Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Alex Calarco, New Trier baseball

Alex Calarco is a senior shortstop and catcher for the Trevians. He is committed to play catcher for Northwestern baseball next season.

1. Do you have any pregame or pre-at-bat rituals?

I have to listen to these two songs before every game in the car: “Work,” by Gang Starr, and “Dollaz On My Head,” by Gunna and Young Thug.

2. Why is Northwestern a good fit for you?

My brother (Anthony) is there right now, they have great facilities, great coaches, it’s close to home, great education. All of that.

3. How competitive are you with your brother?

I would say we are more best friends than competitive. We do sometimes compete, but more of best friends. We help each other out a lot.

4. If you played another sport, what would it be?

Probably football. I feel like I’d be pretty good at it. I’ve always had that aggressive attitude, wanting to hit people. My mom never really wanted me to play.

5. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I like hanging out with friends, going to the beach, being with my family. That’s pretty much it. 

6. What do you need to do to prepare for Big Ten baseball?

I would just say improve a little bit every day, stay strong mentally, stay confident. Work hard every day, get a little bit better. Adjusting to speed of the game. I would just catch as many bullpens as possible. It’s a big jump. Catching 80 mph to 90-92 is a transition to say the least. 

7. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Sour Patch Kids and barbecue chips, probably just some Lay’s

8. What is your dream job? 

Probably either a manager or GM of a major league baseball team. Well, dream job, is a Major League Baseball player, of course.

9. What is something people don’t know about you? 

I played the trumpet through grade school. So I’m a little bit of a musician, but not really.

10. How do you guys want to end this season?

A state championship is always the goal. I think we have a high potential to make a run. We have some good arms, good talent as hitters. We could definitely make a run. We are slowly but surely coming into our own with the playoffs coming up. I think we’ll definitely make a run this year.

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