Get to know @apettersen1

     AJ Petterson is a husband, family man, blogger, and middle infielder in the Minnesota Twins organization. He played college ball at the University of Minnesota and is known as a scrapper because of his small size. AJ, what influenced your decision to play baseball? "Baseball has always been a passion of mine. I play baseball because I love the game. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play professionally." Some people would say you are "small" (5'9" 170lbs), has there been any one ballplayer that is your size that gave you hope and encouragement to continue fighting for your dream job? "Jamey Carroll is the first guy that comes to mind. I would love to get the chance to meet him this spring and pick his brain. He is a small guy who plays the game hard and the right way. Guys like him definitely encourage me to keep pursuing my dreams."
     You've had the chance to play at several ballparks through out your collegiate and minor league career, do you have a favorite park to play in? " Target Field is the best place I have ever played- it it tough to top that setting. I love playing in Minneapolis, but being/playing in the Fort Myers sun is fantastic as well." With all of the traveling ballplayers do you have the chance to see a lot of places, what is your favorite thing to do on the road? " I love hanging out with roommates and finding good places to eat." Baseball also present you with the opportunity to take some time off during the winter months every year, what is your favorite way to spend the off season? " I love spending time with my wife, family, friends, and our new puppy. I enjoy writing as well." Speaking of writing you started blogging last year. What made you decide to start blogging and what has been the most rewarding part of blogging for you? " I became a freelance writer by accident last off season and Seth Stohs asked me about writing for Twins Daily last year before the season. This year I am writing for Baseball America as well. It has increased the amount of interaction I have with fans, which has been really rewarding."
     You were drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2011 as the 778th overall pick, what was the whole draft experience like? " Getting drafted was emotional. Playing pro ball was a dream of mine and hearing my name called was an amazing moment." That had to be one of your best baseball memories, what is your best baseball memory? " Playing in the regional championship at LSU's Alex Box stadium in front of 12,000 fans. We lost the game, but the atmosphere made it an awesome experience." Playing baseball is essentially your job regardless of how some fans view it. Have you ever waken up and said to yourself " I don't want to go to work today"? " I have one of the best jobs in the world. Not many people go to work to 'play'. It's tough to complain about what I get to do everyday."
     I'm sure you had a lot of people in your life providing you with guidance and help. Who stands out as your childhood role model? " I have always looked up to my dad. He is a man of value and I strive to be like him." Since you became a pro ball player I am sure a lot of things have changed for you. What is the biggest personal change you have had to make? " One of the biggest changes is working out in the off season. I recently wrote an article about this on Baseball America. Off season work is done mostly alone in pro ball rather than with a team like it is in college. This means motivation and routine is vital. Wood bats and playing everyday are another big change."
     As you have developed your skills throughout your first season with the Beliot Snappers I am sure you began to gain a little bit of notoriety and a fan base and started receiving some fan mail. What are your thoughts on fan mail? " I love connecting with fans and try to respond to anything. This could be mail, twitter, or conversations at the park. The fans make the experience, so I try to chat/connect with them whenever possible." With the different fan mail coming in and talking with fans at various parks what is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign? " Last year at TwinsFest one of my old coaches had me sign our 14 year old team photo. I thought that was pretty neat." Do you yourself collect sports memorabilia or cards? " I used to collect cards when I was younger. I stopped sometime in my teen years. We have a lot of "common" cards at my parents house now. I collected baseball and basketball cards."
     Most athletes that make it to any level in the pros usually played multiple sports at some point in their life. What is your favorite sport other than baseball? " I grew up playing basketball and still really enjoy it. I love watching the Vikings on Sundays in the fall too." So if you could play with or against any athlete in any sport who would it be and what would you play? " There are a number of baseball guys I would love to play against. It would be cool to face a few of the elite pitchers. I would love to play basketball with Ricky Rubio, he is always getting guys open. Very fun to watch."

     I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions and for letting your fans get to know you. Good luck in spring training this year and with the rest of the season. Most importantly keep having fun on the diamond.