FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jamie Legner, Student Sports Information Assistant)

May 1, 2012 - One of only eight seniors on the North Central College baseball team this season, Tyler Herman sets a good example of the kind of player and person it takes to be successful, and he feels that his team exemplifies hard work and willingness to learn and get better. 

This marketing and economics double major is currently tied for second in school history with 11 saves and ranks eighth in pitching appearances (47). He has five saves this season, just two short of North Central's single-season record. Having served as both a starter and a relief pitcher during his career, he finds both roles to be incredibly important to the success of his team.

Herman looks forward to the opportunity to use his veteran influence during this final week of the regular season, as he looks to help the Cardinals clinch a spot in their third straight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament.

Q: What on-campus activities are you involved in?
A: Other than baseball, I was in the Orientation Program for a few years and also the Legacy Program.

Q: What is the Legacy Program?
A: We are an initiative that started two years ago to connect students and alumni together to bridge that gap. When we get donations we write hand written letters to them thanking them, and we help out with homecoming week and senior gift committee. We also encourage giving and a lifetime of Cardinal Pride.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I've been interviewing at a couple of companies, and right now my number one is a company called YouSwoop. It's a daily deal website similar to Groupon, and it's in Chicago, so hopefully I'll end up in the city next year.

Q: What is your favorite thing about North Central College?
A: The community here. It's a lot of fun and the people I've been able to meet here and get to know on a more personal level is something I don't think I'd be able to do at any other school.

Q: What has been your favorite class here? Why?
A: Last term I took Wealth Management with Professor Andrew Whitaker, mainly because he is an awesome professor, but I think it's the most applicable class that I've ever taken here and hopefully I'll have some wealth to be able to manage in the future.

Q: How long have you been playing baseball?
A: Since I was four so eighteen years now.

Q: Have you always been a pitcher?
A: Yes, for as long as I can remember.

Q: Which is harder, relief pitching or starting?
A: As a reliever I'd like to say relieving. I think everything is magnified at the end of the game, so in the first couple of innings if someone gets a hit or you give up a walk it's not as big of a deal but the ninth inning you come in and some guy is on base that's a big deal most of the time.

Q: Have you ever played any other sports?
A: Not very wel,l but I used to play basketball a little bit in high schoo. Baseball is really the only sport I've really excelled at.

Q: Does anyone in your family play baseball?
A: Yes, my little brother is a junior at Cary-Grove High School right now pitching as well.

Q: What is your favorite thing about playing baseball? Why?
A: I think just the camaraderie of it and it also kind of encourages goof balls a little bit. I think we have a lot of characters on our team so we joke around and have a lot of fun.

Q: What is the hardest thing about playing baseball?
A: The grind I think. It's a lot more mental than other sports. It's not like its football where if you get angry you can just go out there and pop someone. You always have to have a consistent flow and always have an easy-going process.

Q: What is the team dynamic like having such a young team?
A: I think it's good I mean guys come out looking to prove themselves and some of these guys could start for four years if they take a spot right now. A lot of guys are hungry and are working and playing hard so I really think it's going to go a long way for this program.

Q: Is there any game that the team looks forward to most?
A: I think this year against North Park is going to be big as long as we take care of business in these next few weeks it could come down to us taking the conference right away from them.

Q: What is your favorite Major League Baseball team? Why?
A: I am a die-hard Sox fan. My dad grew up on the south side so that was raised with me and my family. I hate the Cubs and everything about them but Mark Buehrle is my favorite pitcher and he just got traded to the Marlins so that killed me a little bit.

Q: Who is your biggest role model?
A: I would say my dad. His work ethic really shows and it's kind of instilled in me and I feel that what he brings to his daily work ethic shows a lot and I can use that too.