Vol Profile - Javi Herrera - University of Tennessee Athletics

Nov. 29, 2001

VOL PROFILE: When speaking to some of the other players, they've said they look to you for motivation, yet you are only a sophomore. How does that make you feel?
HERRERA: That's an honor. I look at myself as a team leader and as one that tries to set an
example for the rest of the guys. I guess I'm doing my job if some of my
teammates are looking up to me. I try to set an example for the rest of the guys, show them how I would want my teammates to go out there and work hard and do what they had to do so we can produce on the field.

VOL PROFILE: Did anyone or anything have an influence on your decision to come to UT?
HERRERA: Definitely my father. My father and I went through the whole process together. I had to decide whether to leave the state or to look elsewhere. My father gave me guidance and let me know exactly what I should look for when visiting a school as well as what to look for in the coaches. We went into it with an open mind and we had options between Louisville and LSU and coming here. We visited here and he loved the coaches. They were honest and sincere with everything they said so it was the easiest decision and the best decision I've ever made.

VOL PROFILE: Did you set any goals for yourself last year that you will continue to strive for this spring?
HERRERA: So far, I have accomplished most of my goals and went above what I set for last year. I'll set some new goals whether it's team oriented or personal goals this year.

VOL PROFILE: Looking at fall practice, what kind of expectations do you have for the spring?
HERRERA: Getting together as a team and building friendships to form good team chemistry.

VOL PROFILE: Do you have a favorite or most memorable moment on the field?
HERRERA: Definitely last year in Omaha. The whole atmosphere and every game we played there. Growing up as a kid you watch Omaha on TV and dream of it. You're driving off the tunnel and all of a sudden you see it and Rosenblatt stadium. Things that you dream of as a kid, like walking around and being on ESPN. All of a sudden I'm a freshman in college making Freshman All-American, getting invited to Team USA try-outs and actually making the team. Then you stop and realize you're there. It's something you dream of as a kid and all of sudden you are there, playing. Everything happened so quickly but it was all awesome. Getting to meet the President of the United States was also a great honor. It's just another thing you never think you are going to end up doing, and then you do it.

VOL PROFILE: What's your favorite thing about UT?
HERRERA: The guys, the atmosphere, and the coaching staff. Coming here you have certain expectations, and then once you are here everything is that much better. The guys are great. Growing up in Miami it's a totally different mentality, people wise. The city of Knoxville, the people in general are just so much nicer. You kind of adapt to the people and it kind of forms your way of thinking, whether it's holding doors open, or just holding a conversation with people. It's just a totally different atmosphere, and I love it here.

VOL PROFILE: What are your hobbies and interests outside of baseball?
HERRERA: Somehow or another it's probably baseball related. Whether it's watching TV and ESPN or Baseball Tonight, to working out or just hanging out with my buddies.

VOLPROFILE: Do you have any type of mental preparation or superstitions you go through before a game?
HERRERA: No, maybe if I'm in a slump I'll change something like get a new bat, but overall I'm not too superstitious. I know that if I'm doing well I'll try to stick to the same routine, like chewing the same gum before each game. Last year, Brian Gates and I had to buy gum before a
game, it was cotton candy gum. It was more towards his perspective but he pitched really well that day, so from the beginning of the year to Omaha he was buying gum. Other than that
there isn't really anything.

VOL PROFILE: After you graduate, what would you like to be remembered for?
HERRERA: I want to be viewed not so much as a Todd Helton or a Chris Burke, but I would like the coaches to speak well of me and use me as an example to younger guys, or guys coming in. I want to leave an impression on the community and the guys. I like people to view me as a good kid, as someone who did what he was supposed to do.

VOL PROFILE: Whom would you say you look to for motivation, or a hero you try to mold yourself after?
HERRERA: Definitely Major League Baseball player Vaughn Rodriguez. I love to model my game after his. He hits a little bit better than I do but that's one of my goals is to become an all around player. Defensively and offensively, in my opinion, he is the best Major League Baseball player, because I think the catcher is the most important position on the field and he is definitely the best in the business. Outside of Major League Baseball, it would be Chris Burke. He was definitely a huge part of my success freshmen year. He took me under his wing and I learned from him what it is to be a good leader and lead on and off the field. He is a great guy. He was loved by people in the community and well respected by the coaches and team captain. Growing up, I've always been the team captain, so I kind of took a back seat to him and just watched him grow as a player and just earn the respect of his teammates.