Results tagged ‘ MiLB ’
My Last Baseball Game of the Year
If you’ve followed this blog for awhile you’re aware that although this is a Major League Baseball blog for the most part, I tend to throw in entries on the Minor Leagues every now and then. Well, get ready for the biggest MiLB blog entry I’ve ever put together, as I’m set to attend tomorrow’s Triple-A National Championship game in Durham, NC.
The Championship game will see the Pawtucket Red Sox (International League) and the Reno Aces (Pacific Coast League) squaring off in a winner-take-all game in front of a sellout crowd. Trevor Bauer, of the Aces, and Nelson Figueroa, of the Red Sox, are due to take the mound for their respective teams. If you can’t make it to the game you can still watch it all unfold on NBC Sports Network at 7:05 EST. It’s sure to be a great game.
And….that’s pretty much it. Not much else can be said about it. Check back on Wednesday* for a recap of my time spent at the ballpark, and the game itself. With the kind of storms we’re supposed to have around here tomorrow, who knows; I might have a story of what it feels like to be struck by lightning. (Fingers crossed that I don’t.)
*The game is set to be played on Tuesday, however, there is a good chance of rain so it may not be played until Wednesday. If that occurs, my blog entry on the game obviously won’t be able to be posted until Thursday, as the game wouldn’t have taken place yet by Wednesday afternoon.
Q and A With Stephen Vogt
Stephen Vogt was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 12th round of the 2007 draft. Since the draft, Vogt has been able to steadily work his way up 
through the ranks of the Rays’ system, all the way up to AAA Durham; where he currently resides. (This year with Durham, Vogt has posted a .269 batting average, with 9 home runs and 43 RBI’s.)
Earlier this season Vogt received a taste of what it’s like to play in the big leagues, as he spent 10 games with the Rays. Things didn’t go as planned for Vogt, however, as he went hitless in all 17 of his at-bats; though he did put the ball in play in all but 2 of them.
Although his short stint in the Majors didn’t go all that well, Vogt still has a good shot of making it back to the big leagues in the near future, if he can continue to post decent numbers. (Something he’s been able to do fairly consistently throughout his baseball career.) He certainly has the work ethic, and determination to make it happen.
Stephen Vogt–utility man in the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence growing up?
I was always interested in playing baseball from a very early age. I loved playing anytime, all the time. My father and brother helped me the most at a young age.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
Barry Bonds was my favorite player because I was a huge Giants fan and [he] is one of the greatest hitters of all time. Every time I went to watch him play it was the most exciting moment, whenever he stepped in the box.
3.) You were drafted by the Rays in the 12th round of the 2007 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
I was a senior in college and was hoping to just get a chance to play. I was at my parents house with some friends and my wife just waiting to see my name pop up on the computer and fortunately it did.
4.) You made your MLB debut on April 6th of this year. How did you receive the news that you’d been called up? What do you remember from that game?
I was told by our hitting coach in AAA, Dave Myers, that I was going up and I immediately began to shake and just have an overwhelming excitement come over me. I remember getting my name announced with all the great players of the Rays and Yankees and thinking how honored I was to be there. My journey through baseball had so many twists and turns that I was just humbled and honored to be there.
5.) After spending 10 games with the Rays you were sent back down to AAA Durham. What aspect of your game are you currently working on most to hopefully help speed up your journey back to the big leagues?
I am working mostly on my quality of at bats. I learned a lot about hitting in my short stint in the big leagues to know how much more detailed everything has to be. At bats are much different than AAA.
6.) Playing at the Triple-A level, do you feel any more pressure to perform well in every game then you did in the lower ranks of the Rays’ organization, when you weren’t just a phone call away from ‘The Show’?
The only pressure you feel is the pressure you put on yourself. I have to just relax and play the way I know how.
7.) Favorite thing to do on an off day during the season?
Nothing! Honestly the pool and a nice BBQ’d steak for dinner are what make me happy on off days.
8.) Favorite food?
Steak and potatoes.
9.) Favorite TV show?
White Collar and Saved by the Bell.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
You have to love the game and be dedicated to working everyday to be the best you can be. In a professional season you will get worn out and tired and the love of the game and hard work will get you through any tough times you may have. Also, family will keep you focused on the goal. Without my wife Alyssa’s support I would never be where I am today.
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Big thanks to Stephen Vogt for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @SVogt1229
Billy Hamilton Steals His 146th Base of the Season
The great Rickey Henderson once said: “If my uniform doesn’t get dirty, I haven’t done anything in the baseball game.” Having stolen 146 bases in 121 games it would appear that Reds’ prospect Billy Hamilton must’ve taken Henderson’s words to heart, as there hasn’t been a game this year 
where Hamilton hasn’t gotten a little dirty.
Hamilton stole his 146th base of the year in Tuesday night’s game to pass Vince Coleman for the most stolen bases in a single season. (Coleman set the mark back in 1983, when he stole 145 for Macon in the Class A South Atlantic League.) With two weeks left in the season it should be interesting to see how many more Hamilton can get.
This isn’t the first time in baseball history that a guy by the name of Billy Hamilton has caused havoc on the base paths. Way back in 1888 another fellow by the same name, broke into the major leagues, and would go on to steal 912 bases in his 14-year career–good enough for 3rd on the All-Time stolen base list.
Billy Hamilton (the one from this day and time) stole 104 bags over the first half of the season with Class A Bakersfield before being promoted to AA Pensacola, where he currently resides. Considering the fact that Hamilton stole 103 bags over the course of the ENTIRE 2011 season, you knew this year was going to be something special.
Looking past the record, and into Hamilton’s future, a lot of people are wondering whether or not the Cincinnati Reds will make Hamilton a September call-up; myself included. When confronted with the question, Reds’ manager Dusty Baker had this to say about Hamilton’s chances: ”Possibly. Speed’s always an asset. Speed kills. I remember the Cardinals with Willie McGee, Vince Coleman and Ozzie (Smith). That was their slogan, speed kills.”
Speed definitely kills. And it would seem that Hamilton has done his fair share of killing.
Q and A With Nick Kingham
Nick Kingham was drafted out of high school by the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. Since the draft, Kingham has pitched in 41
professional games (over three seasons) with a current combined pro record of 11-9, with a 3.69 ERA. Not mind boggling by any means, but certainly not terrible for a guy who’s a mere 20 years old.
Kingham–who went 6-2, with a 2.15 ERA in 2011–has gone 5-7, with a 4.79 ERA so far this season. A noticeable difference from his performance a year ago, but nothing to really concern yourself with, as although this is his 3rd year playing pro ball, it’s just his first year of full-season baseball. Give him a little more time to adjust to the longer season, and I think you’ll see this guy really take off.
If in fact Nick Kingham can find his groove in the years to come he should have no problem quickly working his way up through the Pirates’ system, and possibly into the majors. Being 6′ 5″, 220 pounds, he certainly has the frame to become a frontline starter somewhere down the road for the Buccos.
Nick Kingham–number 10 prospect in the Pirates’ organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence growing up?
I first started playing baseball at age 3–hitting in the back yard with my dad, playing catch and fielding ground balls. My dad has definitely been my biggest influence to play baseball. He played it growing up and so he introduced me to it at a young age, and I fell in love with it.
2.) Who was your favorite player growing up? Why?
My favorite player growing up [would be] either Roger Clemens or Jeff Bagwell. I was born in Houston, Texas, and so my family and I were big Houston Astro fans. I grew to like Bagwell because of his talents and his unusual batting stance. I always tried to imitate his stance in games; or in pick up games with my friends.
3.) You were drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
I was out working with my dad. He owns a pool cleaning service back home in Las Vegas and I was out helping him the day of the draft. It was a long process after I heard I had been drafted. I got a phone call that day and then didn’t hear from my scout (Larry Broadway) again for about 2 or 3 weeks. We went through negotiations and finally reached an agreement about 2 months later, and I was signed, and started my professional career with the Pirates, in the GCL, a few days later.
4.) Being drafted out of high school, what’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed thus far between HS and pro ball?
The biggest difference between high school baseball and baseball at the professional level is that everyone in the line-up can hurt you. Everyone is capable of putting the ball out of the park, so the batters are more consistent and more patient at the plate.
5.) You’re ranked by MLB.com as the 10th best prospect in the Pirates’ organization. Does that have any effect on you–in terms of living up to the expectations?
Being a prospect in the Pirates’ organization has brought some pressure to me but not in the sense to where I have changed my game. I still go out and do everything the same as I did in high school, and just try and be as consistent as I can be everyday.
6.) Of the pitches in your arsenal, which do you feel the most comfortable with at the moment? Which do you feel needs the most work?
I feel like I am comfortable with all 3 of my pitches (Fastball, Change-up, and Curveball). I just need to be more consistent with them all. That’s the biggest thing I’ve been working on lately.
7.) When’s the first time someone asked you for your autograph? Oddest thing you’ve ever signed?
I think the first time someone asked me for my autograph I was a sophomore in high school. We went on a road trip and played in some tournaments and we had fans after the games asking for everyones autograph. The most unusual thing I have signed has to be a little girl [that] came up to me with a Sharpie and asked if I would sign her arm!
8.) Favorite food?
My favorite food is something I just became introduced to: Sushi!
9.) Favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show is Entourage.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
My advice to kids that are just starting to play the game of baseball, and want to make it professionally one day, is to never give up on your dreams. Work hard at it everyday and when you think you are good enough get a little better. There is always someone out there working harder than you are–taking more hacks in the cage, running a few more sprints–so don’t ever think that you’ve reached the top, because someone will eventually pass you if you let them.
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Big thanks to Nick Kingham for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @NickKingham
Q and A With Robby Rowland
Robby Rowland was drafted out of high school by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft. Since the draft, Rowland has had his share of difficulties, going a combined 6-13, with a 7.01 ERA, over his 2010 and 2011 seasons. 
After the rough start to his baseball career, the D-backs traded Rowland away to the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this season. The change of pace has turned out to be a good thing for Rowland, as he’s really turned things around in 2012 with the West Virginia Power (class A affiliate of the Pirates).
So far this season, Rowland has gone 6-3, with a 3.39 ERA. (Truly a remarkable turnaround from the 8.07 ERA he posted just a year ago.)
If Rowland can continue to improve the way he has from last season to now, he should have no problem working his way up through the ranks of the organization.
Robby Rowland–pitcher in the Pirates’ organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence growing up?
Well, mom and dad say I became interested in it when I saw my first baseball…picked it up, and threw it. They said it had good movement on it. [My biggest influence] has to be my old man. Growing up going to his games–always traveling to see him play–made me really fall in love with the game of baseball.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
I really idolized Roger Clemens. My dad got to catch him one year with Boston and he would always talk about the type of competitor he was and how hard he worked. I want to be noticed that way as well.
3.) You were drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
It was definitely a roller coaster ride; very fun and stressful at the same time. Being still in high school I had to worry about getting good grades and making sure my academic side was all taken care of before I even stepped foot on the diamond. But just having scouts call and text you about games and what not was very cool. [As for the draft] I was watching it on my computer in the living room. Felt almost like a dream.
4.) After two seasons in the Diamondbacks’ organization you were traded to the Pirates. Were there any major differences that you noticed between the two teams/leagues?
[There's] always going to be a couple of things different, but for the most part everyone here within the Pirates organization has made the transition very smooth for me.
5.) After a couple of rough years in the D-backs organization you’ve really turned things around this season with the Pirates. What’s been the biggest difference for you, in your opinion, that’s enabled you to have this success?
I think what really saved my career was reinventing myself during Instructional league last year and in the off season. The Pitching coordinator with the D-backs was really helpful with that part. Just being able to constantly fill up the bottom half of the zone and by doing that gain the confidence back that was once there when I got drafted.
6.) What’s one thing you feel has really come a long way, in terms of your pitching, since you began your baseball career? What’s something you feel still needs work?
I’m constantly working on something. I’m a perfectionist, and there is always something I need to be doing. In high school it was so easy to blow guys away with balls right down the middle, and not have to worry about anything else. But now in pro ball, the ability to go in and out with your fastball, and change speeds, is huge.
7.) Favorite thing to do on an off day during the season?
Probably go to the movies. I’m a huge movie buff, and I go see one any chance I get.
8.) Favorite TV show?
I literally only watch ESPN…except I do like “The Walking Dead”. I don’t know why, but I’m a huge fan of zombies.
9.) With your food addiction I’m sure this is a tough one for you: Favorite food?
Wow. You’re right, very tough. But I’m going to have to go with Mom’s tostadas. I don’t know how she does it, but I could probably eat them everyday during the off season.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
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Big thanks to Robby Rowland for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @RobbyRow_12
My Next MiLB Game To Feature Rays’ Evan Longoria
More and more reports continue to come out stating that Tampa Bay Rays’ superstar third basemen, and three-time All-Star, Evan Longoria, will 
continue his rehab assignment with the Durham Bulls until at least next week. This of course thrills me, as I’m set to attend tomorrow night’s game in Durham.
Up until this point I was hesitant to blog about the possibility of Longoria for fear that it would be all for naught. Now I can say with 99% certainty that I’ll have the pleasure of watching Longoria do his thing tomorrow night versus the Gwinnett Braves. (Longoria will serve as the Bulls’ DH.)
It’s a noteworthy day any time a player as good as Longoria comes to town; even if it’s just for a few days. Guys like him fill the stands and give some pizazz to what might of otherwise been just another ordinary minor league baseball game. It’s a load of fun for fans of all ages.
As with any time a star player comes to the area, my main goal for tomorrow night is to get an autograph from Evan Longoria. He signed for the fans on Thursday night, so I don’t see why he wouldn’t a couple of days later. He seems like a cool guy. I’m sure he will. Or at least, I hope he will.
Whether or not I blog about tomorrow’s game is yet to be decided. I probably won’t. But if something crazy happens, or I’m just in the blogging mood, I might decide to. You’ll just have to wait and see….
Q and A With Rookie Davis
Rookie Davis was drafted by the New York Yankees
in the 14th round of the 2011 draft. Davis has yet to pitch in a single minor league game, but he won’t have to wait long before he gets his first minor league experience, as he’s set to join the GCL (Gulf Coast League) Yankees on June 18th. (Davis will wear number 53.)
Davis was drafted out of high school, where he put up some pretty impresive numbers: 25-4 with a 1.67 ERA and 422 strikeouts in 209.1 innings. (9-0 with a 1.02 ERA, and 136 strikeouts in 61.1 innings, his Senior year alone.)
While it’s obvious why the Yankees thought so highly of him, it’s also just as obvious why his high school thought highly enough of him to retire his number 24–the first number to be retired in Dixon High School’s history.
If Davis can pitch to his full potential, and subsequently continue to put up the same kind of numbers, it’s only a matter of time before he’s pitching on the mound at Yankee Stadium; which is obviously his ultimate goal.
William “Rookie” Davis–pitcher in the New York Yankees organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) When did you first become interested in baseball? Did you always want to be a pitcher?
I have been interested in baseball for as long as I can remember. I was always a two way player growing up, and through my baseball career, it could have gone either way.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
I had two players that I really looked to in the MLB. One was Cal Ripken Jr. because of the way that he went out every day and did his job. My second player was Roger Clemens and that is because of the way he was a bulldog on the mound. He would attack hitters and never backed down from a hitter no matter the situation.
3.) You were drafted by the New York Yankees in the 14th round of the 2011 draft. What was that process like? Where were you when you first found out? Initial thoughts?
The process went well for me. I was, and still am, very close with my area scout, Scott Lovecamp, and he made the process that much better. Having him over to my family home and sitting around talking about baseball and what the Yankees are all about was great. I was at home with my family when I first heard the news and my initial thoughts were excitement. Wondering what it would be like down here if I signed and getting ready to make the climb to the big leagues.
4.) Was it all the more special that you were drafted by a team with as rich of a history as the New York Yankees? Or would you have been equally excited to of been drafted by another team?
Yes, definitely. The Yankees made it a very good experience. Being drafted by any team is something special for a baseball player, but the Yankees made it that much more memorable.
5.) What’s the plan for this year, in terms of playing baseball?
This year the plan is to get better each and every outing. Be consistent with my delivery and just learn to pitch. Learn as much as I can from the guys down here and from the pitching coaches, coordinators, and trainers. Learning a routine and getting in the work that I will need for the years to come.
6.) What does your daily schedule consist of at the moment? Any daily baseball routines, or does it vary from day to day?
The days are usually routine. Go to the field. Go through the stretching and throwing programs. PFP’s and then shag for batting practice. Some days it may vary, but it’s usually pretty routine.
7.) Bowman produced your 1st Bowman card this year. Have you picked one up yet?
Yes. My family and I have bought a few cards to keep at home.
8.) While we’re on the subject of cards, did you collect them at all as a kid?
I had a very big collection of cards when I was younger. My dad collected cards and passed a few down to me here and there and that got me interested, and I began collecting them shortly after.
9.) Do you have any player that you model your game after? Or do you go out there and just do you?
Right now I’m going out there and working on learning myself and my body. Learning my style of pitching and just taking it from there. I would like to think I model my pitching from Roger Clemens due to his aggressive style of pitching, but we will see what happens down the line as I begin to really develop as a pitcher.
10.) Your High School baseball team made the decision to retire your number 24. What does it mean to you that they thought that highly of you?
It means a lot that the coaching staff and administration retired my number. It has never happened at my high school and for them to think highly enough of me to do that is special. I’d like to thank the fans, coaches, and family that came out because they made the night something I won’t forget.
11.) Of the pitches in your arsenal, which one do you feel is your most effective? Which do you feel needs the most work?
I feel that my fastball is my best pitch right now. I have been able to have success throwing that during spring training and extended spring training. I need to continue being more consistent with my curveball and change up. Being able to throw them behind in the count and get myself a few ground ball outs here and there.
12.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
I would tell them that there are going to be people that will tell you it’s not going to happen. That you will never be able to do this, or do that. You have to go out and prove it to yourself that can do those things. Growing up in a small town, I had the opportunity of hearing both sides. People will be in your corner and back you up no matter what, and others will try to ruin your dreams. Go out and play hard and have fun doing what you love every day, because one day it may be over, and you don’t want to look back and say “what if…”.
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Big thanks to Rookie Davis for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @rookdavis24
Q and A With Cody Buckel
Cody Buckel was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. Since the initial draft Buckel has done just about as well as you’d imagine a second round pick would do; completely dominating thus far.
But it’s not as if dominating is new to Buckel, as he was able to do the same last season with low-A Hickory. Going 8-3, with a 2.61 ERA, as well as 120 strikeouts through 96.2 innings pitched. Good enough to earn Buckel a promotion to high-A Myrtle Beach for the 2012 season.
So far this season with the Pelican’s, Buckel has posted a 1.27 ERA through 11 starts. His win loss record stands at 4-2, but the thing that really stands out is his ability to get the strikeout. Buckel has struck out 81 batters in just 64 innings pitched. That comes out to 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Truly remarkable numbers.
Cody Buckel–pitching prospect in the Texas Rangers organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Did you always want to be a pitcher?
I started playing baseball at three years old. I found my interest in pitching at age eight, and wanted to be a pitcher since then.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
Derek Jeter was my favorite player growing up. I just love how he approaches the game and how humble he is on the field and off. He plays hard and like it’s his last game everyday.
3.) You were drafted by the Rangers in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
I was actually in my English class doing my final exam when I found out. I had my phone on my desk and told the teacher I might be getting a call that would start my career and she let me have it out. Fortunately I got the call from the Rangers and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I was excited to be a Ranger because a hall of fame pitcher being the owner of the team isn’t a bad thing to have.
4.) This is your 3rd season of professional baseball. What are your goals for this year? Anything specific that you’re currently working on to enable you to reach those goals?
Just trying to carry over from last years season to this year. I’ve tweaked some mechanical things and added a couple of pitches to my arsenal and they seem to be doing well out of the gate so far. I just need to be consistent through the year to continue to move up the ladder.
5.) What’s the most memorable moment of your baseball career thus far?
So far the playoff game I pitched last year at Greensboro has been my most memorable pro moment, but I threw a no hitter my senior year against a team I never really had success with. That has been my most memorable moment in my baseball career.
6.) When’s the first time someone asked for your autograph? Oddest thing you’ve ever signed?
First time someone asked for my autograph was one of my USA baseball cards. It felt weird signing a card of myself because I was the one asking for autographs not too long before that. Weirdest thing I signed was someones back. Haha.
7.) What’s your favorite thing to do on an off day during the season?
Definitely play a round of golf or just go to the mall or movies and chill, but if I can get out on a golf course I’ll be out there wearing my puma attire.
8.) Favorite food?
Dominoes pizza.
9.) Favorite TV show?
‘How I Met Your Mother’.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
I would say no matter how long you play to make sure the game is always fun! Also, working hard and keeping up on your routines will pay off and create luck for you, and the game becomes even more fun when you have success.
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Big thanks to Cody Buckel for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @Cheatcode07
Q and A With Jeremie Tice
Jeremie Tice signed with the Cleveland Indians after they drafted him in the 6th round of the 2008 draft. Since the initial draft Tice hasn’t been able to make it out of A ball, though I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before he’s going to finally move up
another level–one of the major goals for Tice this year.
Tice is currently the DH for the Carolina Mudcats. He’s played in 32 games so far this season, and has put up some pretty good numbers: 9 home runs and 36 RBI’s, off of 33 hits. That all coming in 111 at bats, which converts into a .297 batting average, as well as a .388 on base percentage. Not bad at all.
Jeremie Tice–designated hitter in the Cleveland Indians organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence?
I have played baseball since I was three years old. I always loved it more than other sports. Biggest influence growing up was Brian Jordan. I was a big braves fan and I loved how he played the game. Great athlete.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
Favorite players were Mark McGwire and Brian Jordan. They were both beasts in the batters box and that’s what I wanted to be.
3.) You signed with the Indians after they drafted you in the 6th round of the 2008 draft. What was that process like? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
The draft process in ’08 wasn’t that bad cause I had already gone through the draft process with the Marlins, but it was still a little nerve racking, but very exciting. A lot of talking to teams on the phone and just praying I went to a good team. When I found out I was at my apartment, in Charleston SC with my dad, and I was very releaved. Crazy day. Will never forget it.
4.) This is your 5th season of professional baseball. What are your goals for this year? Anything that you’re currently working on to enable you to reach those goals?
Biggest goal for this season is to get out of A ball, but there are only certain things I can control. I’m just trying to play the game the right way and get better than I was the day before. The rest will take care of itself.
5.) When’s the first time someone asked for your autograph? Oddest thing you’ve ever signed?
First autograph was in college, at the College Of Charleston. Craziest thing I have signed was definitely a cell phone.
6.) Favorite thing to do on an off day during the season?
Off days I like to fish if I can, or just take it easy. Most of our off days are filled with a lot of work, so anything relaxing is good.
7.) Favorite TV show?
Favorite TV show is ‘Gold Rush Alaska’. If that’s not on anything on the Discovery Channel. Definitely my favorite channel to watch.
8.) Favorite food?
Favorite food is a tough one because food is a big passion of mine, but I have to choose probably a fat steak with potatoes.
9.) Most memorable moment of your baseball career thus far?
Most memorable moment so far I would have to say was getting drafted by the Indians; knowing that I was going to sign with them. A major goal met. That was a great feeling. Knowing all the work I put in just to be in that position. Next goal is to get to the big leagues.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
I would say don’t take the game too seriously. This is a game of failure and you will fail a lot. Always work hard, and always play the game the right way. If you do that there is no telling what you can do. Sky is the limit.
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Big thanks to Jeremie Tice for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @BigOleChunkyBoy
May 18th and 20th Durham Bulls Games
I stated in my last blog entry that I was going to attend this past Friday’s Durham Bulls game versus the Pawtucket Red Sox; which I did. I didn’t however announce that I’d be attending yesterday’s game versus the Charlotte Knights as well. There’s a good reason for that. At the time, I didn’t know I’d be going. It was a last minute decision, which turned out to be a great one.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time talking about either game, but I thought I’d give a brief overview of my time spent at the ballpark over the past few days. I normally wouldn’t blog about a MiLB game but considering the fact that the 2009 World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui, is currently playing with the Bulls, I thought I’d type up this little entry.
May 18th: Durham Bulls vs. Pawtucket Red Sox
The moment I heard that Kevin Youkilis was going to be rehabbing with the PawSox I knew I’d be attending this game. But going back even further in time, I knew I’d be attending one of the four games versus the Sox from the day the schedule was first released.
My day at the ballpark started out like every other game of my life: With me standing in line outside of the ballpark, waiting for the gates to open up. It’s one of the things that is a MUST for me. Showing up early to be one of the first inside is something I’ve always enjoyed doing.
Once the gates opened up I made my way past the mobs of the people in Red Sox gear and down to the PawSox dugout. I then proceeded to wait for the players to make their way up the steps from the clubhouse. It seemed to take them longer than usual.
The first player out of the clubhouse was Jose Iglesias, but he flat out ignored my autograph request. Next up was Lars Anderson. I was promptly denied again. I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t going to be a good day for autograph collecting, and for the most part, I was right. I only got two autographs at this game. One from Kevin Youkilis, and another from Gerald Perry. Not a great day, but at least I got Youk.
Moving on to the game itself.
It was really exciting to say the least. Down 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th, Jesus Feliciano stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and proceeded to clear them on a 3 run triple. The ballpark was electric. You should’ve been there.
After the game I dashed back to the PawSox dugout to ask their manager for the lineup cards, but was told that they never give those out. I know for a fact that’s a lie, but I just let it be. I didn’t want to cause a scene.
All in all it was a great game. The Bulls won. I was successful in getting an auto from Kevin Youkilis. And I got to see Matsui play. I’ll take that kind of game every day of the week.
I know what those of you who aren’t big on reading are thinking: Where are the pictures?! Well, don’t worry, I took some, I just wasn’t sure how I could incorporate them into the entry without giving a pitch-by-pitch recap, which I know would’ve been unnecessary. So here you non-readers go:
Hideki Matsui walking away after signing autograph for a few kids.
Kevin Youkilis getting ready for the game.
Lars Anderson in his first at bat.
Hideki Matsui in his first at bat.
‘Godzilla’ in left field.
And that’s all she (or in this case, *he*) wrote.
May 20th: Durham Bulls vs. Charlotte Knights
I hadn’t planned on attending this game, but I REALLY wanted to get an autograph from Hideki Matsui. This was going to be my last Bulls game until June 8th, and who knows if Matsui will still be on the team then. I knew it wasn’t a guarantee that I’d get him to sign for me, but I at least had to try.
The day started out with me making friends with a relatively nice usher down by the Bulls’ dugout. This would turn out to be important. More on that a little later.
My main autograph target for the day, as stated earlier, was Matsui, but there were a few other guys I wanted as well. Leslie Anderson has been tearing it up this year, and Tampa Bay Rays number 3 prospect Chris Archer has been having a good year as well, so I was going for their autos too.
I was all by myself down by the dugout for the first ten or so minutes after the gates opened. After that, however, people showed up in bunches, and before long there were 10 or so fellow autograph seekers, including a young kid who decided it was necessary to continuously kick me in the back of the legs. But I digress.
I completely missed the arrival of Leslie Anderson from the clubhouse. He came out while I was looking at something that was happening on the field, and by the time I noticed him he was heading onto the field to warm up. I made sure not to turn my head after that. I didn’t want to miss Matsui.
Several minutes passed by and still no sign of Matsui. Finally, after 30 minutes of standing there waiting, he appeared. I was the first one to notice him, and proceeded to hollar “Hideki!!” all while holding out my card and sharpie (which apparently isn’t the universal sign for “can I have your autograph”?). Matsui looked up at me and nodded, but an acknowledgement is all I got. He ran up the steps and onto the field. No auto love from Matsui, but I did get Chris Archer just before I went to my seat. So I was glad about that.
This game wasn’t as exciting as Friday’s. It was ALL Bulls the entire game, which lasted a mere two hours. As soon as the last out of the game was made I rushed over to the Bulls dugout but was stopped by an usher who said I couldn’t go down there because the kids were going to run the bases. But my usher friend came to the rescue and told me I could go down their for just a couple of minutes. Haha! Take that mean usher guy. (This particular usher has always been grouchy to me. If you ever make it to a Bulls game, don’t think you’re going to get past him unless you talk to my usher friend. Haha.)
The only other people down by the dugout were people who had nearby seats. They were all after Matsui’s autograph, and to my surprise he actually stopped to sign. He only signed for four people, but I am happy to state that I WAS one of the lucky few. I have my usher buddy to thank for that.
Here’s a random pic of Matsui in the Bulls alternate home uniform:
If you’re ever in the area I highly suggest you make a trip to Durham to see a ball game. It’s an awesome ballpark, and you’ll have the time of your life. Guaranteed.
Matt Huddleston
