Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Hayden Harrington, Loyola baseball

Hayden Harrington recently finished his senior season as a left-handed pitcher for the Ramblers. Selected as the team’s most valuable pitcher, Harrington will play for College of the Holy Cross. He also played basketball for Loyola.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

For me, I like to be super relaxed; sometimes I get too tense. One thing is I have these special insoles for my shoes — my victory insoles — that I only put in on days I pitch.

2. Why Holy Cross?

I just felt like it was the perfect blend of high-level baseball — they’ve been to the (NCAA Division I) tournament the last two years — and also it’s a great academic school. It’s a high-level school to get a great education.

3. What is your dream job?

My dad and grandpa are both lawyers, and that’s definitely something that interests me. My major at Holy Cross will be economics so maybe something in finance or private equity.

4. What is your first memory of baseball?

I’m a huge White Sox fan, so watching a game with my dad on TV, or T-ball. Those two.

5. What is your favorite memory on the field?

That would probably be when we beat Mount Carmel my junior year at Mount Carmel. I pitched that day. That’s a good memory for me.

6. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

I’ve always been interested in lacrosse. Before I went to Loyola, I didn’t know much about it. But it’s a super popular sport at the school. I think I’d give that a try and see how it goes.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I really like to golf a lot with friends, my dad or my grandpa. Just anyone. I’m always down with golf.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Defintley some Mike And Ike. That’s my favorite candy. And maybe a blue gatorade. Original blue. I like the original flavors.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m a huge soccer fan. I played growing up and especially with the World Cup going on. I’m a huge fan of the English national team.

10. How would you summarize your senior season at Loyola?

We had a great season. Made a bunch of memories with everyone. I really enjoyed it. Our group was really close and spent a lot of time together on and off the field. We didn’t reach our end goal of going deep into the playoffs but it was a hugely successful season, and with first year for coach (Sean) Batti, it was a step in the right direction for the program.

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