University of Massachusets Athletics
Q&A with Baseball's Bryan Adamski
May 01, 2006 | Baseball
May 1, 2006
Junior first baseman and pitcher Bryan Adamski is currently enjoying another successful season at the plate and on the mound for the Minutemen. Mark Brumbaugh of UMass Media Relations caught up with Adamski at Earl Lorden Field after he helped secure a UMass victory over Temple.
When did you start playing baseball?
Ever since I could. I started with t-ball, then Little League, and I worked my way up.
What was your greatest Little League moment?
My greatest moment in Little League would probably be playing with my brother. It was one of those things I took for granted at the time, but it ended up being one of the few times that I was able to, though I got to play with him again in American Legion Baseball his senior year of high school. But being on his teams and looking up to him is probably what I remember the most.
Who was your favorite Major Leaguer as a kid?
My favorite Major Leaguer growing up was Carl Yastrzemski, only because my Dad had all the old VHS tapes of him, so I grew up watching those.
What is it like playing in Fenway Park for the Beanpot Tournament?
Unbelievable. It's definitely one of those dates you circle on your schedule. It's a game you look forward to. I'm hitless at Fenway though, it's tough, and I've got two losses. Maybe next year we'll get a win there.
How far is the longest home run you've hit?
I have no idea. However long my second one was this year at Fordham was definitely my longest. I knew I caught that one right off the bat.
How difficult is it to stay sharp as both a position player and as a closer?
It's not that tough once you get going. I've been throwing consistently now, but if I don't get my innings then I'll just throw in my bullpen sessions during the week to stay sharp. We're taking swings everyday, so position wise it's easy, and then my tune-ups in bullpens keep me tuned up for pitching.
Do you have any superstitions?
Not really. I don't like to eat too much before a game. That's probably about it.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I'm a big movie guy. I like going to the movies. Hanging out with the guys and teammates is always good.
What are some of your favorite movies?
I'm a huge Jean Claude Van Damme fan, and Arnold Swarzenegger, so anything with those two guys in it, I'm good to go.
What is your major?
Actually, I am three credits away from finishing my English major. This week I actually just got accepted into the journalism major, as well. So I'll be double majoring in English and journalism.
Do you have a specific career in mind?
Something in writing, hopefully, when I get out. I still have another year, so we'll see. But writing for a magazine sounds pretty good right now, and maybe traveling a little bit.
How difficult is it to find time for schoolwork with such a long baseball schedule?
In season it's very tough. Pretty much you've got Sunday night, and Monday, which is always an off-day for us. Then Tuesday, Wednesday, we're usually on the road, Thursday we're usually down here [at Earl Lorden Field] getting ready for something in conference. We used to play a doubleheader on Saturday and one on Sunday. Now we play one on Friday, one on Saturday, and one on Sunday. It just takes a lot of time. You get the major stuff done, like your papers, and you try to do your best.
What do you like the most about UMass?
Well I transferred in here, and I'm a local guy, so I always kind of knew how UMass sports worked. When I was growing up in the area I used to go to all of the UMass hoop games back when they were going to the Final Four. Especially baseball, like Coach Stone, I knew he was a good coach coming in, the program had a lot of tradition, and that's ultimately why I came here, so that's what I like the most about it.
Where is your favorite place to eat in the Amherst area?
We'll go with chicken marsala from Pasta E Basta, it's solid. Wings can get it done too. I'll go with Pasta E Basta. Fitzwilly's in Northhampton is pretty good too.
Who would you say has had the biggest influence on your life?
There's a lot as far as past coaches, but ultimately I would have to say my parents. My father is just a great guy and I admire him a lot. It wouldn't be a bad thing to end up like the kind of guy he is. My Mom has been very important to me, as well.
What kind of music do you typically listen to before a game?
I listen to everything. Before a game it could be anything. There's always a lot of country that I have in my pickup. But I'll mix it up depending on what I am feeling.
Who is your pick to win the World Series this year?
I'm a huge Sox fan, but I'm gonna say the Cardinals.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
There's always the dream as long as your playing college baseball of possibly playing at the next level. If not, in ten years, maybe settling down having a good teaching job, teaching English and then coaching. And then either starting or looking forward to some kind of a family, so we'll see. But ten years is a long ways away though.