Steve Sollmann Chat Wrap Baseball standout stopped by on Thursday to field your questions. Notre Dame baseball player Steve Sollmann stopped by to chat with Irish fans on Thursday. The senior second baseman answered questions on his season, the team’s success and the upcoming postseason. Sollmann ? who in 2003 became Notre Dame’s 11th non-senior (in any sport) ever to couple All-America and Academic All-America honors in the same season ? closed his undergraduate studies with a 4.0 semester GPA before graduating om Sunday with a marketing degree from the Mendoza College of Business. He is 10 hits shy of joining former teammate Steve Stanley as the only Irish players tp reach 300 career hits, currently ranking 4th in the ND record book with 290 hits, plus 3rd in fielding assists (583), 5th in stolen bases (78) 6th in runs scored (201) and at-bats (798), and 9th in triples (12) and batting average (.363) spanning 209 games played (207 starts). The Irish also will hope for the continuation of clutch postseason batting from Sollmann, who hit a combined .487 (38-for-78) during the 2001-03 NCAA Tournaments to rank as one of the program’s leading all-time postseason performers. Sollmann suffered a fractured jaw after an April 3 in-game collision with a teammate and underwent surgery on April 5, in his hometown of Cincinnati. He returned to action on May 9 against Connecticut. At the time of his injury, the team tri-captain had overcome an early-season slump by batting 10-for-21 in a six-game stretch that raised his season batting average to .294. He is batting .417 (10-for-24) since returning to action, with his .321 overall batting avg. now ranking fourth among the Irish starters. Sollmann has not made an error in 143 fielding chances this season, with the converted prep centerfielder also closing the 2003 season by making just two errors in the final 15 games. Sollmann totaled just eight errors during both the 2002 and ’03 seasons and has averaged 9.3 games per error during the last three seasons (after making 21 Es as a freshman). |
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| Tim (Nashville): Congratulations, Steve, on your academic accomplishments, your graduation, and on another fabulous season of Irish baseball. What things do you believe have, in the past, separated the Notre Dame baseball program from the traditionally elite, warm-weather programs in the country? Do you believe Notre Dame has eliminated or can eliminate that gap and can now realistically challenge not only for a World Series berth, but for a national championship? Good luck to you and all your teammates on your way to Omaha. Go Irish! | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Our program is different than most simply because of the types of players Coach Mainieri brings in. To deal with the weather and schedule we have to deal with, Coach has to bring in kids that love to play the game and don’t let difficult situations affect their play. I believe we have done a great job of eliminating the gap between the northern and southern schools, and I definitely think it is possible to make it to the World Series. | ||
| Frank Anania. Omaha, NE: Steve, I drove up to Notre Dame from Omaha to watch the weekend series on April 3 when you suffered your injury. Needless to say, your injury put a damper on an otherwise fantastic weekend. But the way in which you have come back from this injury, your attitude, loyalty to the team, your dedication and love for the game, has truly made you an inspiration and hero in my opinion. I just want to say thank you, and God Bless you. I am hoping and praying and looking very forward to seeing you and the rest of the team here in Omaha next month at the College World Series. Good Luck and God Bless Frank Anania Omaha, NE | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Thanks Frank. I really appreciate it. | ||
| corey(marlboro): do you think you gguys can make it to the college world sereis if so it would be great for the school and the city of notre ddame. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I definitely think this team has the talent and depth to make it back to the College World Series. We are playing great baseball right now, and I hope we can keep it up. | ||
| Hambone (Chicago): Steve, you’ve got a great season going thus far. I was wondering how important are guys like Jeff Samardzija who are stepping up and making contributions immediately? What kind of role does a Jeff Samardzija play? Could you hit him? haha. Take care and good luck on the rest of the season. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Jeff Samardzija has done an amazing job for us this season. Jeff’s a great athlete so I can’t really say that I’m surprised. Guys like Jeff that are able to make great contributions right from the start are a necessity for teams that want to experience any kind of success. His help along with some other freshmen and sophomores are really playing a big part in our success. | ||
| John S., Pittsburgh, Pa.: Steve – Congratulations on a great career with Notre Dame. I hope you guys make it back to the CWS this year! My question – what do you think about the rest of the Big East this season. Do you think Pittsburgh or St. John’s are worthy of NCAA bids? Thanks for the time! | ||
| Steve Sollmann: In my opinion, the Big East Conference is one of the most underrated baseball conferences in the country. Every team in the Big East is competitive and I defintely think teams like Pitt and St. Johns could do a lot of damage in the NCAA Tournament. | ||
| Mikey MO (Cambridge): What allows you to hit outside fastballs so well? I mean watching you hit, it appears as if you want pitchers to throw you there so you can lace it the other way. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I am a decent outside fastball hitter because I try to keep my weight back as long as possible. This allows me to see the ball longer through the zone. Then I just throw my hands at the ball and try to hit it hard. | ||
| John Rodgers(Cincinnati): Steve, How is it going? How far do you think you will get on the way to the College World Series? Do you think you will be back in Omaha this year? I hope so and i would love to get in contact with you!! Email: john452312002@yahoo.com | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Hey John, it’s great to hear from you. If we keep playing good baseball, I think we have a legitimate shot of getting very far into the tournament. My hope is that we can make it back to CWS and win the school’s first baseball championship. Thanks for the question. Say hello to your family for me. | ||
| Thomas, Cincinnati: We were wondering who lead your high school in batting senior year? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: If I’m not mistaken, I believe it was T.J. Kroth who lead the team in hitting. He had the purest swing on the team. | ||
| robertsarich@msn.com;Houston: I aplaud your courage and perseverance not only as a baseball player but foremost as a student of Notre Dame. I wish you all the best in your life. Thankyou for being one of Notre Dame’s best. Robert, Friend since 1945. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Thank you very much Robert. | ||
| Neil, St. Louis: Being from Cincinatti, are you a Reds and Bengals fan? If you are, isn’t it true that they’re both brutal and that Cincinatti has no hope of compething with the likes of St. Louis in any of its pro sports? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Neil, I would have to disagree. St. Louis is a great sports city, but I would have to say that your time has passed. Cincinnati is on their way up. The Reds are playing good baseball, and my Bengals are going to the playoffs this year. We don’t have a hockey team because that sport doesn’t matter. | ||
| Jon (Asheville, NC): How did Zach Sisko inspired you to get a 4.0 this spring? Did he teach you many of his studying techniques, such as late nights in the library? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Zach Sisko is by far the best student on the team. Since freshman year I have try to emulate his studying techniques, and things finally worked out. | ||
| Ryan (Hilton Head Island, SC): Steve, Which are you more proud of, no errors this season or a 4.0 GPA? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Ryan, I might have said no errors, but that streak ended last night so I can’t. Actually, I am definitely more proud of my 4.0. My main goal when I chose ND was to work hard in the classroom and get my degree. | ||
| Cincinnati: Is it true that you get all your athletic ability from your mother? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Everyone that knows my family knows that my athletic ability comes from my mother. My dad was a decent athlete at best. The women in the Sollmann family are the best athletes. Sorry Dad. I love you Mom | ||
| Brandt, Cincinnati: Steve- We hear a lot about you and your brother Scott when it comes to athletic accomplishments but I have heard that your sister Stacey is actually the best athlete in the Sollmann family. Tell us more about your sister and where she ranks in the Sollmann hierarchy. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Like I said, the women in the family stand alone atop the hierarchy. My sister played three sports all through high school at Roger Bacon and then went on to become one of the best soccer players in the history of the University of West Virginia soccer program. She is definitely a better athlete than my brother and I. | ||
| Howey Fettersnatch(Cincinnati): When you play sega in your basement, what is your favorite game? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I would have to go to with NHL ’94. It’s by far my best game. Thanks Scott | ||
| Brian Bisciotti (Mansfield MA): Steve, I met you before the ND/Uconn 5/9/04 game before your pre-game prep. I’m a 1986 grad and just wanted to let you what a class person you are. You talked to me like we were old friends. Just wanted to say thanks and best of luck to you this season and the rest of your life. God Bless. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Thanks. I appreciate it Brian. | ||
| Spencer Portsmouth: How is playing baseball for Notre Dame? I go to a school here called Noter Dame and we won our SOC | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Congratulations. Playing baseball at ND is a dream come true. The experiences on the field have been great, but what makes playing ball here more special than any other school are the friendships that are formed between teammates. These friendships will be what I miss most about leaving ND. | ||
| Don Grayckowski south bend: What do you think your chances are in the post season. And also it’s good to have you back? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Thanks. If we continue to play good ball, I think we can win a National Championship. Right now, we have to concentrate on Virginia Tech. | ||
| Clint (Winona Lake, IN): What is your favorite Notre Dame memory? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: My favorite memory is beating Florida State in Tallahassee in the Super Regional that allowed us to go to the CWS. That was the best environment I’ve ever played in. | ||
| Dan, Philadelphia: Do you feel the Big East as a conference has grown stronger during your four years at ND? How do you compare it to some of the power conferences like the SEC, ACC, Pac 10, etc.? Thanks and good luck for the remaineder of the year. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: The Big East has definitely gotten stronger in my four years. Every team is competitive in the league, and although the teams not might have as much talent as the SEC, Big 12, or PAC 10, there is no doubt we play just as hard if not harder. | ||
| uncle rick jr,: with 90 plus mile an hour fastballs who is the best pitcher in college baseball ?go irish all the way | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Grant Johnson and Chris Niesel are probably two of the best pitchers I have faced this year. There are a lot of talented pitchers out there, but I can’t imagine any of them having stuff that much better than these two guys. | ||
| Lisa, Texas: Sollmann, do you like to dance? Are you a good dancer? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I’m not going to lie, I have been known to show some flashes of greatness on the dance floor. Lisa, you’re not from Texas. | ||
| Jerry D. Cincinnati: Is it true that your sister is really the best athlete in your family – and that all of you including your older brother get your athletic talents from your mother | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Jerry, we all know this is true. Thanks for the question. | ||
| Kevin O’Mara ’76/ Toledo, OH: Hi Steve, I had a chance to meet you and most of the team in San Antonio during the Alamo Classic. I was very impressed with your play, and also, how polite, unassuming, and pleasant you were to take the time to talk with me ( I met you coming up the steps from the locker room, I was with Grant Johnson’s dad). I just wanted to tell you how proud I was to be a Notre Dame alum and how proud I was with the classiness you and all the team showed. Best of luck in the post-season, congratulations on your graduation, and Go Irish!!! I keep checking all the time to see how you guys have been doing. Great season personally and the team as a whole, I hope you are healing well from your injury. Kevin T. O’Mara, MD ’76 | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Thanks Kevin. | ||
| Ryan Everson (Omaha): I admire you greatly for being a great representative for Notre Dame and for being a sportsman on and off the field. What would you say was the biggest key to success that you have discovered in the past 4 years? Good luck rest of season and hope to see you here in Omaha come June. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: The key to success for me is simply going out everyday and playing 100%. I might not be the most talented player on the field, but I can guarantee I’m going to play my hardest. | ||
| Josh Romero, Cincinnati: Sollman I was just wonderin how you’ve been doin and it’s good to see your back in the box scores after your little incident. Hope all is well and tell Javi I said hi. Good luck. Romero | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Hey Josh, good to hear from you. Things are going well, and my jaw is all healed up. I will say hello to Jav for you, and I we run into each sometime. Take care. | ||
| Mrs. Teal (Finneytown, OH): Steve, congrats on a great season–especially coming back from a tough injury. I was a big fan of your brother, Scott. Did he teach you anything about the game? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I guess I can admit that I learned a lot about the game from my brother. We love to talk baseball. I watched him for so many years that I would have been a fool not to learn at least a couple things. Thanks Mrs. Teal | ||
| Mark (Cincinnati): Steve, What are your intentions now that you have graduated? Are you going to pursue the baseball career or enter the corporate world? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I don’t want to enter the corporate world yet, because I love to play the game. I would love to get the chance to play pro ball. | ||
| Josh Schoettmer( Franklin): How do u think u will do i nthe big east tournament | ||
| Steve Sollmann: The BIg East Tournament is very difficult to win, but I think we have a good chance because of our pitching and defense. If we can stay in the game, our bats can usually help us pull it out. Thanks Josh | ||
| corey(marlboro): do you consider yourself good enough to become a great baseball player in the pros also good look during the big east tournament and ncaa tournament hope you make it to ohmaha for th college world seires | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I might not have the talent that many big league players have, but I try to play with more heart. I would love to play in the bigs someday, so I’m going to work as hard as I can to get there. | ||
| scott. Smethport, pa: steve: how’s your brother doing? he was a tremendous two sport athlete at ND. Did you ever think of playing football or another sport? Good Luck on the way to Omaha! Good to see you healthy again. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: My brother is doing great. He is currently fighting his way though law school. Yeah…. another lawyer. I did give playing football in college some thought, but I also realized how much I love the game of baseball. I wanted to become the best player I could be, and I thought the best way to do that was concentrating on one sport. | ||
| Grandpa (Cincinnati): Is it true that you get all your athletic ability from your mother? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Hey Grandpa, I hope you’re feeling good. Everyone knows that your beautiful daughter, my great mom, is the best athlete in the family. | ||
| Jay Rodgers (Cincinnati): Hey Steve. I never had any doubt that you would be successful from the time that you played T-Ball. What round do you think you will be drafted in the upcoming draft, and would you prefer to go to the Reds? | ||
| Steve Sollmann: Hey it’s great to hear from you Coach Rodgers. Thanks for the support. As far as the draft goes, I have no idea what will happen. All I want is a shot to play. I would love to end up with the Reds, but I will be more than happy to sign with whoever wants to take a chance on me. | ||
| Steve Sollmann: I wanted to take a quick second to thank everyone for all of their questions. I want to say hello to my family and friends back home in Cincinnati. Thanks to all of you for your support. I hope to see you in Omaha. GO IRISH! | ||
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