Oct. 13, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - As the 2011-12 year begins, we here at LMULions.com would like to introduce you to some of the new baseball players who are entering their first season with the Lions. We have asked all the newcomers a series of questions that range from why they chose LMU to what we would find in their refrigerator at this very moment. If you have any additional question that you'd like to see answered in the future, please feel free to email Tyler Geivett at tgeivett@lmu.edu.

This week's question and answer session will feature junior left-handed pitcher Justin Grijalva.

LMULions.com: What did you do this summer?
Justin Grijalva: Went to summer school and played summer baseball.

LMU: Why did you choose LMU?
JG: I chose LMU because of the great educational opportunity, the chance to play baseball, and because of the area.

LMU: Do you have a nickname? Explain the meaning behind it.
JG: Yes, people call me Tito. I have had that nickname since I was three or four years old. The story behind it is when I was around three or four, my grandpa used to call me chiquito which can translate to little boy in Spanish, and my uncle had friends that couldn't say that. So they called me Tito and it has stuck with me ever since. People don't know my real name is Justin sometimes.

LMU: What is your greatest highlight on the field?
JG: I am really not to sure, but the thing I will remember the most is dog-piling after winning the C.I.F. Championship Game.

LMU: After LMU, what do you want to do?
JG: Hopefully doing big things somewhere.

LMU: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
JG: Definitely Nick Devian or Cullen Mahoney. Both of these guys know how to get people laughing instantly.

LMU: Do you have any superstitions?
JG: Yes, I have tons of superstitions. For example, can't touch the white line in between innings.

LMU: Do you have any hidden talents?
JG: Not at all. I am a pretty simple guy.

LMU: What is your favorite place around LMU?
JG: Roski Dining Room in U-Hall.

LMU: What is your favorite baseball team?
JG: New York Yankees.

LMU: What is the early favorite for your walk-up song?
JG: Showtime-Lil Wayne, Lowrider-War, Second Sucks-A Day to Remember. But I still haven't really decided on a song.

LMU: What is your favorite movie?
JG: The Sandlot is definitely my all-time favorite movie.

LMU: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
JG: I would want to have the ability to fly because I like to travel, and with the ability to fly, I could go anywhere I wanted.

LMU: If I take a look inside your refrigerator, what would I find?
JG: Some milk, maybe some fruit, water, juice, eggs, bacon, and sausage.

LMU: What is your motto or advice you live by?
JG: "Life is a gift. Never take it for granted"-Sash Azevedo

LMU: Name at least one television show that you watch every week.
JG: Baseball Tonight, Blue Mountain State.

LMU: What is your most prized possession?
JG: Either my autographed Pete Rose baseball or my C.I.F Championship Ring.

LMU: Who is your biggest influence in life?
JG: My dad. He has always been the person I go to whenever I am in need of something. He has taught me so many things about life and how to enjoy everything. He has always told me "Business before Pleasure" and that is something I will never forget.