Meet Your Diamond Dawgs: Elih Marrero
October 08, 2015 | Baseball
Fans can watch Marrero play Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field. Admission is free to all scrimmages. For more information on Marrero's fall, follow the program on Twitter, like the team on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateBB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
ELIH MARRERO Q&A
Q: Why did you choose Mississippi State?
A: I chose Mississippi State because of the tradition. This is a great place to play baseball. It is basically like being in the minor leagues. Instead of going straight to professional baseball, I figured I could come here for three years, compete against the best in the Southeastern Conference and win a national championship. Then I can move on to my professional career.
Q: Who was the main coach involved in your recruitment?
A: Nick Mingione was a huge factor in me coming here. He saw me play a couple of times in Georgia going into my senior year. All of the Mississippi State coaches came to watch me play. I came on an unofficial visit to Starkville with my coach during the summer, and then I came on my official visits. It was a great experience. My parents loved it too, which was important to me.
Q: What type of hitter would you say you are?
A: I am more of a gap-to-gap guy, which benefits me playing in a spacious park like Dudy Noble Field. I am switch hitter and I think I hit the ball well from both sides of the plate. I try to hit line drives and get on base.
Q: What is your pop time at catcher?
A: Usually I sit around 1.8 seconds.
Q: What are some differences you have noticed so far between college and high school baseball?
A: There are some big differences. Everything is very schedule oriented here. You have to be on time. You have to put a lot more effort into every aspect of your life. You have to be mentally prepared and if you aren't then the game at this level simply is not for you.
Q: How are workouts going so far?
A: They are going really, really well. Coach Brian Neal works really hard and hates it when anyone slacks. That is why he makes us jog in the weight room. He does not want us walking anywhere. He keeps everything high intensity and that makes our team better.
Q: How are your classes going?
A: Classes are going well so far and I am enjoying it. My major is hospitality. My goal is to make the SEC Spring First-Year Academic Honor Roll.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new stadium?
A: I cannot wait. It is going to be really, really nice and provide a great atmosphere for our fans. The fans already pack this stadium, so I can only imagine what it will look like when the new one comes.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love to play the FIFA video game. I like to host a few of my teammates at my place and have tournaments. Playing that is definitely my favorite thing to do with my off time.
Q: Did you get a chance to go to the first Mississippi State home football game this fall?
A: Yes sir. Playing LSU at home was my first big-time game that I have ever attended at Davis Wade Stadium and I could not believe how loud it was. I had some friends in town so it was awesome to experience that with them.
