Baseball

Subculture at Northern
Illinois University
Presented by: Sarah Hays, Shelley Mass,
Mindy Venners and Danielle Young

Pregame
The Road to Avon

Published on Mar 21, 2013

- November 2012, the NIU baseball team completed The Road to Avon Challenge, a fitness test
designed to inspire and push the team during off season workouts. The Huskies are looking to
return to the MAC Tournament this season, which will be held May 22-25, 2013 in Avon, Ohio.

Home Plate Pregame Conference

NIU Baseball History
First Season: 1900
Year of Play: 104rd (No team 1983-90)
National Affiliation: NCAA Division I
Conference Affiliation: Mid-American Conference (MAC)
2013 MAC West Champs
ROSTER BY CLASS: Freshmen - 5, Sophomores - 13, Juniors - 5, Seniors - 10
ROSTER BY POSITION: Catcher - 4, Infielders - 7, Outfielders - 5, Pitchers - 13
Ralph McKenzie Field
- Since 1965, Ralph McKinzie Field has played host to Northern Illinois baseball. Originally constructed as part of the
outdoor athletics complex designed by then-athletics director George "Chick" Evans, the home of the Huskies has
undergone several improvements since its opening.
- All-Time Home Record: 353-295-10 (.544), Home Record since 2003: 63-35-1 (641)

NIU Baseball Homepage and NIU APP

Top of the First

- NIU Baseball Schedule 2014 - Intense traveling during the beginning of the season
- The game of email tag
Due to the intense schedule of the baseball team in the beginning
of their season, getting in contact with coach was difficult.

- Finally getting ahold of Coach

Stop by his office, send follow up emails and call his office to get a
commitment
Once we were able to get connected he was really willing to work
with us

- Interested in seeing our findings

And making sure that we had everything that we needed

Bottom of the Third

Observations of Practice:

Practices start with the whole team stretching,

playing catch, working on outfield
The team eventually separates into groups
working on batting, outfield, and
conditioning. Players switch stations
throughout practice.
A practice playlist is played throughout.

Meeting at the Mound

Observations of Game Day

Players help get the field ready for games.

Players names and positions are announced
for both teams, but while players are still
warming up-difficult to tell who is who
All players huddle together before game
begins after warm-ups
National Anthem is played before the game
begins, but not the school song

Still Meeting at the Mound...

Music is played during parts of the game that
players are not playing
Players pick music that plays when they come
to bat; seniors get to pick the music for
freshman players-some of the choices were:
ABBA Dancing Queen, Spice Girls
Wannabe Gwen Stefani Hollaback Girl,
Vanilla Ice Ice Ice Baby

Still Meeting at the Mound...

When changing from outfield to batting, those in the
dugout greet the players coming in from the outfield
When switching from batting to outfield players come
out from the dugout and jog down the field and
back
There was a decent crowd for each of the games
observed.
Crowd is mostly quiet though, not much cheering

Still Meeting at the Mound...

Players were active and engaged throughout the gamesplayers cheer and get information to those on the field
Players have their own language-hand signals and
gestures
Rare to see players sitting, most stand at the front of the
dugout throughout the game
The baseball field and stands seem small and in the
shadow of the large football stadium that is located right
next to the field

Still Meeting at the Mound...

When NIU has a coach timeout the whole
team gathers instead of just the coach,
pitcher and catcher, unlike other teams.

Bases are loaded

Interviews

- Interviewed 5 players out of 33 total

- 2 interviews were prior to a game and 3
after a practice
- The players were very eager to find out
what we were doing and to participate in the
interviews.

Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

What year are you at NIU?

How many years have you been playing baseball in general?
How many years have you been playing at NIU?
Have you ever redshirted?
Are you on a scholarship?
What is a typical day for you during baseball season?
What is a typical day for you during off season?
How do you manage being a student and an athlete?
Do your teachers give you a hard time?
Is is hard to participate in group work with your peers?
How do you think other students view the NIU baseball team?
How do you view the NIU baseball team?
Do you have friends outside of the baseball team?
Are you involved at all outside of the baseball team?
Are your roommates baseball players?
Being in a traditional college setting are you guys able to have to same type of social life as a typical student?
How is the relationship between the coaches and the team members?
How is the relationship between the players?
Do you think you are treated differently because you are a student athlete?
Do you think all athletes are treated the same?
What do you think is interesting about being a baseball player at NIU?
What do you like about being a baseball player at NIU? Dislike?
Do you feel there is an unspoken hierarchy on the baseball team?
If you could change one thing about the baseball team what would it be?
How does losing affect you? Your week/classes, etc?

Strike One!
Interview One!
The following notes are from the impromptu interview with two
players before the game on 4/8/14:
Mindy and Danielle were attending the game. Coach had said that we
could speak with him after batting practice at 2:10 before the game at
3:05. At that time Danielle and marketing staff went to talk with coach in
the dugout about the marketing aspects of the game. After that, Danielle
and Mindy begin conversation with Coach Ed Mathey (head coach). He
started by apologizing for taking so long getting back to us and getting us
what we needed. He asked again what we needed and we explained that
we wanted to interview about 4 players. He immediately pulled two players
to the side and told them to introduce themselves and the they were going
to be interviewed for a class project. The two players immediately came to
coach, introduced themselves and were ready to answer questions. They
were asking us to explain what the project is that we were doing. We said
that we were just going to ask them questions to find out about the culture
of the NIU baseball team and what it means to be apart of the team. We
started by letting them know that we were not completely prepared (we did
not know that we would be interviewing that day).
We were still in the dugout and other coaches and players were around.
We started by asking the first player questions and it ended up really just
being a conversation between all of us, including the coach jumping in.

We were still in the dugout and other coaches and players were
around. We started by asking the first player questions and it ended
up really just being a conversation between all of us, including the
coach jumping in.
(Player 1)
How long have you been playing baseball for NIU?
2nd year at NIU
And how long have you been playing in general?
Been playing baseball since I was about 4
(Player 2)
And how long have you been playing baseball for NIU?
4 years
And how long have you been playing in general?
I think since I was 4 years old as well
Are you a senior since you have been on the team for 4 years?
Actually I am redshirting this year, I had shoulder surgery. I will be
able to play next year.
Were you able to keep your scholarship?
Yes I was.

So, player 1 why are you not playing? - When this question
was asked, everyone that was around started to laugh.
Interviewer made comment to be sure to catch this because it
must mean something.
(Player 2)

Basically because the good players play on the weekends. He starts

on Fridays, Fridays are good players.
So different players start every game?
Yes, the lineup is made on the weekend and goes throughout the
week with the good players for the weekends.
Player 1 seemed a little embarrassed that this was being
discussed in front of him. Coach was just looking at both of
them saying that they can lose their spot as well.
(Player 1)
Are you at NIU on a Baseball scholarship?
Yes I have the opportunity with a scholarship
What does a typical day look like?
Do you mean during season or off season? Even though they are
both
Really we want to know about both. Start with during season.
Wake up, eat breakfast, go to class and have practice from 2-4:30.
BOTH PLAYERS ARE NOW ANSWERING TOGETHER.
And sometimes we have meetings. And there is a lot of time during
season that we are on the road so our weeks are never the same.
So what about during the off season?
During the off season, we wake up at 5, lift by 6 hitting at 7. We
practice in the evenings, study tables.

(Player 2)
We can have less hours for study tables as we get older.
(Coach)
And some never get less hours.

(Player 1)
We have great access to tutors when we need them. NIU does a great job
of providing resources for athletes when they need them, you just have to
be willing to go and get the help. The academic department gives us all of
the resources that we need to be successful.
So earlier you described being gone a lot when you are in season.
How does this affect your classwork?
(Player 1)
Just have to have a lot of time management.
Do your teacher ever give you a hard time?
(Player 2)
No not really. Professors are pretty lenient with the class sessions,
assignments and making up quizzes and tests. o get in the swing of the
season we are so busy, we have games in Arizona and California.
(Player 1)
Those games are our pre season games.
(Coach)
Those are not pre season, those are a part of our record. Those games
are a part of the season.
So how is it when you are working in a group with your peers?
(Player 2)
Well, thank god for email

(Player 1)
Yeah, just have to have that and good time management. Everyone is
usually pretty understanding as long as we do the work that we say we
are going to do.

(Player 1)
I mean we have more time during the off season.
(Player 2)
Yeah, we have the weekends off during the off season.
(Coach)
Ill walk away so they will give honest answers.

How do you view the NIU baseball team?

(Player 1)
Very similar to other sports teams. We are known as athletes and are
here to play a sport and go to school.
Do you think that other students are intimidated because you are
athletes?
(Player 1)
It usually helps when we say we play baseball, like a conversation
starter. I dont think other students are intimidated but I could see why.
(Player 2)
We are very down to earth and playing a sport helps socially to meet
people.
So do you have friends outside of the team?
(Player 2)
I mostly hang out with other athletes like most athletes. Player 1 has
more friends outside of the team.
(Player 1)
I do. I am involved in an organization outside of baseball and have
friends from that.
Being in a traditional college setting are you guys able to have to
same type of social life as a typical student?

(Player 1)
I mean of course we try to have somewhat of a normal college
experience. But everyone knows that they have to respect NIU, the
team and themselves when they go out. We cant have anyone getting
in a bar fight.
Has that happened?
(Player 1)
No, not at all.
(Player 2)
We try to have a good time while remembering why we are here in the
first place. But of course we go out when we can.
Do you all mainly live with each other?
(Player 1)
We do, most of us.
Is there a specific area that baseball players tend to live?
(Player 2)
Yes, Eco Park.
How many players are on the team total?
(Player 2)
33 players. It is great this year because everyone gets along well this
season.

Strike Two!
Interview Two!
Prior to the interviews, the practice was observed. It was a
shorter practice due to the DeKalb vs. Sycamore high school
baseball game. Coach explained that there are compliance
issues with any of the coaches and players being present on the
field due to recruiting. The practice started off with the team
stretching together.
After the practice, coach had the whole team meet in the
dugout. He yelled up to me sitting in the stands asking how
many players I wanted. I said three would be enough; he
signaled to three players and began addressing the team. They
had about a five-minute conversation about practice, upcoming
game details and some words of encouragement. After the team
was dismissed they gathered in a tight group, said a cheer and
all had a hand up.
I explained to the three players the project and types of
questions that I would be asking. They were all fine with the
expectations and I explained that it would be set up like a group
interview; some questions will need an individual answer and
others can be a group answer.

What year are you at NIU?

P3- Junior
P4- Senior
P5- Sophomore
How many years have you been playing baseball in
general?
P3- whole life
P4- whole life
P5- whole life
How many years have you been playing at NIU?
P3- 3
P4- 4
P5- 2
Have you ever redshirted?
They all responded no
Are you on a scholarship?
They are all on a partial scholarship. They explained that most
people on the team have some part of scholarship. I asked if
anyone was on full scholarship and they answered that there
are some that have maybe 90% covered.

They said that they (Baseball) have 11. something full

scholarships which is why no one is on a full scholarship but
some are closer than others.
What is a typical day for you during baseball season?
P3- Long. Class and then practice from about 2-4:30 and then

P5- I dont know if you guys remember but when you come in as
a freshman, there is a learning curve and a transition period.
This is like a job. You have to love it or it would be pointless.
Do your teachers give you a hard time?
P3- Well, we give them a paper at the beginning that has our

lifting. What time do you get up? I get up at about 6 because I

take early classes.
P4- I get up around 8.
P5- Yeah me too. When we are in the beginning of season we
are flying and traveling have a game and are gone the majority of
the week.
P3- And we get back at 2AM and have to be at class Monday
morning.
P5- We also have to have study tables. Are those in the
Yordan? Yes.
P3- The amount of hours that you have depends on your grades.
What is a typical day for you during off-season?
P3- 6AM lifting, 8AM class and a 2-5:30 afternoon practices.
P4- Busy just like baseball season, just have more weekends
free.
How do you manage being a student and an athlete?
P3- Have a schedule that works for you.
P4- Learn to make your classes a little earlier so you are not
constantly rushing.

schedule. They are required to accommodate. And knowing

what teachers to take.
P4- A lot of networking resources. Like I had a teacher that was
not willing to work with me. And one of the coaches is a board
member of political science so they were able to help me out.
And a lot of email. There is a list that lets us know of a lot of
teachers that are pro athletes.
Is it hard to participate in group work with your peers?
P3- I have had a few teachers that have let me work on my own
and have changed the assignment and let me do less work but
be by myself.
P4- Work with other athletes. There is a list of classes that are
offered that are athlete friendly and a lot of athletes are in. They
understand better because they are athletes as well.
P5- Never had a problem, could meet other times and do a lot
with email.
How do you think other students view the NIU baseball
team?
P3- Some like us some dont.

P5- Others dont get how rough it is. They think we dont
deserve what we get and that we are arrogant.
How do you view the NIU baseball team?
P3- Family

P4- Your friends are you teammates, you know the saying Birds
of a feather flock together
P5- Home away from home. Blue collar. Not as arrogant as
other teams are viewed.
Do you have friends outside of the baseball team?
Most friends are teammates.
Are you involved at all outside of the baseball team?
No time
Are your roommates baseball players?
Yes
Being in a traditional college setting are you able to have
the same type of social life as a typical student?
P3- Still able to go to the bar.
P4- In the fall not much on the weekends so there is more time.
P3- And can go home and do things like hunt.
How is the relationship between the coaches and the team
members?
P4- Of course there are some issues when peoples
personalities do not get along. But you have to respect your
coaches.

P5- Everyone is on the same page

How is the relationship between the players?
Still groups but everyone is together.
Do you think you are treated differently because you are a
student athlete?
P3- Think that others look up to athletes.
P4- I think people think like we are but really we are working for
all of the benefits that we get. The main one is when people find
out you play a sport and they say that they should walk on they
are good enough to play too.. I just say why didnt you? Come on
out.
Do you think all athletes are treated the same?
Depends on the sport
What do you like about being a baseball player at NIU?
P3- That I can continue to play.
P4- Have the opportunity to play baseball at the highest college
level.
P5- People, teammates and summer ball
If you could change one thing about the baseball team what
would it be?
P3- Record
P4- Where we play geographically.
P5- Selfish players, some change when they play or dont play.
We are fighting each week to play in the games.
How does losing affect you? Your week/classes, etc?
P3- We are all very competitive people, so it is very hard to lose.

P4- Your mind is just in a different place

P5- People all respond differently, some need an hour others
need the whole night.
P4- It also depends on your personality. I am so competitive, if
my mother was running from third I would trip her.
P3- The good thing about baseball is the next day you have
another game.
Can you work when you play baseball?
Can work due to instate taxes. Cannot get paid for anything that
has to do with baseball due to compliance rules.
Does everyone travel with the team?
No, 26 to conference games and 24 in the beginning of the
season to places that are further away.

Grand Slam!
Findings

In our findings, the most significant point we

learned is that the baseball team at NIU is
essentially a family and have created their own
culture.

Home Plate Celebration!

Findings Cont.

The players rarely branch out into other

organizations or surround themselves with
people outside the baseball team.
They live together, eat together, study
together, work out together...they spend so
many hours a day within their culture that it
has become their lifestyle.

Pinch Running for NIU

Findings Cont.

Overall, NIUs baseball team is a hardworking, down-to-earth group of students

that excel in their talents, most of them since
they were young. This elite group has
perfected their ability to excel both physically
and academically.

7th Inning Stretch

Marketing and Game Day Experience

NIUs Head Football Coach Rod Carey

singing the 7th inning stretch at a Cubs
game!!

Marketing does a few things throughout the

game to get the crowd excited and involved!
Throw tee shirts out for each run NIU
scores
Has a tent set up with free posters
Has prize bags for questions that are
answered correctly, these usually happen
in the 4th inning!
Sets up pre and post game events for
fans to get to know the team such as
autographs
They also have themed weekends such
as Military Appreciation, Senior

Youre outta here!!!!