Thursday, November 1, 2012

@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."

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