@boofbonser1 Get to Know Boof Bonser

Boof Bonser is a pitcher in the San Fransisco Giants organization. He has also spent time with the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics. When Boof was in high school he earned an elite status from posting a record of 24-9 through out his four years at Gibbs High School. During his senior year he posted a 7-3 record while batting .523 with 11 home runs. Boof made his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins on May 21st, 2006 replacing Kyle Lohse in the rotation who was struggling at the time.
 All questions were emailed to Boof Here is what he had to say.

Waiting to deliver the pitch

Boof stretching during warm ups

Q:What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: " My grandfather just always had me out in the yard playing baseball. It was fun for me so I kept on playing."

Q:What's your favorite city to play in?
A: "My favorite city to play in is Tampa Bay. I get to play in front of my family and friends."

Q:What's your best baseball memory.
A: "baseball memory, still has to be the day that I got called up."

Q:What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "The day I got drafted was great, I had all my friends and family over and when the phone call came in that I got drafted my whole house went crazy."

Q:Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "No, I love this game to much."

Q:What is the Best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: " I glued a teammates shower shoes above his locker and he had no idea that they were there."

Q:What is the  Funniest/ Strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse?
A: "I have no idea, I see stuff everyday."

Q:What's your favorite off season activity?
A: " I like to get out and play a little bit of golf."

Q:What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: " I like football, never had the chance to play."

Q:Who was your childhood role model?
A: "Nolan Ryan, Chipper Jones."

Q:What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "To see the city, look around."

Q:What did it feel like to get your first strikeout?
A: "I have no Idea, I think because I was still so nervous that I was in the big leagues."

Q:What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "I had to sign a shoe one time that was weird."

Q:What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "Learning how to grow up. Become a man."

Q:If you could play with/against any other athlete at any sport, what athlete would it be and in what sport?

A: "I will stick with baseball, the athletes are so good at what they do."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?

A: "I like fan mail, if we didn't have fans we wouldn't have baseball."

Q: Do you collect sports cards/memorabilia? If so anyone in particular?

A: "I collect all kinds of stuff, more is better."

Benefit information *UPDATE RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE!*

I just wanted to give all of the regular readers a heads up. I will be taking a short break from interviewing while I work on planning and hosting a benefit for my grandmother. Annetta is currently battling cancer for the 4th time in three years if you would like to read her story you can find it on her Caring Bridge site. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Chad


The Benefit planning is coming along nicely. My mother, aunt, and myself have been collecting donations that can be used as part of our raffle or silent auction. We currently have 4 raffle prizes that include a 32g iPad3, an autographed and framed Harmon Killebrew 8x10, $100 cash, and a Vera Bradley hand bag with matching coin purse.
 Our silent auction includes several "date nights" (movie passes with restaurant gift cards) lots of autographed memorabilia, a men and women's mystery bag a wine cheese and cracker basket. and many more items. We are still looking for help spreading the word about the benefit, as well as taking donations whether they be monetary or items we can use in our raffle or silent auction. You can find more information and join our facebook event page here.

 We have set up a paypal account that can be used to donate money, all proceeds will go directly into the Annetta Bennett Benefit Fund. This is the same way that we will sell raffle tickets for the people who wish to participate, but are not able to attend. If you only want to donate monetarily you may do so at anytime by following this

Raffle tickets are now available! Here is how it works for those of you who wish to participate with out coming to the event. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 click the link above which will take you to our paypal donation site. Enter the denomination for the amount of raffle tickets you would like to purchase. In the comment section please include your name and phone number so that we may contact you if you win. Please also enter the number of raffle tickets you would like in each basket for the raffle item(s) you would like a chance to win! Here are the prizes and the numbers of the baskets that go with them.

1. $200.00 JC Penny gift card (donated anonymously).
2. $100.00 Cash (Donated by Becky Bennett, Annetta's daughter).
3. 32g iPad 3 and $30 worth of iTunes gift cards (donated by Debbie Bennett Annetta's daughter)
4. Autographed and framed Harmon Killebrew 8x10 (donated by Phil Carter)
5. Vera Bradley hand bag and coin purse (donated by Collectors Gallery)

So if you want to purchase 6 raffle tickets here is an example of what the comment box should look like.

ex.
Chad Johnson
xxx-xxx-xxxx
3 tickets in number 4
2 tickets in number 3
1 ticket in number 2


If you have any questions please comment below or email me at cjohnson0708@gmail.com

32g iPad3 Raffle prize number 3

Autographed Harmon Killebrew 8x10 raffle prize number 4 

Vera Bradley hand bag with matching coin purse raffle prize number  5

Here is a look at some of our raffle prizes that you could win for just $1 and also a look at a couple of silent auction items. I hope to see you there!

Wild prize pack with gloves, scarf, duffle bag and much more!

Original art "On Higher Ground" by Jim Murphy

Dunn Brothers basket with T-shirt, free 1lb of coffee and two glasses

Date Night #3 Free large pizza from Davanni's and two movies passes to Woodbury 10 

Minnesota Vikings prize pack an autographed Brian Robison 8x10
an autographed Kyle Rudolph 8x10 and a Minnesota Vikings flag
*SILENT AUCTION*

Date night #2 Two movies passes to Woodbury 10 and $25 for The Machine Shed

Date night #6 Two passes to The Rick Bronson House of Comedy
and $50 to Stella's Fish Cafe

Minnesota Timberwolves prize pack with two tickets to the March 10th game,
an autographed Nikola Pekovic 8x10 a Crunch bobble head and more!
*SILENT AUCTION*

 My mother and I have decided to add a "spirit wall" to the benefit. Basically we are going to construct a tower or wall of alcohol; beer, wine, hard liquor etc. For $10 you will get one raffle ticket to be used only for the spirit wall. If your name gets called you take all of the alcohol home. *MUST BE 21 TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS RAFFLE*

Get to know @robc4sinclair (Rob Sinclair)

Rob Sinclair is a mixed martial artist out of Manchester, England. Rob started off his early career by winning his first four fights before losing one, he went on to win his next three after that. A short time later Sinclair made his BAMMA debut at BAMMA 2 Roundhouses at the Roundhouse. Sinclair beat Nathan Beer in the first round by TKO making Rob the first BAMMA lightweight champion.
All questions were sent to Rob by Email here is what he had to say.

Q: What influenced your decision to start doing MMA?
A: "My brother Mick to be honest. I was doing thai boxing and he was a submission grappling, and he started going to a class in clitheoe so I went with him."

Q: What does your daily training regimen consist of?
A: "To be honest not a lot. I do have some sort of training every night if I wanted to do it. I rest when I'm tired and train at Predators MMA or Perform Centre in Haslingdon."

Q: Do you train hard all year round, or is it more of a laid back approach until you have a fight scheduled?
A: "I pretty much tick over until a contract is signed. Then I really knuckle down and get as much training in as I can when I can."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Me, Paul Daley, and Jimmy Wellhead signed a pair of tits at bamma 10 last year. That was pretty....... weird."

Q:  How do you spend your downtime between fights?
A: "I love to hang out with my pals. They're the best bunch of guys and can really cheer me up if I'm down especially Mark P, Fat Mick Jonesy, Big Dan, and my brothers Mick and Lewis. I also love spending time with my daughter and girlfriend because its precious time, and before I know it I'm out working and training again."

Q: What goals are you currently working towards in your MMA career?
A: "I've achieved every goal I set out so far. I wanted to have a fight and win, then fight on a bigger show, then on tv, then be a British champion, then get ranked in the top 10 in the UK, then get to number 1, then win a world title,  then beat the other UK organizations champions, then get ranked in Europe. I've achieved all of these goals so far."

Q: Do you think MMA is more of a mental sport or physical?
A: "I think it's more mental. You ain't got the balls you ain't gonna do well."

Q: If you could fight against anyone (past or present) who would it be, why, and do you think you would win?
A: "I'd like to fight 3 people; David Cameron, Bobbie of Towie, and Ricky of Geordie Shore because they're all bell ends."

Q: If you could see any two fighters go toe to toe who would it be and who do you think would win?
A: "It would have to be Jones vs Silva for obvious reasons, and I think Silva would win."

Q: Take us through the emotions you felt when you won the BAMMA light weight title.
A: "When I first won it I was coming off of a split loss. I was pissed at my way below performance, so the title was a bonus but more about the win. I'm glad I won that belt though because my popularity has risen a little."

Q: When is your next fight scheduled for?
A: "It's scheduled for March. BAMMA 12"

Q: Your nickname is "C4" How did you get it?
A: "Me and Ian Dean (my previous manager) came up with it. I like Paul Daleys nickname (Semtex), and sort of wanted to copy something."

Thank you for your time Rob and good luck in your next fight at BAMMA 12. Is there anything else you would like to add?
"Yeah tune in to BAMMA 11 and 12, because I don't like decision wins so I am going double hard to get a highlight reel sub/ko imbrahimovic style ;)"

@TheRealJGuts (Jeremy Guthrie)

Jeremy Guthrie is a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. He was picked 22nd overall in the 2002 draft by the Cleveland Indians Guthrie has also seen time with the Baltimore Orioles, and the Colorado Rockies. On November 20th 2012 Jeremy signed a 3 year $25mil deal.
All of these questions were sent to Jeremy via DM he responded pretty quickly for a guy who was in the middle of signing a new contract. It appears as a few of my normal questions were cut off when sending them to him so I will have to try and get those out to him as well.

Q: What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "I saw pictures of Astros players parking Bud Norris' older car on the warning track during batting practice."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "My favorite off season activity is to travel the world!"

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "Football, played QB in high school."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My childhood role model was Michael Jordan."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "Favorite thing to do on the road is explore the city, and enjoy what it has to offer."

Q: What was it like to get your first strike out?
A: "1st k was a RELIEF"

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Signing a cell phone is a weird one for me."

Q: If you could play with or against a player, who would it be and what sport would you play?
A: "Micheal Jordan in anything, basketball, golf, baseball, etc."

Q: What are your feelings on fan mail?
A: "Fan mail is fun to sign when not taken advantage of."

Q: Do you collect sports cards/memorabilia? If so anyone in particular?
A: "I collect signed shoes and SI magazines."

A new thing I am trying is letting some of the followers on Facebook submit questions they would like to ask. I will try to pick two for each interview I send out. For this one we had a question from Morgan Fox

Q: "Ask him about his shoe collection!" I rephrased it this was "I heard you have a pretty extensive shoe collection, care to tell us about it?
A: "Shoe collection is extensive indeed."

Bryan Timmers was chosen as the other person to submit a question he asked
Q: What is the strangest commercial offer you have received?
A: "Never had a commercial offer."

@numberninefo (Sen'Derrick Marks)

Sen'Derrick marks is a defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans,  he went to Auburn University for three years before announcing he would forego his senior season to enter the 2009 NFL draft where he was the 62nd overall pick. During his time with Auburn Sen'Derrick made twenty six consecutive starts tying him with  Rodgerigus Smith for the longest active streak on the team.
 The interview questions were all emailed to Sen'Derrick he replied quickly sending his answers back later that night. If you are looking for an athlete to interact with pay attention to the question regarding fan mail.

Q: What influenced your decision to play football?

A. I was always a fan of sports. I grew up with the love for basketball. Once I got into high school, i focused heavily on basketball until our

    basketball coach bribed me to play football. He told me that I wouldn't be able to participate in basketball unless I played football. Once I

    started playing football, it became interesting but my love was still for basketball. My defensive coach at the time, Derek Scott, asked me

    why my heart wasn't in it and explained to me why I wouldn't make it in the NBA. He asked my height at the time, which was 6'1, and explained

    that I was a power forward at 6'1 and NBA point guards were 6'7 and taller. I listened and focused more on football and it paid off for me today.

Q: Who was your childhood role model?

A. Now as I think back, I had a lot of role models growing up in the projects in Mobile, Al. My mom was and will always be a huge role model of mines.

    She had me at a young age and went on to make me the oldest of eight kids. She always steered me and my younger siblings in the right direction.

    My step father was also a big role model for me. After taking me in as his own, he taught and provided me all the manly responsibilities that was

    needed. He grew me and I will always be thankful for his role in my life. My coaches and teachers were also role models of mine. I listened closely

    to there rules and guidelines. Most of all, the friends and people of my community played a huge role in my upbringing. With all the negative activities

    in my neighborhood, people always guided me in the right direction to stay focus and succeed.

Q: What is your best football memory?

A. My best football memory was my freshman year in college. I had the opportunity to earn a scholarship to Auburn University to play football. I was doing

    really good as a freshman and earned my opportunity to play. The first time I knew I was going to play gave me chills. We took the bus to LaGrange, GA

    the night before the game. On game day, we traveled back to start the famous Tiger Walk. That walk down the street, between many fans, was always be

    a memory of mines. After entering the locker room and getting dressed, I started to get butterflies. We came out the tunnel onto the field, thru the smoke

    and greeted by 88,000 fans. That moment was amazing and I'll never forget it.

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?

A. Draft day was a very special day for me and my family. After a great college career, I knew I would have the opportunity to play in the NFL. My family all

    gathered together at our house and watched the draft on tv. After my name was called, we all got excited, cheered and pray together. It was an important

    and exciting day for all of us.

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?

A. The weirdest thing I had a fan ask me to sign was his/her hand. I didn't understand it lol. I asked what would happen to my signature later when they got home

    and they said they would keep it forever. I didn't sign his/her hand that day. I borrowed a piece of paper and gave them an autograph.

Q: How did it feel to get your first sack?

A. Getting my first official sack was pretty exciting. We was playing the Seattle Seahawks and I made a great move on their offensive lineman. Matt Hasslebeck

    was the quarterback at the time and he held the ball a little to long which allowed me to get to him.

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?

A. I actually enjoy playing in Nashville, Tn at LP field. Its a great family and hostile environment. The fans are very into the game and love their home team

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?

A. The thing i enjoy doing on the road is going out to eat with the fellas the night before the game. Usually its the defensive lineman that goes out together and

    sometimes a couple other guys that hang out with us. Its fun, relaxing, and help us calm down and chill before going back to meetings to get our mindset back

    onto football.

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today."?

A. I haven't had that mindset of not wanting to go into work. I enjoy going in and focusing on whatever the task is for that day. During the season u may not feel

    so into getting out of bed, but it's that calling of getting better and getting your body back into order to do it all over again.

Q: What is your favorite sport other than football?

A. My favorite sport other than football now is golf. I enjoy trying to play and tying to get better at it. It's a competitive and challenging sport that seems so hard

    to master.

Q: What are your feelings on fan mail?

A. I enjoy getting fan mail. I look at this game on this level as a job for myself and entertainment for others. I enjoy what I do and hope others enjoy watching

    what i do. I try to sign and respond to all fan mail I receive from letters and social media.

Q: What is the strangest thing you have seen in the locker room?

A. The strangest thing I've seen in the locker room has to be whatever guys do to get ready to play. Some guys to push-ups and some slap themselves or get

    others to slap them. I never been into that but whatever it takes, go ahead and do it.

Q: What is the best locker room prank you have seen or been part of?

A. I don't get to much into the locker room pranks. Most guys play pranks on each others and majority of them are retaliations of what somebody did to them

@arnoldbfa (Arnold Billy Allen)

Arnold Billy Allen is a 18 year old MMA fighter from Felixstowe, UK. Arnold recently made his pro debut at UCMMA back in April. Arnold fought Nathan Greyson and won by way of a vicious left hook in the 2nd round. Here us a video of that fight

I found Arnold on Twitter after looking around for upcoming MMA fighters. After seeing the video above you will understand why I was interested in doing an interview with him. All of the questions were emailed to Arnold, and he responded very quickly. Here is what Arnold had to say

Q: What influenced your decision to start doing MMA?
A: "I grew up watching the old martial arts movies and cartoons like Dragon ball Z, me and my brother did a bit of kickboxing together before moving on to boxing. My dad was competing in MMA at this time and I joined a few of his MMA sessions and I fell in love with it from there."

Q: You started MMA at just 14 years old, was it hard to persuade your parents to let you participate in that type of sport?
A: "Not at all, as my Dad fights himself he was more than happy for me to do it too. And my mum is happy as long as I'm out of the house."

Q: What does your daily training regimen consist of?
A: "During fight camp I will train up to four times a day. In the morning me and Sean Carter will focus on a specific discipline, and drill/spar. Then mid day is strength and conditioning with my coach Ben Chow who had helped me improve massively. At night I usually fit in a back to back session down at BKK Fighters on on Mondays its Sub wrestling followed by Muay Thai."

Q: You recently won your firs professional fight, take us through the emotion felt from the beginning of that night to after you won the fight.
A: "It was the best feeling. I was so happy to get my first pro win, but after I was exhausted and was sick, had a major adrenaline dump."

Q:  After that fight your team had told you it was a tradition to drink beer out of your groin guard. Did you ever find out if really is a tradition, or just a bad prank you fell for?
A: "unfortunately it isn't a tradition! haha"

Q: Do you train hard all year round, or is it more of a laid back approach until you have a fight scheduled?
A: "I train hard all year round. The only thing that slacks off is the diet, if I stopped training I'd definitely be fat!"

Q: What is  the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "I've only signed a couple of things nothing weird  yet haha."

Q: How do you spend your downtime in between fights?
A: "Watching fights, and eating cake!"

Q: You train with some of the best fighters in the UK (Sean Carter, Ben Chow), do any of them train you in a specific specialty or are they more all around types of fighters?
A: "Most of them are all rounders, but I do have quality coaches for each discipline."

Q: Before MMA you were a boxer, do you prefer to be standing or to be grappling going for submissions?
A: "Either. I enjoy standing or grappling."

Q: What goals are you currently working towards in your MMA career?
A: "Just working on getting better in all areas, and working towards another win."

Q: You have said you don't spend much time out drinking or partying like most people your age, do you ever get any negative feedback from your friends because of that?
A: "Yeh I get a lot of abuse of my friends haha, but I made up for it a bit since my last fight."

Q: After you beat Nathan Greyson in your first pro fight there was a lot of buzz about your natural ability in the cage, is there still a lot of local hype around you?
A: " Fortunately alot of the hype has died."

Q: If you could see any two fighters go toe to toe who would they be, and who do you think would win and why?
A: "I'd like to see the Korean Zombie fight Jose Aldo! I think Aldo would win but not sure he'd be able to finish the Korean Zombie."

If there is anything else you would like to add please do so here.
" I'd just like to thank my sponsor for helping me out! i-Supp Ben Chow, Ross Knevett, Britishfighter, Almighty Fightwear, Funky Gums, Elite Fightwear."

Get to know me

 I thought it would be nice for me to answer my own questions so the readers can get to know me. If you have any questions you would like to ask me just post them below in the comments section and I will do my best to respond to all of you.
 I will start with my basics, My name is Chad Johnson I am 28 years old and have lived in Minnesota my whole life. I am married and have 3 children 2 boys and a girl. I started this blog back in August as a way to learn more about athletes, how they got where they are and what their perspective is on the respective sport they play.


Q: What influenced your decision to start this blog?
A: I thought it would be a neat way to interact with athletes, and to get to know them a little better. I figured I should share my answers with anyone else who wanted to get to know them a little better too.

Q: What is your favorite city?
A: I haven't really traveled to much short of my honeymoon and a couple of vacations. That being said I love Chicago, the history the architect etc. I think it is all very interesting my favorite place in Chicago was Wrigley Field. You hear people talk about how big of a dump that place is, but walking in there and taking a tour of the stadium was amazing it just felt like a place where baseball should be played.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you're not working?
A: I love spending time with my kids, but being out numbered makes family outings challenging. Over the last three months I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the several athletes I have interviewed I might enjoy reading their answers more than some of my regular readers.

Q: What is your best memory?
A: The birth of all my children. When my oldest was born I was so nervous and excited, I didn't know if I could be a good father, how I would handle the change of going from a married couple to a family. The instant I held him everything came so naturally it was incredible.

Q: Have you ever waken up and thought " I don't want to go to work today"?
A: Nearly everyday! I was recently put on night shifts at work which makes things harder at home. My wife is basically a single mother every other weekend because I work 12 hours per shift. The thought happens a lot more now that the facility I work at is closing at the end of the year, but it is also presenting me with a chance to go to school so I can get a job I actually enjoy doing.

Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: I think I enjoy watching them all equally especially now that I am getting to interact with athletes from all different areas. A year ago this answer would have been baseball no question. The weird part is that when I was younger I didn't care much for sports, and now I feel like I have to watch sports center every day.

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: Both of my parents, there was a healthy mix of nurturing, love, and toughness between my mom and dad. I wanted to be able to make sure I was able to let my children know how much I love them while still being able to discipline them when it was necessary.

Q:  If you could meet any athlete who would it be?
A: I don't know if I can really pick just one. There are so many great athletes past and present it would just be to hard. I have had the chance to meet some athletes who are really great to their fans. Those are the ones I like to meet the most.

 When I had this idea I posted a question on my Facebook fan page and on Twitter asking people what they would want to know about me, or any other questions they wanted to ask. The one question I really wanted to respond to was "How come you never ask any good questions? #justkidding" That made me think a little bit about what I am doing. Am I really asking questions that people want to know the answers to? I have decided that when I get an athlete to agree to an interview I will post it on my facebook fan page, and ask fans to leave a question that they would want to ask that person. Before I send the questions off I will pick two random questions to include with the rest of the questions I already have in place. I hope making this a little more interactive will make the interview more interesting for the people that read them.

Christopher, Me, and Brian Dozier

Christopher, Me, and Scott Diamond

 Hopefully this gives you a little insight to who I am, and why I am doing this. If you have any other questions please comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. As always please click the adds on the top of the page to help me fund more giveaways for the readers. I will leave you with some pictures I have of me and athletes I have had the chance to meet.

Kyle Rudolph, Me, and Christopher

Chris Kluwe, Me, and Lucas

Me, Christopher, and Danny Valencia

Me, and Christian Ponder

Mistral Raymond, Lucas, Me, and Jerome Simpson

Christopher, Kevin Love, and Me

Christopher, Joe Kapp, and Me

Jim Marshall, Christopher, and Me

Me, Christopher, and Tony Oliva

Me, John Randle, and Christoper

Chase Budinger, Christopher, and me

Me, Christopher, and Bud Grant

@dsmith25blujay (Dwight Smith)

Dwight Smith Jr. was drafted 53rd overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011. He was considered to be the best pure hitter in all of high school baseball ranks, and was projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft. Georgia Techs coach (Danny Hall) had this to say about Smith Jr. "He's an outstanding baseball player and he can really hit. He just plays the game the right way. You can tell his dad mentored him. He plays the right way and carries himself the right way." Dwight's dad is Dwight Smith Sr. he played 8 years in the major leagues including being a member of the World Series Champions 1995 Atlanta Braves team.

 All of the questions were sent to Smith Jr. via DM on twitter. Here is what Dwight had to say.


Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "My dad influenced me highly to play baseball at a young age."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "My favorite city is of course Atlanta, Ga. I have had so many memories here."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "My best memory would be when I was 3 years old being in the clubhouse with my dad while on the Brave in 95'."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "Being drafted was an incredible feeling and words can't express because my dream was coming true."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "I never have woken up say I didn't want to go to work because I love it."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "My favorite off season activity would be relaxing at home with my family and friends."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "My other favorite sport is definitely basketball."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My childhood role model would be anybody who had such passion and ambition like Michael Jordan or Ken Griffey Jr."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "My favorite thing to do on the road is to meet new people from different areas."

Q:What was it like to get your first hit?
A: "My first hit was a relief, and then after I got it out of the way I can play now."

Q: What is the biggest person change you have had to make since becoming a pro athlete?
A: "The biggest personal change is being away from home for an extended period of time."

Q: If you could play with any athlete in any sport, who would it be and which sport would you play?
A: "If I could play with anybody it would be Ken Griffey Jr. Because I can learn even more from him about the game."

If there is anything else you would like to add please do so here.
" I would like to add that this game is great and it can teach you a lot about yourself as well as life."

Autographed photo give away! @cruikshank155

In this contest you have a chance to win an autographed Daron Cruikshank photo! These photos were sent to Daron after he agreed to help me do a give away for his fans. He signed them and is sending  them back to me, I will take care of contacting the winners and sending the photos out in a envelope that will prevent them from being damaged. All of your entries will be taken through Rafflecopter and the winners will be selected based on the amount of points earned through Rafflecopter. To get started simply click below! Please click the ads at the top of this page to help me fund more give aways!

 The contest starts on November 5th 2012 and continues until November 12th 2012 with the prizes being sent out that week.

This is the photo you will have a chance  to win!

I got the photos back from Daron yesterday. Get your numbers up in the two final remaining days to enter!

 I want to give a special thank you to Daron for agreeing to participate in the first give away Athlete Interviews Via Twitter was able to host. I will add a scan of the photos signed as soon as I recieve them back in the mail. 

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@okiesouthpaw32 (Tyler Billen)

Tyler Billen was a relief pitcher for the Walla Walla Sweets last year and nearly made it to the all star game. In 2010 Tyler was named All Gulf South Conference 2010 GSC West Relief Pitcher of the Year. Tyler is a fellow board member on the Pat Neshek Pro Boards, so doing an interview with him was a no brainer. All questions were sent to Tyler via email.

                                     The video above is from Tylers' first collegiate appearance

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "I actually wasn't playing a sport when I got asked by a classmate to join a team because they needed players. I felt like it would be a fun opportunity to keep options open if I liked it.

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "Corvallis, OR."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "Pitching against our rival in Walla Walla before I had to go home for school. Threw almost eight innings against the #6 team in collegiate summer ball. It was a great way to end my summer and go home happy."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "I was never drafted, but I am hoping to attend some try outs in the future."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "I don't think I ever have. God has given me the opportunity to play a game for this long and to enjoy it. I couldn't be more thankful for it."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "After a big win at my college, we started playing rap music in a very small clubhouse. I had got the win pitching right before, so I was told to start the dancing. All that was really in there was a table so I started dancing on the table and everyone danced around me."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Living in the south, I love watching SEC and Big 12 football. Other things are going to games, and collecting autographs. long boarding, or being around my fiance Mandie."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "Football for sure."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My parents for pushing me for so long, and Scott Kazmir was also a big one."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "Fav on the road to do is check different places to eat, sleep in, and play the game."

Q: What did it feel like to get your first strike out?
A: "Didn't really phase me, just knew I had to get the out after that guy."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Either boobs or a kids face."

Q: If you could play with/against any other athlete in any sport, who would it be and what sport would it be?
A: "I'd love to play with Nolan Ryan. Every night he took the mound, you knew that something special was about to happen."

Q: What are your feelings towards fan mail?
A: "I'm okay with it, I have only had a few pieces come in but still cool that someone wants my autograph."

Q: What would your job be if you were not a professional baseball player?
A: "Coaching and teaching."

Can you spare a second (part 2)

 Last night (10/22/2012) my family and I attended another event hosted by Galie Jaddunath. This one was a food drive to help support local families in need of assistance with a thanksgiving meal. Our decision to go was pretty last minute, so on the way we stopped at a local grocery store and stocked up on non perishable food items.
 We met my sister Candy and her daughter at the Mall of America (they are both huge Vikings fans). They were both decked out in their Vikings gear and also toting a large bag of non perishable items to donate. We headed up to Sky Deck to get our family outing night started.
 There was a lot of excitement building for all of us on the elevator ride up to the fourth floor. Mine was built around meeting a few Vikings players, my Wife's was about a night out together, the kids were excited to see each other and bowl, and we were all happy to be giving to help those in need.
 Galie quickly helped us find a bowling lane while thanking us for our donations. This time we just let the kids bowl, it was easier that way since the adults were out numbered.

Breanna taking her turn bowling

Lucas watching his ball go down the lane

                                     

 After we bowled for a while we ordered some food, took some more pictures and let the kids bowl for a little while longer. During this time Jerome Simpson and Mistral Raymond started to raffle off prizes that included t-shirts and autographed photos. Jerome also told jokes and riddles to fill the time in between the raffle drawings, which made my son Christopher want to tell Jerome a joke it went like this C-"knock knock" J-"who's there?" C-"smell mop" J-"smell mop who?". Mistral and Jerome both thought it was great.

 As the night started to unwind Candy and her daughter Breanna had a chance to have their picture taken with Mistral and Jerome, they were both extremely friendly and happy to take pictures with anyone asking.

Mistral, Candy, Breanna, and Jerome

 A short time after Candy had her picture taken with them Lucas and I went and asked to have one taken with them as well. Lucas was shy at first and just wanted to hide his face in his hands. Mistral and Jerome were great about trying to encourage him to smile.

Mistral and Jerome tickling Lucas to make him smile :-)

After a minute or two of tickling and coaxing Lucas finally showed his face long enough to snap a picture

Mistral, Lucas, Me, and Jerome

 The last thing we did before we left was played games. The great thing about supporting the events and drives that Galie hosts with other athletes is that the giving is reciprocal. When we donated our non perishable food items, they gave us Sky Deck game cards to play games with. All of our kids had a blast playing air hockey, shooting hoops, racing snowmobiles etc.

Christopher playing Arctic Thunder

 I would encourage all of you to attend any of the events Galie hosts. They always support a fantastic cause, she always says thank you, and she certainly never disappoints with the guests she brings. If you would like to stay current with any of the events she is hosting follow her on twitter, or check out her Facebook page.

 I would like to thank Galie, Mistral, Jerome and everyone else that played a part in making this event happen. It really makes for a great night out with my family while getting to help other people out.

 Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you see me at Galies next event be sure to stop by and say hello!

@Nathanieljw93 (Nathaniel Wood)

Nathaniel is a featherweight MMA fighter for Team Nova Forca. Nathaniel began his career in early 2011 and turned pro in 2012. His first fight was against Andras Dacza, Nathaniel won in the second round by submission. Here is a video of that fight.

Q: What influenced your decision to do Mixed martial arts?
A: "I've always loved fighting, I love mma as you can combine every martial art together."

Q: What lead you to your fighting style?
A: "My dad already trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so I got straight into that with him."

Q: Do you think the mental aspect is more difficult than the physical aspect of your sport?
A: "I would say neither one is more difficult than the other, I have a great team and support around me."

Q: Two of your amateur fights were won by submission and one by decision, do you prefer grappling and holds versus trying to win by KO?
A: "I always prefer to be standing. I train a lot in BJJ so if needs be I have that as a second option."

Q: Do you train all year round or is it a more relaxed approach until you have a fight scheduled?
A: "Yes I am always training, I just up my game during fight camps."

Q: What does your daily training regimen consist of?
A: "A bit of everything, I like my stand up and BJJ, I mainly get my s&c and cardio during fight camps."

Q: What was the feeling when you stepped into the ring for your first fight?
A: "Nerves, but once I weighed in it was just excitement."

Q: What is the process of beginning a MMA career? How do you go about finding a team etc..?
A: "I think your best bet is finding out where top MMA fighters train, you can't go wrong if you are training with the best."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Haha unfortunately I'm not that well known yet!"

Q: What is your greatest MMA memory?
A: "So far winning my first fight, was the best feeling. Hard work pays off."

Q: What MMA goals are you currently working towards?
A: "It would be my dream to be able to fight for a living."

Q: If you could fight against anyone past or present who would it be?
A: "It would be great to fight some top UFC fighters, not quite there yet though haha."

If there is anything else you would like to add please do so here.

"Shout out to my team Nova Forca and my s&c team 'The Athletic Edge'. Also my dad/ head coach."

@C_Blackburn16 (Clayton Blackburn)

Clayton Blackburn is a pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization. He was drafted in the 16th round of the 2011 draft out of  Edmond Santa Fe High school. During Blackburn's first year of professional baseball he  was dominant posting a 1.08 ERA through twelve games. In 2012 Clayton went 8-4 with a 2.54 ERA over 131 inning pitched.
All questions were sent via email to Clayton.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "I have two older brothers that played baseball and I have grown up loving the game."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "Charleston, SC. The ballpark was nice and the city was great as well."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "Signing my professional contract."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "Very happy moment as well as stressful, but something I got to experience with my family."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today?"
A: "No, everyday you experience something new and it doesn't feel like work."

Q: What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "We caught a frog one day in Savannah and decided to put it in one of my teammates lockers, and when he opened it he fell backwards."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "Probably the frog incident."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Hunting and Golfing."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "Golf."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My Dad."

Q: What did it feel like to get your first strike out?
A: "Great Feeling, it is something you have worked for your whole life, and for it to happen is a great feeling."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Opposing teams hat."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you have made since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "I have grown up a lot from being around older guys all the time."

Q: If you could play with or against and athlete from any sport, who would it be and what would you play?
A: "Golf, Tiger Woods."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?
A: "I enjoy reading fan mail and signing autographs."

@Thealy5 (Tucker Healy)

Tucker Healy is a pitcher for the Vermont Lake Monsters a minor league affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. I came across Tucker on Live Group Breaks, a card breaking forum I am part of. The site operator suggested I try to do an interview with him after reading many of the other interviews I have done. Tucker pitched 29.1 innings in 2012 while posting a 3.07 ERA and 3 saves. Here is what Tucker had to say.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "At a young age my dad coached baseball so I've been around it my whole life."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "Brooklyn was awesome to play at this year. Stadium right on Coney Island!"

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "Sleep for sure."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "We threw a no-hitter as a team that was really cool."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "Honored and excited for the opportunity."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "Not that I can think of."

Q: What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "Quite frankly we didn't have many pranks this year. Maybe stealing one kids bats until game time."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "That's appropriate haha. Uhhh one of our teammates putting small speakers into a cup thinking it would project the sound."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Hanging out and sleeping in. Just relaxing, and playing golf of course."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "To play basketball. To watch football."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "Dad."

Q: What did it feel like to get your first strike out?
A: "Relieved. But I had to focus on the next hitter."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Probably some kids back, bare skin."


Q: What is the biggest personal change you had to make since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "Adjusting my eating habits to the pro schedule. Eating really late at night."

Q: If you could play with/against any athlete in any sport who would it be and at what sport?
A: "I'd say pitch against Albert Pujols."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?
A: "I don't mind it if it's a kid trying to get an autograph."

Q: Do you collect sports cards/memorabilia? If so anyone in particular?
A: "Yes I collect Patriots and Ladainian Tomlinson as weird as that seems."

@Cruickshank155 (Daron Cruickshank)

Daron "The International Superstar" Cruickshank is a lightweight fighter for Mash Fight Team. He made his amateur debut in August 2008, when he fought Tom Grisham and won via KO. He then beat his next two opponents by KO in the first rounds of each fight to finish his amateur career. Darons current record stands at 11-2-0. All questions were asked via email and here is what Daron had to say.

Q: What influenced your decision to do Mixed Martial Arts?
A: "There was no other way for me, this is what I was brought up doing. Its the family business, both of my parents did martial arts and it carried on to me."

Q: Most fighters specialize in a style or technique of fighting, what lead you to yours (wrestling, kickboxing)?
A: "I started wrestling in middle school and went all the way to college. Kickboxing was a big part of my upbringing. My mom fought pro when I was real young so it got passed on to me."

Q: Do you think the mental aspect is more difficult than the physical aspect of fighting?
A: "The mental part is huge. I have seen many times when two fighters are matched up, its the one ready to lay his life down to win that fight who always comes out on top. You have to make a choice to fight or to flight."

Q:  Your first three amateur fights ended with you knocking out you opponents, and in your first professional fight you defeated Ricky Stettner by way of knockout, how did that feel?
A: "I know that I could have taken him out on the ground a few times but that's not how I wanted to start my career. Also knocking someone out is the best feeling in the world."

Q: Do you train all year round, or is it a more relaxed approach until you have a fight scheduled?
A: "This is what I do, everyday. I love martial arts, and if I didn't do it I would more than likely just sit at home and waste away. It's in my blood, and this is the only way for me. If you want to be hard core you have to live hard core, same goes for fighting you want to be the best you have to live it."

Q: What does your daily training regimen consist of?
A: "Everyday is different for me, but I do a lot of work with my dad. Not really hard training, but training my mind and reaction, and technique. I grapple about four times a week, mma spar about twice a week, and box once a week."

Q: How did it feel to be selected to participate on Ultimate Fighter Live?
A: "It was life changing for me, it meant a future to me and my family. The UFC is the best place to fight for and being on TUF meant I have a chance to be in the UFC. It opens the door for up and comers, the key is to not settle for just getting on the show or in the UFC. I want to be the best and most loved fighter in the world and that's what I am working for."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "I had a person ask me for a pair of my workout socks."

Q: What is your greatest MMA memory?
A: "Winning that fight to get into the (UFC) house, it felt like life or death to me."

Q: What MMA goals are you currently working towards?
A: "My next fight is December 8, 2012 UFC 5 on Fox. That's my next step, that's all that matters to me right now."

Here is a video of Daron's second round with Henry Martinez. This is Daron's most recent fight taking place on December 8th, 2012.