Infielder Jeremy Barnes
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Senior Jeremy Barnes is gearing up for his fourth season as an infielder with the Irish baseball squad. The Garland, Texas native has seen action in 169 games for the Irish, compiling a .287 batting average, with 127 RBI and 11 home runs. A year ago, Barnes batted .307 with eight home runs and a team-leading 50 RBI. The former second baseman, who will move to shortstop this season, led the team in doubles (15) and slugging percentage (.513) in 2008.
1. What’s the most notable thing about your hometown?
Nothing really, Garland is close to Dallas.
2. What is your cell phone ring right now?
Right now it’s on vibrate, but “Brass Monkey” by the Beastie Boys.
3. If you could be on any reality show, which would it be?
“Survivor.” Being outdoors would be sweet and the show is all about getting stabbed in the back.
4. If a movie was made about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?
“Yeah My Dad’s a Pastor, Get Over It,” and Steve Zahn would play me.
5. Where is the most interesting place you have traveled?
The best place out of country would have to be Cancun, but I went to a wedding once in Booger’s Hollow, Arkansas. They had a sign that said, “Population seven, counting one coon dog.”
6. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would you eat?
Wild hog – there are some on our property and we killed one recently and it was delicious.
7. Do you have any pre-game rituals/superstitions?
When we were on our 23- game win streak, I would always wear this white sleeve on my arm; before every game Coach would even ask if I had it on. So eventually, I lost it and of course, we lost that game that I didn’t have it on.
8. When you were younger, what were you always getting in trouble for?
Tackling people. We have a rule in my house that if you are on the ground, you are fair game.
9. What’s your worst habit?
When I get excited, I stutter.
10. Which has been the biggest game of your career?
In my freshman year, our first game at regionals was against College of Charleston. The game went 16 innings and we ended up losing but it was still an amazing experience.
11. Do you have any nicknames?
JB, Jerm, Barnesy, Barnyard, Beazley, and Barney the Purple Dinosaur.
12. What is your favorite memory with your Irish teammates?
Locker room time is bonding time.
13. Who was the most famous person you have ever met?
I’ve met Jim Leyland, the Tiger’s coach and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies’ pitcher, came to one of our practices with Digger Phelps.
14. What’s your theme song?
It has to be a country song, probably “Country Boy Can Survive.”
15. What is your most embarrassing moment on the field?
We were playing on ESPN against St. John’s and I had just hit a homer to take the lead. On the next defensive series, I dropped a fly to give them the lead back. We won the game, but everyone asked me about the error.
16. Where is your favorite place at Notre Dame?
That one view where you’re walking up Main Drive and you just look up and there’s the Dome.
17. Growing up playing baseball, who did you always pretend to be?
I played this game with my friends that involved baseball cards. We would put them in a big pile and draw and whatever player you got you had to imitate. So say if you drew Ken Griffey Jr. you would have to bat left-handed.
18. Other than the Irish, what is your favorite sports team?
I have to stick by my Texas Rangers, even though they stink.
19. What do you miss the most about being at home?
The weather.
20. What does being part of the Fighting Irish mean to you?
It’s just an amazing experience, to meet all these people and be challenged both athletically and academically. I feel fully prepared to do anything in life.
