SAN FRANCISCO – Senior centerfielder
Justin Maffei wasted little time endearing himself to USF baseball fans last season, hitting .315, leading the West Coast Conference with 24 stolen bases, and being named an all-conference selection. The Foster City, Calif. native sat down to discuss why he came to USF, the importance of family, and the best way to start off a baseball game.
Why did you come to USF?
“No school really offered me out of high school, where I was a third baseman. When I got to College of San Mateo, they saw me run and converted me to centerfield. A few schools came out to see me, but when I took my visit here I fell in love and I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
What impact have your parents had on you?
“Being close to my parents was a huge factor in me coming to USF, I wanted them to watch every game that I played. Last year they made it to every away series and at least one of them made it to every game. I feel like I'm at home when I see them in the stands on the road, and I get to go out to dinner with them and it shows how much they care about me. Ever since I was a little kid my parents were big fans. My parents have sacrificed so much for me, and I wanted to pay tribute to them putting me through a private high school by helping out with my scholarship money here. I'm thankful every day that I'm here, and for what they've done to put me in this position.”
How have Head Coach Nino Giarratano and Assistant Coach Troy Nakamura made you a better player?
“Naks is great, I don't even look at him as a coach but as a friend. I've never had such a relaxed, but productive relationship with a coach. He's meant a lot to me helping me grow as an outfielder. G is great, one of the best coaches I've ever played for. He's a total player's coach, knows where you're coming from and what you're going through. He understands a lot about what we go through on a daily basis.”
How have you handled taking on a leadership role this season?
“Last year coming in, even though it was my first year, it felt like I was expected to take on a leadership role but I wasn't very comfortable as a first-year guy. After playing all last year, I knew I was going to be a big influence on the young guys. I try to pass on my experience any chance I can.”
How much does playing good defense mean to you?
“I take a lot of pride in my defense, that's something that can show up every day whether you're hitting or not. When I transitioned to the outfield, I picked it up pretty easily and had a keen eye for first steps and routes to the ball. I wanted to build on my defense from last season, and that's what's going to take me to the next level.”
What are you majoring in?
“I'm an advertising major, I switched from business after my first semester last year. It's really interesting to get into the psychology behind branding and advertising, our lives are full of advertisements, and it's been really fun to learn about.”
What do you like about hitting leadoff?
“I like to set the tone, there's nothing better than getting on base and getting in that pitcher's head. I like to lead off the game with a home run, there's nothing more I can do to get us started. Scoring that first run is key.”
Why are you known as the most athletic guy on the team?
“I can't take all the credit, my dad's really athletic and my mom was a volleyball player. My dad could dunk a volleyball in high school, and he's only 5'7”. Since I was a little kid I was always able to watch someone do something and reenact it pretty easily. I played football, basketball, baseball and soccer when I was a kid. I wish I could explain it, but it's just in my genes.”
