The Daily Iowan: Who is your baseball idol or role model, and why?

Blake Guerin: Growing up, it was Derek Jeter. I always watched him and tried to model my game after him. Then, it became Miggy [Miguel Cabrera] in the last few years. 

What is the better baseball sound: the pop of the glove or the crack of the bat?

The crack of a wood bat, I can’t lie. That’s probably my favorite. 

What is the biggest hot take you have about food?

I’m a big food guy. I love food. My biggest hot take is that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dogs, 100 percent. I’m not afraid of many things, but I’m not the biggest fan of cats, but I absolutely love dogs.

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Costa Rica — Costa Rica is pretty sweet. We went on a family trip.

What made you want to come to Iowa?

The coaching staff — I liked how welcoming they were and how honest and straight-up they were. That was everything I could ask for in a coaching staff.

What is your go-to restaurant in Iowa City?

Estela’s. I’m a big fan of Estela’s. [It has] great Mexican food, and all the guys go grab it before or after practice.

What is your pregame routine?

Nothing crazy. It’s usually the same every day. I just make sure to get some swings in and stay loose with the guys. A big part for me is to take my mind off of the game and hang with the boys.

Do you have any baseball superstitions that you like to follow?

I just don’t step on the white line and always shake the first base umpire’s hand before the first pitch. Those are two things I always do.