UIC infielder Mark Hallberg takes a timeout for a Q & A with the Horizon League
April 12, 2006
Why did you decide to attend UIC?
I thought this was the biggest and best opportunity for me to play at this level.
What is the best aspect of being a part of the Flames Baseball team?
Being around my teammates.
What is your most memorable game and/or moment at UIC?
I would have to say the two games at the regional in
What are some of your goals for this baseball season?
To win the League this year and hopefully make it back to a regional where this time we win it.
What do you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before a game?
We just take one day at a time. I try to prepare the same every game by staying loose and having fun with my teammates.
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your collegiate career both athletically and in the classroom?
Being recognized as a Freshman All-American has been my biggest personal accomplishment. In the classroom, it was making a 3.0 my freshman year.
What would people find surprising about you?
I was born in
Describe what it was like growing up halfway across the world in the Middle East (
I grew up similar to how a regular kid here in the U.S would, just in a totally different environment. The main thing that is different is the local people and their culture. It was a great experience that I will never forget because it made me the person I am today. Baseball has always been my favorite sport. Both my parents played in softball leagues and I was always hanging out around the park when I was very little. The youth baseball leagues in
How hard has it been to juggle your academics along with practice and games the last couple years?
It is pretty hard, but I know that I have to get my degree so that inspires me to do everything that is necessary for me to get decent grades.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My family. [They give] 100% support all the time. They keep me humble and hungry to become a better person everyday.
What do you enjoy doing most in the off-season?
Spending time with my family and friends.
If you could change one thing about your sport, what would that be?
Nothing, if I wanted to change something about baseball, I wouldn't play it.
If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport, what would it be?
I would like to compete in the ski jumping competition. I can't imagine flying through the air like those guys do; that would be a rush.
What TV show would you most like to appear on and why?
MTV Cribs, because if I got on that show I would have some really nice stuff.
What is your best non-athletic talent?
My handshake, because you can tell what type a person someone is just by their handshake.
What is the best and worst thing about living in
The best is being in the city where you can do anything you want. The worst is the traffic.
Where in the world would you like to travel to and why?
I would like to go to South America and
If you could be any TV star, who would it be and why?
Kiefer Sutherland of "24". The guy never dies and always escapes trouble.
Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?
Andruw Jones and Ozzie Guillen.
What is your "breakfast of champions?"
It changes, but right now it is Cookie-Crisp.
If you had to choose one song to be your theme song, what would it be and why?
Green Day's "Time of Your Life"
If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
Sean Paul
What is your favorite professional sports team to watch? Any specific team?
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
