Q&A with Tulane Baseball's Aaron Feldman
May 30, 2002 | Baseball
May 30, 2002
A junior who has played both leftfield and first base for the Green Wave in 2002, Aaron Feldman was named second team All-Conference USA this season. The Charleston, S.C. native is having the best year of his Tulane career.
Why did you choose Tulane?
It was really three things. First, Tulane offers a great education. Secondly, they've always had good baseball. And third, it's sort of a family tradition.
Fourteen of your relatives have graduated from Tulane. How heavily did that influence your decision?
As you grow up, a big influence on your life is your parents. They didn't' make me come here, but after hearing all the things they talked about and the good times they had here, I had to come and experience it for myself.
You were diagnosed with having a "sports hernia" early in the season. How has it been playing with the injury?
It's sort of a constant pain, but it doesn't get any worse. It's something that I've learned to play with, and I'll have surgery as soon as the season is done. But I feel more comfortable with it now and have been able to play through it.
You're really been hitting the ball well this season. What has been the key to your success?
I've gotten comfortable with the injury and rather than compensate for it like in the running game, I've just focused on the things that I can do that don't involve the injury. I've learned to play within my capabilities as they stand right now.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Keep your head up and smile. My mom always says that. You just can't let things keep you down. You've got to stay positive.
What's the last concert you attended?
I went to the Aerosmith concert last fall at the New Orleans Arena with a few of my teammates.
What is the best book you've ever read?
The Count of Monte Cristo. It was one of the most pleasurable books I've ever read.
What have you learned as a student-athlete that you would not have learned otherwise?
The beauty of ice and Advil.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
To make the postseason. We've hit some bumps along the way, but we just need to put things together and get something positive out of the season.
You play both outfield and first base. Which would you rather play?
Outfield. I am more of a mobile baseball player and I prefer to run around in the field rather than be nailed to a bag.
What class that you have taken would you recommend to everyone else?
U.S. History. Everybody needs to know the history of their country.
Who is the most inspirational teacher you've ever had?
Professor Lesmond in accounting. He admitted to struggling as a student and he is very capable of bringing out the best in students.
You are majoring in management and marketing. What are your plans for the future?
I don't' really have my finger on any one thing right now. I just want to incorporate everything that I've learned into something productive.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be and why?
Ted Turner because of the amount of success he's achieved in his career would be one. Second would be Hugh Heffner. He's simply brilliant. And last, Ozzy Osbourne. After watching his show, I bet he would be very entertaining.
What is the most embarrassing thing that you've ever done in baseball?
I once wore the wrong uniform to the field. I was wearing (former teammate and 2001 graduate) Jay Heintz' uniform and nobody told me. They were all laughing and I didn't know why. I'm just glad they told me before the game started.
Who is your favorite teammate since you've been at Tulane?
Jon Kaplan. We came in together and it feels like we've been playing together for 100 years. He's a good player and a great guy.
