Box Score UNCPBraves.com sat down with junior outfielder Ben Schmucker to get to know him a little bit better. Ben was asked a variety of questions ranging from his dream date to his best advice for youngster. The following 20 questions are part of a continuing feature at your official Internet home for UNCP athletics.
Schmucker, a Greensboro native, started in 52 games in right field for the Braves last year as a sophomore. He was among 18 players named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Southeast Region Gold Glove squad after not committing a single error in 119 total defensive chances. Schumucker excelled for UNCP offensively as well, hitting .330 (71-for-215) with 24 extra-base hits, including three home runs, 45 RBI and 43 runs scored. In addition to 22 multiple-hit and 11 multiple-RBI games as a sophomore, Schmucker also swiped six bases and scored multiple runs on nine occasions.
This year Schmucker has started in all 30 games and is hitting .312 for the nationally-ranked Braves. He leads the team with seven home runs and two triples, and has collected 17 extra-base hits. His seven homers are tied for fifth in the PBC and 13th nationally. He logged a 3-for-3 day in UNCP's series win over Flagler, where he knocked in 3 RBI after a double and home run. Schuucker, a business major, is a perfect 10-for-10 on the base paths and has committed just two errors in 89 putout attempts.
20 Questions With UNCP Outfielder Ben Schmucker
If someone was to visit your apartment what would they find on the walls?
The focal point of our wall space contains framed pictures of the roommates playing ball during our younger days.
What is your favorite movie?
The Town
Who is the most famous person you have met?
Will Myers for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is from my area and I got to watch him take batting practice a couple times when I was a sophomore in high school. It was pretty cool to follow his progression and see him make it to the big leagues.
What is your favorite UNCP team to watch play?
The football team, they've been one of the best DII teams in the nation since I've been here and are exciting to watch.
Who would be your dream date?
Not including my girlfriend Angela, I wouldn't be against spending some leisure time with Mila Kunis.
Where is your favorite city to visit?
My favorite city to visit is Chapel Hill. Some of my good friends from high school go to school there and they always show me a good time when I visit.
Who is someone you can do a great impression of?
I can't do a 'great' impression of anyone.
What channel is your TV most likely to be on?
I don't really watch much T.V. but I have been playing my fair share of NHL 14 with my roommate Brandon Estrain (aka Cakes). We have popularized the term "see ya on the sticks" in reference to partaking in a well-mannered game of hockey.
If you could add one team to the schedule who would it be?
I would add University of Tampa because they're one of the top teams every year in DII baseball. I would like to see how we match up against a perennial powerhouse.
As a kid who were your sports idols?
I always liked Sammy Sosa and got to see a lot of his games on the local T.V. station. I also had a pair of Sammy Sosa light up shoes, which only made me more infatuated with the slugger.
What was your first job?
I worked doing landscaping for my dad's company. My co-workers were always fun to be around, but my poor sleep schedule really clashed with the 6 a.m. alarm.
If you could have any talent what would it be?
A photographic memory
What is your favorite meal?
Steak, mashed potatoes, and corn – with Dr. pepper as my refreshment.
Who are your heroes?
My parents, I've put them through a lot of unnecessary stress throughout the years, but they have always supported me.
Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
My favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. The duo of Crosby and Malkin for the penguins is virtually unstoppable.
What is one thing you want to happen before you leave UNCP?
I want to get to Cary and make a run at a national championship.
How do you want people at UNCP to remember you?
I want to be remembered as someone that didn't take anything for granted, and who worked hard on and off the field
What is your best advice for youngsters?
Work hard now so you won't have any regrets later.
Why did you come to UNCP?
I came to UNCP for the opportunity to compete for a national championship while receiving a quality education.
What do you love most about UNCP?
The group of guys on the team and the camaraderie we have built up over the years.