As the countdown to college baseball season continues, GoMason.com will feature one of Mason baseball's new additions each week up until the season-opening games in Port Charlotte, FL. This week spotlights Tyler Nelin, a freshman from Virginia Beach, Va.

GoMason.com: What factors ultimately led to your decision to attend George Mason University?

Tyler Nelin: George Mason is a great institution, where I was able to get a great education and have an opportunity to play Division I baseball.

GoMason: Before coming to George Mason, what did you know about the baseball program?

Nelin: I knew that an excellent coach, who has been there for a long time, ran the program. I also knew that the program had many benefits and great players come through it.

GoMason: How have you been preparing for the upcoming season?

Nelin: I've been preparing for this upcoming season by working hard and training every day to become the best player I can be.

GoMason: Have you set any goals for the upcoming season?

Nelin: I have set many goals for this upcoming season, both personal and team goals. These goals can all be achieved with hard work and great team chemistry.

GoMason: What led to your interest in playing baseball?

Nelin: Baseball has been a part of my life ever since I was a little kid, and I have always taken interests in it. It has been a part of my family as well.

GoMason: When and where did you first start playing baseball?

Nelin: When was two years old for Christmas I received my very first bat and tee, and my parents told me it all just went from there.

GoMason: What is a favorite baseball memory as a child, on or off the field?

Nelin: There have been so many great memories I have had through baseball but the one that sticks out the most was recently during the fall of my senior year in high school. My travel team and I went down to Jupiter, Florida to play in a prestigious tournament there. We faced the number one team in the country and beat them eight to one. That will forever be one of my most memorable memories in baseball.

GoMason: Which Major League player, past or present, do you think you emulate the most?

Nelin: Derek Jeter has always been my idol since I first understood baseball, and for as long as I have been alive there has never been another person to play shortstop for the Yankees until now. So I would like to model myself after Derek Jeter in the way he carries himself on and off the field.

GoMason: What does it mean to you to play for coach Bill Brown?

Nelin: Playing for Coach Brown is a privilege and I feel blessed to play for a man with the experience and knowledge that he has.

GoMason: If you could not play baseball, which sport would you play and why?

Nelin: If I didn't play baseball, I would most defiantly play football, I love the game and I enjoyed every part of playing the game growing up.

GoMason: What is one thing you want people to know about you?

Nelin: One thing that I want people to know about me is that I am very passionate about baseball and I want to let my actions speak louder than words.

What is your favorite…

Pre-game meal - I don't really have one, maybe just a sandwich

MLB team - New York Yankees

Song - I don't really have one, I enjoy all types of music