Box Score UNCPBraves.com sat down with senior infielder Daniel Fraga to get to know him a little bit better. Daniel was asked a variety of questions ranging from his favorite thing about Pembroke to how he wants to be remembered when he leaves UNCP. The following 20 questions are part of a continuing feature at your official Internet home for UNCP athletics.
After a stint at Catawba Valley Community College, Fraga joined the Braves last year. As a junior in 2013, he played and started in all 54 games for the Black and Gold. In 235 at-bats, Fraga compiled a .315 batting average, collecting 74 hits, including 14 extra base hits (1 HR). A Columbus native, Fraga knocked in 43 RBI for UNCP and led the team with 62 runs scored. He also notched a team-best 13 stolen bases during his junior season. As the starting second baseman for the Black and Gold, he committed just 10 errors for a .960 fielding percentage.
This year, Fraga has started in all nine games and is hitting .368 for the nationally-ranked Braves. He logged a 4-for-6 day as UNCP completed a sweep of Pitt-Johnstown on February 9. A physical education major, he has logged hits in seven of UNCP's first nine games, while also tallying six RBI.
20 Questions With UNCP Infielder Daniel Fraga
What is your major and why does it interest you?
My major is physical education. As a little kid, I always enjoyed P.E. and really care about keeping other kids physically active in order to live an active life.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Hearing someone snore. I don't know if I do it, but it really bothers me.
What do you enjoy most about game day?
The excitement of knowing you're about to play the game that you truly love. The atmosphere, the team - it's all a collective greatness.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss my Mother's cooking, rice and beans with maybe some pork chops or steak. She's the best cook.
Where is the coolest place you've ever visited?
I would say the Bahamas. I was about 10 and, seeing Atlantis and the place itself, it was pretty remarkable.
Is there a moment in history you wish you could have seen?
I wish to have experienced the medieval times. The horses, jousting, sword fighting…all of it!
What is your favorite thing about Pembroke?
My favorite thing about Pembroke would have to be having the opportunity to spend almost all my time with the best group of guys anyone can ask for! Hanging out with my baseball team would be my favorite thing about Pembroke.
Where is the best place to study?
The library without a doubt. It's a very quiet environment where you know all of your assignments will be completed.
What is the best class you've taken at UNCP?
I would have to say CPR class. What's better than knowing how to possibly save someone's life? A situation like that can come up at any point in your life.
Who is your celebrity look alike?
"Herman" The kicker from Blue Mountain state. I've gotten that several times and don't plan on it stopping.
What is one thing people do not know about you?
People may not know that I'm Cuban, and also I have the same birthday as the one and only Michael Jordan!
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Dustin Pedroia, without a doubt, has been my inspiration for years. He's a small guy playing professional baseball for the Boston Red Sox.
What is the last movie you saw in theaters?
The last movie I saw in theaters was Lone Survivor. It's the best movie I have ever seen.
Is there something you collect?
I collect cans with my roommate Jon Millsaps. We have a pretty impressive pyramid inside of our apartment.
What would your teammate Patrick McMahon's perfect day consist of?
He personally said "watching Danny Baseball, sparkplug, snow day, fight club, tailgate, base path, you go we go. Fraga lead us to Cary"
What is one thing you want to happen before you leave UNCP?
I would want our ball club to win conference and the regional tournament, the whole shibang! We have the team to do it!
How do you want people at UNCP to remember you?
"Danny Baseball", a kid that never gives up even when encountering rough patches.
What is your best advice for youngsters?
My best advice would be to stay in school, and if you have dreams don't give up on them, hard work and dedication does lead you to them!
Why did you come to UNCP?
I came to UNCP to be a student-athlete. I was given the opportunity to finish my last two years of baseball here while also receiving a great education along with it!
What is your favorite thing about UNCP?
Hanging out with my baseball team would be my favorite thing about UNCP.