C, 5’11” 185 , B: L T: R
  Northern Illinois
  Hometown: Elmwood Park, IL

Northern Illinois catcher Matt Behren is another Huskie that joins the Mallards this summer after a great ’07 spring with NIU. In 49 games played Behren hit .352 with ten doubles, 31 runs batted in and one home run. In addition to his fine performance at the plate Behren also committed just six errors defensively for Northern Illinois. In 2006 Behren hit .217 with one home run and 14 RBI in just 41 games played. A business major at NIU, Behren was a three-time all-conference selection in the Chicago Catholic League and as a senior was named Holy Cross Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The combination of Behren and Eric Nielsen make for a solid catching core for the Mallards in ’07.

Matt, how did you get into Baseball?
“My Dad was my coach and he played baseball and my brother played as well so it was a big family thing for some time.”

Who was your favorite team growing up?
“The Cubs are my team because I grew up just minutes from Wrigley Field so I was always around the team, the fans and the atmosphere, it was great.”

How has your game developed from high school to college?
“Well I didn’t really start catching full-time until I was a junior in high school so for those two years in high school I had to learn the game from that position and develop my fundamentals behind the plate. At NIU I red-shirted my freshman year and then worked at my game by learning game type situations.”

Why did you choose Northern Illinois?
“They gave me a scholarship and I was close to home.” Is there any special way that you get ready for a game?
“I don’t have much for a routine. I try to stay relax and focused on the game that day and work on what to do for certain situations.”

Where do you see yourself as a ball player in the next five years?
“Like any other player at this point, trying to get drafted and hopefully playing minor league ball for an organization somewhere.”

What is your fondest memory of playing baseball?
“I have a lot of memories but probably playing my last game with Holy Cross high school. Myself and fellow Mallard Bobby Stevens played together at Holy Cross and we built that program for a few years and enjoyed so much success.”

If you were left on a deserted island and could only have two essential items to have, what would those items be?
“That is a good question. I would probably need a knife, a ball and glove. I would need the knife to build a boat and get off the island, and a ball and glove because I love baseball too much.”