Sept. 22, 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 20 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.

Our first question and answer session will feature junior infielder Scott Harkin. Harkin spent the 2011 season playing for Diablo Valley College where he led the team in home runs, doubles, runs scored and stolen bases.

LMULions.com: What did you do this summer?
Scott Harkin: I took one summer school class and worked out.

LMU: Why did you choose LMU?
SH: I chose LMU because I really like Coach Ward, I've always wanted to play baseball in Southern California, and the field is like Fenway, so that's cool too.

LMU: Do you have a nickname? Explain the meaning behind it.
SH: My nickname is Scott " The Shark" Harkin or Sharktank, I was called Nemo my freshman year at junior college because I was just a skinny little wimp and then the same kid started calling me Sharktank or The Shark my sophomore year because I turned into a beast.

LMU: What is your greatest highlight on the field?
SH: Probably doing the signature Derek Jeter play last year in the 9th inning when only up by one run.

LMU: After LMU, what do you want to do?
SH: I want to be a Big Leaguer, preferably for the Rays or the A's or Giants so my family would be closer so they could come to the majority of the games.

LMU: What is your most embarrassing moment on the field?
SH: I don't know...probably when I was 13 and I ate a sandwich between a game and had a piece of chicken caught in my throat but I still went into pitch and gave up no runs.

LMU: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
SH: I've got to say Cullen Mahoney, Nick Devian and Bret Dahlson...it's a three-way tie because all three of them are hilarious.

LMU: Do you have any superstitions?
SH: Not really, mostly just routine, but I always get a Power Pink Starburst before a game.

LMU: Do you have any hidden talents?
SH: Not really...I can't dance or sing or do anything exciting.

LMU: What is your favorite place around LMU?
SH: The baseball field, no doubt.

LMU: What is your favorite baseball team?
SH: Right now probably the Rays.

LMU: What is the early favorite for your walk-up song?
SH: Lose my Mind by Young Jeezy or Grove St. Party by Waka Flocka Flame.

LMU: What is your favorite movie?
SH: Step Brothers or No Strings Attached

LMU: What is your favorite book?
SH: Outliers

LMU: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
SH: Read women's minds, because they are complicated creatures.

LMU: If I take a look inside your refrigerator, what would I find?
SH: Some turkey meat, strawberries, shredded cheese, broccoli and water.

LMU: What is your motto or advice you live by?
SH: "If you're going do something, you might as well do it right"- Chase Utley and "Just do what you're supposed to do"- Mike Neu.

LMU: Name at least one television show that you watch every week.
SH: Workaholics, Jersey Shore, Awkward

LMU: What is your most prized possession?
SH: My most prized possession...hmmm...I have a Pro Model Evan Longoria bat that is a designated room bat - only to be used to swing in my room...so that's one of my favorites.

LMU: Who is your biggest influence in life?
SH: Definitely my Dad and Gramma, they mean the world to me and have helped me through so much. They are my motivation to make it to the Big Leagues besides the fact that I love baseball.