@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.

@deckmcguire (Deck McGuire)

Deck is currently a pitcher for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (the Toronto Blue Jays AA team). Before being picked up in the first round of the 2010 draft McGuire spent three seasons at Georgia Tech while there Deck was named to to the 2009 All-America First Team by Collegiate Baseball, the 2009 All-America Second Team by Baseball America, the 2008 Freshman All-America First Team by Collegiate Baseball, and  he was the 2009 ACC pitcher of the year.
McGuire's AA debut was on July 27, 2011 he pitched seven innings giving up three runs, nine hits, with two walks and six strikeouts in a 17-3 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats. All questions were sent to Deck via e-mail, and here is what he had to say.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "I don't know really... It just kinda happened. I grew up watching the Braves on TBS and I guess it sparked my interest."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A:  "My hometown Richmond, VA."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "We play a lot of cards and video games."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "That's a tough one. Probably winning the Eastern League Championship in 2011."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "Kinda weird actually. We were still playing when I was at GA Tech so I didn't know until a little while after it happened. We lost the last game of the year so that night was pretty bittersweet."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "Ha! No, I have been reluctant to get up early for a day game here or there."

Q: What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "Get someones locker wet in the shower... Then you put it in the ice maker. Frozen locker."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "What happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Golf!"

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

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

Q: What did it feel like to get your first strikeout?
A: "It was a huge sigh of relief!"

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Used cleats..."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you have had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "Understanding how to handle change."

Q: If you could play with/against any other athlete in any sport who would it be?
A: "I would love to play golf with Tiger Woods. To witness that fire up close!"

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?
A: "I'm for it!"

Q: Do you collect sports cards/memorabilia? If so anyone in particular?
A: "I used to have tons of cards but I haven't for a while."

@Nick_Oshea

Nick was drafted in the 24th round by the Cincinnati Reds out of the University of Minnesota.  During the 2012 season he hit .208 with 4HR and 28 RBI's. In High school Nick was named the defensive player of the year in 2007. During his time with the U of M Nick  was named to the First Team All Big Ten, First Team Academic All-District, lead the team with a .360 BA and 60 RBI's (a team high).

 Here is what Nick had to say.



Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "Ever since I can remember, I loved  playing baseball. My dad has always been a big fan of the game and I followed suit right away."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "Dayton for sure. We have an incredible fan base and stadium. As for teams I've played at as a visitor, I would say Fort Wayne. The stadium is beautiful and has a lot of character."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "I like to get out and see a little bit of each town. Baseball has taken me to many places I would not have been if it weren't for the sport, so I like to see what the towns have to offer. It's not always easy to do when you are stuck without a vehicle."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "Winning the Big Ten regular season and Big Ten Tournament championships during the 2010 season at the University of Minnesota."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "It was an interesting day. You hear all these things from people who say they think you will go hear or there, but it doesn't really matter until your name is called. It was exciting, stressful, and a once in a lifetime opportunity I'm thankful for every day."

Q: What was the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "When I was playing in a college summer league, some of my teammates stole the bat boy's clothes during a game, soaked them in water and froze them. Watching him try to put on his frozen shirt, pants, and shoes was hilarious."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "Earlier this season, a bird somehow found its way into the clubhouse. We had the whole team in there with towels trying to catch the thing as it flew back and forth across the length of the clubhouse. Eventually one of the guys caught it but before he could let it go outside, it escaped and flew down one of the hallways never to be seen again."

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

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My childhood role models were my parents. They supported me through everything growing up and raised me the right way. They are the most loving caring parents and I hope to pass that along to my own children someday."

Q: What did it feel like to get your first hit?
A: "It was a great feeling. My first professional hit was a home run so that made it even more special."

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "The back of a cell phone case."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you have had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "I'd say learning to be more flexible. Things can change in an instant in pro baseball. You may be sent to three different places in one week. You may be asked to report for extra work at the end of a long season or asked to report early before spring training. These are things that are meant to help you in the long run and being flexible helps you adjust to anything."

Q: If you could play with/against and other athlete in any sport, what athlete would it be and in what sport?
A: "I would love to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods."

9/11 and what you were doing

I can vividly remember this day as most people can. I was in art class and the ceramics teacher who's class was next door came in and told our teacher what was happening, I will never forget the look on my teachers face, he evoked looks of shock, terror, disgust, amazement, grief, and about every other type of emotion you can think of when you hear about a tragedy. I approached him and asked him what was going on, he was reluctant to tell me, but I finally got it out of him. He said "an airplane has been hijacked, they flew it into one of  the world trade center buildings. We are under attack." I picked up my stuff and walked right out the door. I called my then girlfriend (now wife) and told her not to go to her class and that I was on my way over. When I got there I gave her a big hug, and we sat and watched the news for what seemed like days. There is a lot of emotions for many people that I can not fathom feeling, people who lost loved ones in these attacks. I decided I would try and ask some athletes about that day for them and what it meant. Here is who they are and what they said.
The question I asked was "What were you doing when you heard the news 11 years ago?"

Ty Linton
Vivid day for me I was sitting in class the news hit mainstream struck fear for me bc both my parents fly for a living.

Mistral Raymond
I can remember sitting in my 8th grade class @ Lincoln middle watching CNN.... 9/11/01 will never be forgotten & neither will the ppl.

Matt Carpenter
I was a freshman in highschool sitting in spanish class.

Derek Holland
Home didn't go to school that day was laying on the couch and saw it all on tv. Thought it was a movie couldn't believe it.

Adam Ottavino
I was between classes at Berkeley Carroll High School in Brooklyn NY.

Ramon Foster
I was in 10th grade social studies class when they hit the towers. #Remember911

Justin Friend
I was just waking up for school with the 3 hr time difference it was still early!!! Will never forget that day.

Ryan Westmoreland
I was in 6th grade. The assistant principal brought all the students together and explained what had happened.

Eric Young Jr.
I was at school in NJ, 30-40min away from it.

Mitchell Canham
Just walked in 2 watch football film before school. Mr. Collins room.

Fidel Peña
I was in school I remember. I remember getting home and turning on the tv an it was in every single channel

Brian Robinson
I was in high school economics class

Aaron Bates
was my senior year of high sch. Was driving to school w/a buddy that I carpooled with & he told me what happened. #9/11

Josh Reddick
Freshman in high school sitting in 1st period. Couldn't believe it.

Ben Henry
Was in Mrs. Green's 7th grade science class. What about you? #alwaysremember911

Travis Mattair
My mom woke me up for school, I sat on her bed in disbelief

Tyler Cuma
Sitting in grade 6 class

Chris Gimenez
I was a freshman in college at 6am weights!!

@Chriswarcraft (Chris Kluwe)

Chris Kluwe is the punter for the Minnesota Vikings, avid gamer, and a bassist for Tripping Icarus. You can find him on Twitter talking music, games, sports and just about anything else you can think of. In 2007 Chris signed a 6 year $8.3 mil contract extension making him one of the ten highest paid punters in the NFL at the time. Chris has also found himself in the news lately for a letter he wrote to a Maryland official in regards to a letter Emmit C Burns wrote to the team owners of the Baltimore Ravens. Here is a copy of Chris' letter it is vulgar so read it with discretion. A short time later he did an interview with MSNBC and here is that video.

 I tweeted Chris about doing an interview and he asked me to send him the questions in his email. He answered very quickly sending his answers the next day.

Q: What influenced you to play football?
A: "I didn't start playing football until I entered high school, was a baseball and soccer player growing up. Found out I was pretty good at kicking a football and decided to work hard at it since a lot of people felt I could play at the college and possibly NFL level if I practiced."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "Detroit, the stadium is my favorite stadium to play in, it has an awesome atmosphere."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "Read books to make the time pass quicker on flights."

Q: What is your best football memory?
A: "Going out on the field for my first regular season NFL punt my rookie year. I was excited and nervous, and I hit a 60 yard bomb."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "I actually wasn't drafted, Seattle picked me up as an undrafted free agent and then they were going to put me on their practice squad at the end of the preseason but the Vikings claimed me off waivers and I've been here ever since."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "All the time. Football isn't just playing games on Sundays, it's doing all the practice and meetings and workouts during the week also. That being said I enjoy what I do greatly and it's easy to ignore that voice."

Q: What is the best locker room prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "No one's really pulled anything on me, but I saw one guy get his clothes thrown on the hood of his car and then get hosed down. It was about 12 degrees outside and he didn't find out until around 5 hours later. Needless to say, it took him a while to get them off."

Q: What's your favorite off season activity?
A: "Hanging out with my family and not playing football."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than football?
A: "I don't really watch sports, but I would love to try playing baseball again. I really enjoyed pitching."

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

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "That's probably a tie between a dictionary and an XBOX."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "None that I can think of. I just try to be myself."

Q: What are your feelings on fan mail?
A: "It's fun to answer, and I've definitely received some interesting letters."

Q: With the replacement refs stepping in for the beginning of the season do you for see any problems with blown calls etc.?
A: "I think there might be some issues because the replacement refs just aren't used to the speed of the game. Hopefully the NFL can get something worked out with the regular guys."

Q: During training camp you often tweeted about "operation Adrian abs", what did those workouts entail?
A: "I did a complete description in one of my blog posts at Out Of Bounds."

Q: With all of the off season players the Vikings acquired is there one player in particular you are excited to watch play?

A: "It should be fun to watch Jerome Simpson, he's very dynamic and makes a lot of very athletic plays."

@Mr_Beefington (Ty Linton)

Ty is an OF for the Missoula Osprey an Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate. Ty is said to have very raw power and has the potential to be a 5 tool player. Power is said to be his best tool which is rated at above average to plus raw power. Ty was drafted in the 14th round by the Diamondbacks, and was ranked the #22 prospect in their system after the 2011 season.

                      

Q:What influenced your decision to play baseball?

A: "It was always a dream to play professional baseball as a kid, I am fortunate enough to be the small percent of guys to further their career. My father was a huge influence in my life and pushed me for greatness also instilled certain values within me to get me where i am today."

Q:What's your favorite city to play in?

A: "I was in the pioneer league this past year but i loved playing in our home town of Missoula Montana. It didn't get much better than that. the people were great the stadium was awesome and the town in general reminded me a lot of home! Little college town with a whole lot to do when we weren't at the field."

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

A: "I love just being around my team mates we have a lot of great guys on the squad. we've made some great memories thus far hopefully continue to keep making them! But we do whatever passes the time, play a lot of practical jokes on each other and a whole lot of movies!!!"

Q:What's your best baseball memory.

A: "My first spring training, it was eye opening and kinda breath taking. First time I truly realized it was the first step to the journey of the rest of my career."

Q:What was it like when you were drafted?

A: "It was great experience, I was actually signed to play both football and baseball at the University of North Carolina so I was set either way and would of been pleased with whatever direction I would of taken but me and my family decided to sign my professional contract was the best thing for me. I've enjoyed it ever since then and I am very thankful for the opportunity."

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

A: "Not a day goes by where I ever regretted my decision to play baseball. It has opened some amazing doors for me and i've met some pretty special people. Plus I get to wake up every morning and do something I love not many people can say that. I am very blessed."

Q:What is the Best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you.

A: "We hid all my buddies gear and told him we had donated it all to a fan and said we thought he wouldn't of mind. It went on for a good hour or so! he was furious!!!! Got HEEEEEEEEM"

Q:What is the  Funniest/ Strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse.

A: "A lot of naked dancing going on...Don't ask me why but there is. Showers, Training room, throughout the locker room you name it. Some guys just have a rhythm they cant control."

Q:What's your favorite offseason activity?

A: "My favorite activity is always just spending time with my family. It's always tough to go 8 months or so without seeing them and they are all in school and working so its difficult to see one another."

Q:What is your favorite sport other than baseball?

A: "Football of course it was a huge part of me for so long! still miss those Friday night lights!"

Q:Who was your childhood role model

A: "I always looked up to my parents they are the only reason why I am where I am. Also I had a lot of coaches growing up that had a great impact on my life."

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

A: "Sleep, Sleep and a whole lot of sleep. I never can on the bus rides so its just me catching up on some Zzzzz's. Also i enjoy finding new places to eat. I live for food."

Q:What did it feel like to get your first strikeout (pitcher/ hit (batter)?

A: "Like a huge weight was lifted of my shoulders." 

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

A: "I signed to little kids faces. Right across their foreheads. All I could imagine was two angry parents with their arms crossed just shaking their heads. I felt like Ricky Bobby."

Q:What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro-athlete?

A: "Just dealing with the mental side of baseball and not allowing it to overcome me as a person or a athlete."

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

A: "It would have to be Michael Jordan. I'm awful at basketball so it would be interesting."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?

A: "I think its great and I encourage it." 

@Tony26Montana (Tony Sanchez)

Tony was selected as the 4th overall pick in the 2009 major league baseball draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He established himself as the most prolific hitter in Boston College Eagles baseball history, ranking 5th all time in homeruns and runs batted in. Tony was also a canidate for the Johhny Bench Award in 2009. In 2011 Tony was ranked as the #46 prospect by Baseball America. In 2012 Tony hit .251 in 347 at bats while belting in 8 home runs and driving in 43.

All of these questions were sent to Tony via email.

Q:What influenced your decision to play baseball? 

A: "The biggest influence would have to be when I was younger, I used to get so excited for games that I would lose sleep. I knew I wanted to play professional baseball from then on and I am where I am because of that mindset." 

Q:What's your favorite city to play in?

A: "Considering my career is fairly young I would have to say that so far, Indy is easily the best city to play in."   

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

A: "Sit in my hotel room and watch all my TV shows. I can stay up to 2-3 in the morning watching my shows. Probably not a good thing, but I gotta catch up on my television." 

Q:What's your best baseball memory?

A: "Getting drafted 9 minutes into the 2009 draft. Easily the best moment of my life." 

Q:What was it like when you were drafted?

A: "The only way to describe it is to tell you that father, who is 6'5 280lbs was balling like a little girl who just lost her Barbie doll. To make my family that proud of me is almost indescribable." 

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

A: "Haha everyone has. But once I call that first pitch it's game on and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world." 

Q:What is the Best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?

A: "What happens in clubhouses, stays in clubhouses." 

Q:What is the  Funniest/ Strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse?

A: "I wish I could share." 

Q:What's your favorite offseason activity?

A: "Hunting and shopping. Now that I think of it though, those two hobbies kind of contradict eachother." 

Q:What is your favorite sport other than baseball?

A: "Football." 

Q:Who was your childhood role model?

A: "Greg Lovelady. Catcher for the University of Miami in the early 2000's" 

Q:What did it feel like to get your first strikeout (pitcher/ hit (batter)?

A: "First professional hit was a game winner,  which felt awesome and something I'll probably never forget." 

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

A: "Someone once asked me to sign their arm. They had nothing else." 

Q:What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro-athlete?

A: "Having to really think before I say or do anything publicly, a lot of eyes on you when you're in this world." 

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

A: "I'd probably play a round of golf with John Daly. Guy definitely has stories for days." 

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?

A: "An awesome outlet for fans to learn new things on the guys they love to go out and watch play baseball." 

Thank you again for your time Tony, now I can't help but wonder what your shows are!

@CC20rake (Chris Colabello)

Chris Colabello is a 1st baseman in the Minnesota Twins organization, though he is not your typical AA ball player. Chris is 28 years old and that's how old he was when he signed his first big league contract. For seven years before that he played in the can-am independent league. I started to follow Chris on Twitter after I read  a great article about him during spring training. So far this year Chris is batting .289 with 95 RBI's and 19 HR through 126 games.

 All of these questions were sent to Chris via DM on twitter, this is what he has had to say about his experiences so far.

Q: What influenced you to play baseball?
A: "My father was definitely my biggest influence.... he played professionally in Italy and I grew up around a baseball field".

Q:  What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "This year my favorite city to play in has been Portland. The stadium has the big green monster in left, and it doesn't hurt that I've swung the bat pretty well there".

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "Best team memory was winning two championships while I was in independent ball. Individual moment was the walk-off homer this year".

Q: What was it like when you were signed?
A: "When I signed it was almost surreal. Even though I knew I still had a lot of work to do, I was able to take a deep breath and really enjoy it".

Q: Has there ever been a time when you woke up and thought "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "There are definitely times when your body is yelling at you, but I don't think there has ever been a day when I wasn't happy to go to the park".

Q: What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "I think having all my shoes tied together, or a bucket of ice water dumped on you in the shower".

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Favorite off season activity is golf".

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: " Favorite other than baseball to watch is football, to play is golf".

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: "My parents were definitely my role models. They supported me through everything and taught me that being a good person is more important than being a good baseball player".

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "Favorite thing to do on the road is hang out with/get to know your teammates better".

Q: What was it like to get your first hit?
A: "First hit in affiliated was great.... It took me a few games but it is when you realize you belong where you are".

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "Fans asked to sign shoes and body parts sometimes and I ask them if they're sure they really want that".

Q: What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro athlete?
A: "I think when you become a pro, your commitment to the game has to be your first priority even in the off season. Going to the gym and getting in the cage are part of your job".

Q: If you could play with/against any other athlete in any sport, what athlete and in what sport would it be?
A: "I would play hoops with Michael Jordan... I loved watching him when I was growing up because he didn't accept losing.

Q: You played 7 years in the Can-Am league before you were signed by the Twins, was there ever a point when you wanted to give up?
A: "Playing 7 years of Indy ball was great. It taught me a lot about the game. I was around good people who reminded me that as long as you have a uniform on you have a chance. Baseball is part of me so I don't think not playing ever crossed my mind".

Q: Is there a message you would like to send to our readers about chasing their dreams?
A: "Follow your dreams. If you are passionate about something don't let anybody tell you that you can't do something".