Quick Hitters with Aaron Slegers

INDIANAPOLIS -Aaron Slegers, a pitcher within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, provided insight on his decision to attend Indiana University, his relationship with Victor Oladipo while he was a student-athlete and much more in our first edition of "Quick Hitters."

Q: You were born in Long Beach, Calif. and grew up in Phoenix. Why did you choose Indiana University over other college baseball programs?

A: I didn't get recruited by a lot of schools. To be honest, if Arizona State or the University of Arizona would've called, I would have headed to those respective programs. (IU Head Coach) Tracy Smith called and offered me a Division I jersey, so I jumped at the opportunity.

Q: At IU, you had a chance to play in the 2013 College World Series in Omaha, Neb. What was that experience like?

A: It was an incredible experience with a very close-knit group of guys. In 2011 we took our lumps a little bit, but we had (Kyle) Schwarber and (Sam) Travis come in the following year. We could tell the pieces were there for a run to Omaha.

Q: You were at IU when Pacers star Victor Oladipo was leading the Hoosier basketball program. Did you two ever cross paths?

A: We were actually pretty close in college. We would walk to class together and he would stop by the baseball field quite often. He's a great person and I wish him the speediest of recoveries.

Q: You're 6-foot-10. When people see you in public, they probably think athlete. Do they think you're a professional basketball player or baseball player?

A: Going to Indiana, baseball player is the last thing to their mind. Basketball player is always at the top of the list.

Q: What do you first associate the word 'Indiana' with?

A: The people, those I met at IU and Hoosiers across the state of Indiana. They are extremely kind and have given me a lot of great memories.

Q: Best concert you've ever attended?

A: Metallica in Minneapolis last September. I was on the disabled list at the time, the team was gone, and it was my birthday. I figured why not?

Q: What is the No. 1 song on your playlist?

A: No song in particular but it definitely has to be rock, the latest alternative rock.

Q: If baseball wasn't there for you, what career path would you have chosen?

A: I love business and the competitive nature that comes with it. I'm not sure I would own a business but would love to work with people.

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