By Daylan Paige
Jamal Allen is a junior Business Finance major from Birmingham, Ala. He is currently a right-hand pitcher on the Xavier Baseball team. In the future, he aspires to be an entrepreneur or an MLB pitcher, or an investor. The future holds no limit.
Fun fact: He enjoys cookies and cream ice cream.
What position do you play on the team and how do you think you impact the team?
I’m a pitcher and I try to have a positive impact on my teammates on and off the field.
How has it felt to be a part of a baseball team at the Xavier University of Louisiana, the first since 1960?
I am honored to be part of history and a member of the first team after more than 50 years.
Do you have any rituals you do prior to pitching at a game? What song or artist do you listen to to get you hype?
My pregame ritual is only to pray before I go warmup throwing in the field and I listen to Lil Baby to get me in my zone.
When did you start playing baseball & what made you want to continue playing?
I started playing baseball at 7 years old. The love of the game has kept me going.
Who is your favorite baseball player, team & why?
The Atlanta Braves is my favorite team because there is no professional team in my home state. My favorite player is Jacob deGrom, our body frames are similar.
What motivates you as a student-athlete to balance the sport and school?
I have goals that I want to reach so I do what I have to do until I get to where I’m going.
How do you cope with the mental pressure faced during a game?
I take a deep breath before every pitch so I can get in the zone and be relaxed mentally so facing pressure during the game doesn’t throw me off.
What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
Three reasons I like being part of a team sport is creating long term bonds, the competition & traveling
What is your jersey number? Does it hold any significance?
My jersey number is 6. Yes, it holds significance to me because that was my first ever baseball jersey number.
Follow Jamal on Twitter at @JamalAllen_ and continue to support the baseball team throughout their spring season.
