~I have gathered the answers to these FAQ's from newspapers,TV,magazines ect.~
Full Name: Anthony Nomar Garciaparra
*When asked about his name Nomar said:
" Nomar is my real middle name. My first name is really Anthony, but I've always gone by Nomar. When I heard my Mom say Anthony, I knew I was in trouble!"
Date of Birth: July 23, 1973, in Whittier, Ca.
Number: 5
* Why Number five Nomar?:
"I've worn #5 since I was little. My dad liked the number, so I did too. I've worn it since Little League and in soccer."
Height: 6'0
Weight: 180lbs
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Home in the offseason: Boston, Ma
How acquired: Red Sox 1st-round pick (12th overall) in 1994 June draft
Contract status: Signed through 2002 w/club option for 2003 and 2004.
Q: Nomar, do you have any pre game routines?
"I have a sandwich before every game that is made but the Ballpark Deli, it's across from the stadium."
Do you think there is any room for inprovment in your game?
"Believe me, there's plenty of room for improvement," he said. "That's what's so great about this game. It challenges you every day, and if you don't work to meet those challenges, watch out. You won't be in the big leagues for very long."
What exactlly would you like to improve on?
Nomar Garciaparra
"I want to improve my range," he said. "I want to be able to get balls in certain tough areas, and I want to improve my throwing from certain areas. I also want to learn more about positioning myself on the various hitters. There's an awful lot to it."
Q:Do you have any hitting strategies?
Nomar Garciaparra
"Close my eyes real hard, take a swing and hope I make contact," he said, with a laugh. "Actually, the real key is making contact. I've been able to do that since I was a kid. In the big leagues, though, you constantly have to make adjustments, or the pitchers will get you." Q: When did you decide that baseball was going to be your calling in life?
"I decided when I was 5 years old. After that I always believed I would play in the Majors"
Q: What pos. did u play in Little League?
Nomar Garciaparra:
"When I was a kid, I tried all the positions, and I enjoyed ’em all," he said. "Actually, catching was my favorite, because it's a position where you can be almost like a quarterback, seeing the whole field and running the game from behind the plate. Back then, my idol was Bugs Bunny, because I saw a cartoon of him playing ball - you know, the one where he plays every position himself with nobody else on the field but him? Now that I think of it, Bugs is still my idol. You have to love a ballplayer like that."
* Nomar wears the same hat in every game.
Q: how bad does that hat smell by the end of the season?
"It sure kept the flies away!"
Q: What was it like to play on the Olympic baseball team?
"It was a great thrill and a time of pride to represent an entire country. To put on a USA jersey and look at the flag. I'll never forget when they lit the torch with a bow and arrow in the Opening Ceremonies."
Q: Nomar, how does your workout routine differ from the off-season as opposed to the regular season?
"In the off-season, it's much more intense. I'll workout 5-6 hours a day, 6 days a week. During the regular season, obviously you can't do that as much. Then I try to do an hour or two 3-4 times a week."
Q: Which color of cap do you like best?
"From a fashion standpoint, I like the red ones. From a traditional standpoint, I like the blue one."
Q: What's your favorite kinda of ice-cream?
"Vanilla - I'm plain."
Q: Did you play any other sports in high school?
"Yes, I played football, soccer and baseball in high school."
Q: How did you feel about the attention you received here in New England?
"The attention was nice, I only hope the fans enjoyed watching our team, as much as I enjoyed playing here!" "It was very fun for me, because of the great fan support. Being able to play in front of a packed house every day is what baseball's about."
Q: How do you like living in Boston? Is it anything like Cali?
"I enjoy it very much. The people are great and the city is just like a giant town"
Q:How was your relationship with John Valentin after taking the starting SS role?
"I credit a lot of my success to him. He helped me throughout the years. He's a class act all the way!"
Q: If you aren't playing baseball, what else do you like to do?
"I like to play soccer, take walks on the beach and spend time with friends and family."
Q: Do you have a favorite actor? Movie?
"My favorite actors are Kevin Costner and Harrison Ford, although my favorite movies are Rocky 1-5!"
Q: What was it like starting the All-star game?
"It was a very memorable experience. I had a smile from ear to ear that I couldn't get rid of. My father was able to enjoy it with me which made it even more special."
Q: What is your favorite ballpark to play in?
"Fenway is definitely one of them. But also the new ones like Camden Yards, the Ballpark at Arlington, Jacob's Field. They're really doing a great job on those parks from a player and fan's standpoint."
Q: Who was your favorite ballplayer was when you were growing up,and how watching him influenced your play?
"I didn't have a particular hero. I had a lot of respect for different individuals for what they represent on and off the field."
Q: when did your habits of readjusting your batting gloves and your position in the batter's box begin? Is this a habit that began out of the pressures of being a Major Leaguer, or has it followed you in minor league ball as well?
"I've done this since I was a little kid. I just like things tight when anything's on my feet or hands. I do my toe-tapping so my feet are at the end of my shoes, and the same things with my hands, my gloves mustn't be loose at all. Before I exert any energy, my shoes and gloves have to be tight."
Q: What do you credit most for your success?
"My teammates get the most credit. You don't put numbers up like that without their help. They talked to me and taught me through the whole season."
Q:Who are your toughest pitchers to face?
I don't worry about pitchers. I only worry about myself. If I'm swinging the bat good and feeling good at the plate, I'm going to hit any pitcher. If I'm not feeling good, then any pitcher is going to get me out.
Q:Were you in a fraternity while attending Georgia Tech?
Nope. I never was in a fraternity at Georgia Tech.
Q:Why did you choose to play professional baseball instead of professional soccer?
That was a tough decision. I love soccer, but baseball was truly in my heart.
Q:I was wondering what is your favorite song and who is your favorite singer?
One of my favorite songs is "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King and I like Marvin Gaye.
Q:What you think about before you hit?
I just clear my mind and get focused. Then, try to make good contact with the ball.
Q: Who was your favorite athlete growing up? Who is your favorite athlete now?
I didn't really have a favorite athlete when I was growing up. There are people now that I admire more than when I was growing up. I like Paul Molitor, Mo Vaughn and Cal Ripken. They are all tremendous individuals and not just performers.
Q:What is it like to know that millions of people are watching your every move each day that you go out and play?
There's tremendous pressure because everyone is watching your every move. They probably watch your failures more than your success. You've got to understand that playing the game you love is what matters.
Q:Are there any players in the big Leagues that you consider to be good friends?
Jay Payton is a good friend of mine. We were actually roommates all through college. He actually just hit his first home run in the Major Leagues on Saturday, so I called him up. I still talk to Lou Merloni, too.
Q: What advice would you give a young baseball player, trying to become a better hitter?
Just try to relax and concentrate on the ball. Watch the bat hit the ball. More FAQ's will be coming soon. Got A question? E-MAIL me at: isunshine5@aol.com and I'll try to answer it for you!