C, 6’0” 215 , B: R T: R
  Purdue
  Hometown: Elkhart, Ind

Purdue catcher Eric Nielsen made an impact behind the plate for the ’07 season by hitting .397 in 26 games, along with a .448 on-base percentage, and committing just 2 errors for the boilermakers. The fisherman from Indiana is looking to have a great time with the Mallards this summer as he works on the little things that will make him the leader on the field.

How did you get into baseball?
“I got into the game like any old traditional way for a kid. I’ve been playing since I was six and it was something my Dad got me into, and after realizing that I could play baseball at such a high level I knew it was something that would become very important to me.”

Who is your favorite player or who did you look up to as a catcher?
“I never had a favorite player growing up but every now and then I look to Yadier Molina from the Cardinals and maybe even Mike Matheny for how they take command on the field and especially what they do with their footwork, plus I’m a huge Cardinals fan.”

How has your game developed from high school to college?
“I developed a big mental part of my game. In high school I pretty much came to the ballpark and played without understanding game time situations or taking a leadership role on the field. When I got to Purdue I was able to learn what to do with runners on base, going through scouting reports for batters and knowing what pitches to call for, and my hitting is on a different level from high school.”

Why did you choose to go to Purdue?
“I really wanted a good scholarship and Purdue felt like home. I’m not to far away from my friends and family, and I got along great with the coaching staff and the rest of the players on the roster right away.”

How do you get yourself ready for a ball game?
“It depends on the mood I’m in, but most of the time I will listen to music especially Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, and Crossfade. Music is just something that makes me relax.”

What will you be working on this summer to help develop your game?
“I mostly want to have fun this summer but on the other hand my footwork needs some help because that is a crucial factor of being a catcher at the collegiate level. I don’t want to become lazy on that factor of my game.” In one word, describe yourself as a player?
“That’s a good question, but I would probably say exciting. I think I bring an exciting aspect to the game especially at my position.”

If you were left on a deserted island and could only have two essential items, what would those items be?
“That’s another good question. Definitely a fishing pole, I need to have fishing in my life its one of my biggest passions, and if at all possible a ball and a glove, that’s all I would need.”

Where do you see yourself as ball player in the next five years?
“Hopefully playing minor league ball, that would be fantastic. However, I would like to go into coaching. I have always been interested in coaching and I can see myself teaching players down the road.”