Full name: Benjamin Joseph Simon
Nickname(s): Win Ben Simon's Money, Balki Bartokomous, Rowengartner, Toucan Simon, Sly-mon
Birthdate: July 14, 1984
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Hometown: Providence, R.I.
Favorite athlete: Curt Schilling
Favorite Tufts athlete: Fellow Jew and flame-thrower Aaron Narva
One word comes to mind when one thinks of Ben Simon ... scrumtralescent. Now that baseball season is finally upon us, this sophomore hurler can finally show me what I've been missing. Despite his team's 5-5 record, Simon is off to a rip-roaring start. In three starts on the trip down south, he was 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA and 10 strikeouts. He already received the Daily's "Athlete of the
Break" award, but it is now time for more lofty accolades, and if you don't know what those are then you can just stop reading.
I caught up with this sophomore bean pole as he was eating a chocolate sundae and playing a heated game of Catch Phrase. Naturally, Seven Questions ensued.
One word comes to mind when one thinks of Ben Simon ... scrumtralescent. Now that baseball season is finally upon us, this sophomore hurler can finally show me what I've been missing. Despite his team's 5-5 record, Simon is off to a rip-roaring start. In three starts on the trip down south, he was 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA and 10 strikeouts. He already received the Daily's "Athlete of the Break" award, but it is now time for more lofty accolades, and if you don't know what those are then you can just stop reading.
I caught up with this sophomore bean pole as he was eating a chocolate sundae and playing a heated game of Catch Phrase. Naturally, Seven Questions ensued.
1) What is the biggest perk of being a baseball player at Tufts?
Where else in this great country can a guy be lucky enough to rock five different shades of blue ... in his practice gear. Brown was somehow passed over for sky, royal, and navy blue.
2) You, along with five of your classmates, got the chance to live at DU as a sophomore. How clutch has that been for your game?
Well living in that palace has given me the opportunity to watch some of my older brothers deliver some juego to their female companions. I've learned that confidence is the key. For instance, the other day I witnessed Kevin Holland telling his reflection in the mirror, "Hey, you. You are beautiful. No, no, you are B-E-A-Utiful."
3) As a pitcher, it is good to know the direction in which you are throwing the ball. Would you say that you have a good nose for the plate?
Well, frankly Tim, in case you haven't noticed, I have a good nose for just about everything.
4) What about Rhode Island are you most proud of, besides Farrelly Brothers movies and Quahog, home of the Griffins?
Jeez, there is so much to be proud of. I mean, there is the fact that we are the only state left that celebrates Victory over Japan Day. We also have Rocco Baldelli, and those gorgeous Newport mansions. But I would have to go with convicted felon Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci. His spaghetti sauce and embezzlements from private businesses made Providence the great city it is today. I still remember the day he showed up at my Bar Mitzvah ... and slipped me a fifty.
5) If you are a cross between Jim from "American Pie" and Henry Rowengartner "Rookie of the Year" then who on campus would you compare to Stiffler? Or Oz?
Well anyone that knows DU could assume that I live with about 10 Steve Stifflers, so it would be unfair for me to throw one out there. This past year unexpectedly I would have to assign the comparison of Oz to Chris Decembrele. He has been caught singing "Do You Believe In Magic?" at 24 Tesla Avenue plenty of times this year.
6) Bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases juiced, yada yada ... what Tufts student (non-baseball player) would you least like to face?
Well, in that situation, the pitcher definitely does not want to walk in a run. And nothing scares a pitcher more in that situation than a batter with a small strike zone, which is why my answer is former field-hockey stud and present No. 1 AAA customer of the month, sophomore Hilary Fazzone. She would just stand there and work a walk.
7) Who is the best "Jeopardy" player in DU?
The high score is still held by Larry the Cook. He would have easily won the end of the year tournament last year but he was DQ'ed for foul language (ed note: he still ain't no field mouse).
- by Tim Whelan
