It is often said that the shortstop is the 'quarterback' on the baseball field. Flyer News would like to introduce you to the UD version of Peyton Manning. Mike Massa is a familiar name to UD baseball fans. Flyer News got a chance to sit down with the senior shortstop and 2006 First Team A-10 All Conference pick to learn more about the student-athlete on and off the field.

Flyer News: What are some of your interests and hobbies in your free time?

Mike Massa: I like playing golf when I have a chance. I played for my high school team back in the day. I'm from Chicago so I love going to Wrigley Field and seeing Cubs games, too.

FN: Did you play any other sports in high school?

MM: I played golf, basketball and baseball. [Laughing] It's kind of funny, but I was probably least successful in baseball. I only really liked golf as a leisure activity and I realized I was not going anywhere in basketball when I am 5'9' and can't dunk.

FN: What are some of your favorite baseball memories?

MM: On a personal level, probably my first game freshman year. I came in to the game as a defensive replacement at second base against High Point (N.C.). As a team, my favorite memory would have to be my sophomore year when we set the school record for wins with 36. That year we took two of three from Notre Dame at Hohocam Park in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the Cubs spring training facility is. We beat Jeff Samardzija in one of those games, too. That memory definitely outweighs my first game.

FN: Do you have a favorite baseball player?

MM: Derek Jeter; he has it all. He is a great leader and I love the way he handles all the pressure he faces. He always does it very professionally.

FN: Who would you say you model your game after?

MM: [Laughing] I would like to say Jeter but I don't think I play the same as him. I would have to say Omar Vizquel [of San Francisco] as a defensive shortstop; he is one of the best of all-time. I'm not the biggest guy in the world so I would also say [David] Eckstein of the St. Louis Cardinals, I really respect the way he plays.

FN: Who has been your biggest influence as a player throughout your baseball career?

MM: My dad has been my biggest role model along the way. I have also been blessed to have many good coaches. Lou Simios, my little league coach from when I was 10- to 12-years-old, really set the foundation for my love of the game. He showed us that baseball is fun but also instilled discipline in me. I thought that was very special to learn at a young age. He coached our all-star team that almost made it to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series. And I can't forget the coaches here at UD. They have really molded me into the player I am today. I was a walk-on and they gave me an opportunity to play D-1 baseball.

FN: Who is the best player you have ever played with?

MM: That's hard, but it is probably Craig Stammen, who pitched here at UD and got drafted by the Washington Nationals. His ability to lead and performance on the field really sticks out for me.

FN: Is there any reason why you wear No. 8?

MM: I never wore No. 8 until I came to UD. I had always worn No. 5 before college but freshman walk-ons do not get much say in which number they want. I was given No. 8 and I have stuck with it ever since.

FN: There is a lot of superstition in baseball. Are you superstitious about anything?

MM: I would say I am superstitious about being not superstitious. I do similar things at times, but it is only because of routine. I would like to think that success doesn't come from a lucky rabbit's foot.

FN: What is the outlook of UD's squad this year?

MM: We have started off a little slow, but I think we have talent everywhere. There are a lot of seniors on this year's team to turn it around. We have to be optimistic. Our ultimate goal is to win the A-10 Championship and gain a berth to the regional championship.

FN: What are your plans after graduation?

MM: My ultimate goal is to keep playing baseball. I mean, who wouldn't want to play a professional sport? I am a finance major, so one of my long run plans is to maybe start my own business.

FN: You told me you were a Cubs fan so I have to ask, how are the Cubbies going to look this year?

MM: I've been a Cubs fan for 21 years now, so I am smart enough to not make any bold predictions. Hopefully Lou Piniella can turn things around. I would like to see at least a playoff berth. It just gets frustrating when they are out of the race in the middle of July.

FN: Being a sports fan, who do you like in the NCAA March Madness Tournament this year?

MM: I don't really have a team, but I think Kansas is going to do it this year. There are a lot of good teams and I could see a lot of teams winning it all. I would kind of like to see Wisconsin win it all; my sister graduated from there.