ

High School: Montgomery HS

Position: Shortstop

Driving force for your decision to come to Wilkes?

My decision to come to Wilkes was driven by the opportunities that this school provides, whether it be athletically or academically. Academically, I always want to be kept interested, which this school allows through class offerings and combinations of majors and minors. Also, the opportunity to come into a baseball program and have an impact right away was a huge deciding factor.

Post graduation plans in terms of a career?

After graduating from Wilkes, I plan on becoming a high school history teacher and hopefully that will lead me to some opportunities to become a coach.

Favorite building on campus?

My favorite building on campus would probably be Breiseth. Breiseth is where all the social sciences are. It’s where the cool stuff is taught. 

Hopes for this season as a Colonel?

My hopes for the Colonels this year is to have an opportunity to compete in the MAC playoffs and MAC championship. We are an exciting group of players, with each one of us bringing a special talent to the field. It’s going to be exciting to watch.

When/Why did you first begin playing?

I have been playing for as long as I can remember. The reason why I started was because of my parents and brother. I came from a very sporty family, so it was just something I have always been a part of and wanted to do.

Favorite thing to do during practice?

My favorite thing to do at practice would probably be catching pop-ups or working on steal breaks and base running. As an infielder, I like catching pop-ups because I don’t get very many in games, so it’s cool when one comes at you. Personally, I just find them fun. Base running and steal breaks are fun because I love stealing. If we win the game as a team and I contribute with a steal, I personally find it to be a great day.

Other interests or hobbies off of the field?

I love following professional and collegiate football. Football is a big interest of mine. Also, I love just hanging around with my friends, making jokes, and doing something different all the time.

Most influential person in your life?

My family would have to be the most influential people in my life. My family always supports me in every way they can. My mom and dad are just constantly there for me and shaped who I am. 

A quote you live your life by?

“Mom knows best.”

If you could have dinner with a famous person from the past, who would it be?

As a history major, I would definitely have to say President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. FDR led the U.S .through some crazy events and I would love to hear the first hand accounts of them.   

Favorite professor?

All the professors here at Wilkes are great. As a freshman, I haven’t had a chance to work with all of them, but Dr. Debbie French in the Education Department is awesome. She is very passionate about her work and knowledge in the education field and she rubs off on all her students in the same way.

Anyone to give a shout-out to?

Shoutout to all my teammates, our team intern, and our coaches for all the hard work they put in everyday. Also, I would like to shoutout to all of my friends and extended family back home who helped me get to where I am today. The season is underway, time to show people who the Colonels are.