May 14, 2007

Senior pitcher Matt German has played a key role as closer over the past two seasons. During that stretch he has won or saved 28 of the past 53 NIU victories while becoming the school's career saves leader and moving into second place on the MAC career list in that category. German leads the conference with 12 saves this season and was tied for seventh nationally in the most recent NCAA rankings. The Aurora, Ill., native completed his degree in sociology last week and earned his private pilot's license in early May.

Favorite thing about NIU baseball is ...
Hanging out with my teammates.

Favorite MLB team ...
I don't really have one.

Baseball hero growing up ...
Neal Cotts.

My pre-game ritual is ...
I keep everything constant. Before the game I get dressed the same way, eat the same food, drink the same drink, drive the same route to the field and when I get there I do the same sprints to prepare.

My baseball superstitions are ...
When I get up to throw in the bullpen, I do 10 tuck jumps, then the same warm up routine and the same pitch sequence.

I am the video game champion of ...
MLB 2K7.

Favorite baseball experience ...
Playing at places like Nebraska, Arizona State and Texas Tech. It has been fun to play against some of the nation's best teams in big stadiums and in front of large crowds.

Most memorable game played at NIU ...
Getting my first career victory against North Central in 2004.

Favorite road trip while playing at NIU ...
Going to New Orleans during my freshman season in 2004. We got to see the city and it was a fun place to play. We then went on to Florida for our spring break trip that season, which was also a great trip.

Favorite old-time baseball player ...
Roy Hobbs, even though he was fictional. He had natural ability.

Favorite baseball movie ...
Little Big League.

Favorite class at NIU ...
Sociology and Gender.

Ideal job/career ...
Playing baseball for a living.

Best baseball prank ...
The "hot foot" is pretty good. Seeing that done always makes me laugh.

One word that describes me on the field is ...
Determined.

One word that describes me off the field is ...
Boring.

My favorite sport other than baseball is ...
Football.

My hobbies are ...
Flying airplanes, playing baseball and video games.

I wear the number 27 because ...
That is the number they gave me.