Jan. 28, 2009

Nine Innings with Arizona's Andy Lopez

Nine Innings with Duquesne's Mike Wilson

Nine Innings with Joe Jordano

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

This week, we are going to have head coaches from Arizona and the Pittsburgh area give us their thoughts on Sunday's Super Bowl between the Cardinals and the Steelers.

Today we begin with Joe Jordano, who is in his 12th season as head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. A native of Erie, Pa., Jordano has 300 wins at Pitt and nearly 600 in his 22-year career. He coached at Mercyhurst for 10 seasons before joining the Panthers.

Jordano gives his perspective on the AFC Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

First Inning – What was the defining play of the season for the Steelers?

Two things: The first game versus the Baltimore Ravens. One of the most physical games of the year - any team - any game. The 92-yard drive by Big Ben in the second game at Baltimore.

Second Inning – Which player from the Steelers would you most like to have on your baseball team, and what position would he play?

Hines Ward - Center field - loves the game. Or Big Ben on the mound.

Third Inning – Which player from the Cardinals do you fear most?

Larry Fitzgerald.

Fourth Inning – Who on your team would make the best Steeler, and what position would he play?

Joe Leonard - Tight end (Leonard is a 6’5, 220-lb. sophomore infielder from Dawnson, Pa.)

Fifth Inning – What do you admire about Mike Tomlin?

Determined. Focused. Controlled.

Sixth Inning – Which previous Super Bowl did you enjoy the most?

All five wins and the one being played on February 1st - the sixth win.
 

Seventh Inning – Does the success of the Steelers help all sports in the city of Pittsburgh?

ABSOLUTELY.  There is a very proud tradition in this city, not only with the Steelers, but with the Penguins, the Pirates and the University of Pittsburgh.
 

Eighth Inning – Who is the biggest Steelers fan on the team/staff?

Player - Gary Bucuren (a sophomore third baseman from Ambridge, Pa.).  Staff - Coach Jordano & Coach Lopaze (assistant coach Danny Lopaze from Lakeridge, Va.)
 

Ninth Inning – Why will the Steelers win?

The Steelers will win because of their overall team balance. They can control a game offensively if the running game is on and they can stop an opponent's offense completely. It is one of the most impressive defenses I have seen in a long time.
 

Extra Innings – What will the final score will be?

Steelers - 26-10

(photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Media Relations Office)