@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".