Seawolves in the Pros: Gary Novakowski

Well, it's time for another installment of Seawolves in the Pros. This time we're chatting with Gary Novakowski, who signed with the Kansas City Royals this year, and spent the season coming out of the bullpen for the Idaho Falls Chukars. Take it away, Gary!

Chris D'Orso: Why did you choose Stony Brook?
Gary Novakowski: The reason why I decided to attend Stony Brook was because of what it had to offer academically and athletically. Being from Connecticut I wanted to go somewhere were my family would be able to watch me play, and the baseball program had a great reputation. Coach Senk did a great job bringing in guys that helped the team win. While I was there we won 2 conference championships so I would say the program lived up to the expectations.

CD: I know it's only been a few months, but what do you miss the most about your time here?
GN: Obviously I miss hanging around and being with my friends and teammates, they become a big part of your college experience and life.

CD: Are there any faculty members or advisors who you really liked?
GN: Most of the facility members and advisors at SBU were great, all my coaches and all the other sports coaches were nice and I built relationships with a lot of them. I have to mention Lauren Brown my advisor who was a big part in me graduating. She helped me out whenever I needed it and was there for me all the time, if I was struggling in a class she found me a tutor.

CD: What guidance would you give an incoming first-year student here at Stony Brook?
GN: All I could say to the incoming freshmen would be to enjoy it, it goes by fast and your college experience is what you make of it.

CD: Tom Koehler was drafted by the Marlins this summer... are any other former teammates who are playing professionally that you're still in contact with?
GN: I definitely still talk to Tom once or twice a week; he’s been one of my good friends throughout college and I’m happy for him.

CD: What was it like signing with the Royals?
GN: The whole process of getting picked up by the Royals was very nerve wracking, obviously I personally didn’t have the senior year I would hope for, which didn’t help, but when I got that call it was a dream come true. Just getting the opportunity to play baseball for a living is indescribable, all the hard work you put in finally pays off and it’s a great feeling.

CD: What was it like pitching in the College World Series? Was that your first triple play?
GN: Being able to pitch in the national tournament was unreal. In the beginning of the season as a team you set goals, and one was to win the America East and go to a regional and for me to be a part of it was awesome. I would have to say that it was my first triple play and it couldn’t have come at a better time having guys on 1st and 2nd with no outs.

CD: Is there anyone you've faced or played with -- either in Idaho Falls or in college -- who you think will join you in the majors some day?
GN: That’s a tough question. I’ve played with and against a lot of talented and gifted baseball players. I would like to see any of my teammates make it, whether its Tom or any of them. Tom has worked extremely hard to get where he is and you never know what could happen. It would defnitely be nice seeing him there.

CD: Perhaps a silly question... but do you have your own baseball card yet? (I have to add your autograph to my office Wall of Fame with Joe Nathan, Chris Flinn, and Craig Ansman!)
GN: Our baseball cards are in the process of being made and they will give them to us in the spring I’m told. I’m pretty excited about those to.

CD: What are your future plans, either in or out of baseball?
GN: I would love to continue to play baseball for as long as I possibly could, but if that doesn’t work out I really don’t know what I would like to do. Right now I’m just enjoying the opportunity to play baseball.

Thanks, Gary! And thanks to John Hadden from the Chukars, who provided the photo above.