@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."

@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."

@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."

@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."

@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".

@jlowery3 Jake Lowery

Jake Lowery is a catcher in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Jake  attended James Madison University, where he played for the James Madison Dukes baseball team. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft. Jake  was also  the Colonial Athletic Association  Player of the Year, Eastern College Athletic Conference Player of the Year, National Hitter of the Year, and a 7 time All-American while at James Madison University. He was 1st team All-CAA catcher as a junior and 2nd team All-CAA catcher as a sophomore, and he won the Johnny Bench Award  in 2011. Jake is Currently hitting .217 with 23 RBI's and 6 HR through 31 games for the Lake County Captains.

 Here is what Jake had to say: 

Q. What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "My dad was my biggest influence, as he has been a varsity HS baseballcoach for the last 30 years."

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

A: "Myrtle Beach, SC"

Q.What's your best baseball memory?

A:" Hitting 3 HRS in 4 innings to start off my junior year of college, and getting drafted."

Q.What was it like when you were drafted?
A:" Pretty unreal, was with my mom and dad, and it happened so fast. It was pretty surreal."

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

A:" No, just get used to the grind but have been like man, I'm sore and tired... but once the game starts I just get in the swing of things and instincts take over."

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

A:" Locker room listening to latin music after wins is always fun."

Q. What's your favorite offseason activity?
A:" Offseason I like working out, hanging with friends, working with young aspiring baseball players, giving back to the game like working camps, and doing some speeches on baseball. Like working with kids and helping them reach their goals."

Q. What is your favorite sport other than baseball?

A:" Football for sure"

Q. Who was your childhood role model?
A:" My dad & Chipper"

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 strikeout (pitcher/ hit (batter)?

A:" Felt like a sigh of relief & thought on to next ab."

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

A:" Sign a babies head."

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

A:" Just knowing that everyone knows you at home and on the road, and hide your emotions a little better than before after you do not get the results you want. Also it's all baseball, so no more class, so total 100% focus on the task at hand."

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

A:" Would love to play with with Derek Jeter and catch the big 3 of the Braves in the 90's Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavin."

Q. What are your feelings on fanmail?
A:" Fan mail is all good, if you spent the money to buy one of my cards I'll return it, but can't expect someone to send an index card back to you."

Q: What would your job be if you were not a professional baseball player?

A:" Like to be a D1 head college coach or an AD"

@DHicksMTB DJ Hicks

 DJ Hicks is a recent 520th overall draft selection by the Minnesota Twins, don't worry I doubt it will keep him down. DJ is used to fighting, in 2010 Hicks was red shirted for an undiagnosed collapsed lung. DJ didn't let that hold him back though, he worked hard on his hitting and is considered to have raw power.
 I caught up with DJ and this is what he had to say

1.What influenced your decision to play baseball?

My biggest influence to play baseball is my oldest brother! Grew up always trying to walk in his shoes!  

2.What's your favorite city to play in?Favorite city is Orlando! Love seeing friends and family at games! 

3.What is your favorite thing to do on the roadGet chocolate milk at the corner store! It always tastes better on the road

4.What's your best baseball memory.

My best memory is either playing for Team USA or winning states in high school 

5.What was it like when you were drafted?

Draft day was crazy because it was on the same day as our end of the year meetings! Of course everyone was excited but it was tough leaving school 

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

Those words will never come out of my mouth if baseball is my work! I'm blessed to get to play a game everyday!  

8.What is the Best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?Best prank was putting a teammates clothes on the flag pole.

9. What is the  Funniest/ Strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse?

Funniest thing is seeing everyone dance to our favorite music before games 

10. What's your favorite offseason activity?

I will have to get back to you on my favorite off season activity. This fall will be my official first off season. Plan to get stronger and work on my weaknesses. 

11. What is your favorite sport other than baseball?

 Favorite sport is basketball. Loved playing it in high school!  

12. Who was your childhood role model?

My role models have always been my family! I look up to each member for different reasons. 

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

First professional hit was my 3 at bat of the game. Hit a double and felt like the world was off my shoulders! It felt soo good!! 

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

Weirdest thing to sign would have to be a crazy fans head! Don't think it came off for days! 

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

College prepared me for most of the pro life but the only thing I can think of is managing money. It's nice receiving a pay check!  

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

I would love to play one on one against Lebron James! I think i could give him a run for his money! Huge fan and love what he is doing for the NBA 

If there is anything else you would like to add at the end please feel free to do so. Again thank you for your time!

I would like to say a special thanks to my family for all the support over the years! My parents put a lot of miles on the car to get me to where I am today! 

Thanks for questions! Love what your doing! Giving an insight is awesome.

This might be my favorite set of answers so far, so honest. DJ thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer the questions for me and the blog readers. We all appreciate it!

@Kgib44 Kyle Gibson

Kyle Gibson is a pitcher in the Minnesota Twins orginaztion, and he is considered to be a top prospect. Over the course of the 2010 season Kyle made  the climb from single A ball all the way up to triple A, and he stayed there until he was sidelined by a tender elbow. That ultimately led to Tommy Johns surgery. Since rehabbing his elbow Kyle has played in two games and pitched 7 innings only giving up two runs while recording seven strikeouts.

 I have always been a fan of Kyle's so asking him for an interview was an easy choice. He responded quickly, and all questions were asked via DM. If you would like to follow Kyle on twitter click here.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "My fathers passion for the game got me excited to play and he was always my coach as well so it gave me the passion for the game."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: "By far my favorite city to play in was Indianapolis cause I was able to have so many friends and family come to the game."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "One of my favorite things to do on the road is probably finding the small town diners and food spots that are unique to the city."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: "Either getting drafted, throwing a 9 inn shut out vs #1 Texas my junior year, or when I faced the minimum and 1 hit in high A in 2010."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "It was a memory I will never forget and get chills everytime I think of it! stressful at times, but so much fun to hear my name called!"

Q: Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "hahaha I don't think theres been a time I didn't wanna go, but when your body is aching & tired it is hard to get out of bed sometimes!"

Q:What is the best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: "A guy on the extended team each day would hide another guys keys each day because he knew he would be leaving after his rehab was done, and it would cause the guy to look for his keys for like 15 min just to delay him getting home by a few min since he got done at 11 each day."

Q: What is the funniest or strangest thing you have seen in the clubhouse?
A: "Too many funny things and strange things happen to only name one...haha"

Q:  What is your favorite off season activity?
A: "Hanging out with my parents, in-laws, and extended family, cause I don't really get to see them very much during the season..."

Q:  What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: "Favorite to play is golf. Favorite to watch is probably college basketball.."

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

Q:  What did it feel like to get your first strike out?
A: "I don't really remember my first 1st k but I am sure if I get the chance to get a MLB K it would be fun!"

Q: What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "I would say the weirdest thing I have signed was either some kids shoes, or a can of budweiser.."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro athlete?
A: "I would say the travel we do. It's pretty weird living out of a suitcase for most of the summer as well as moving at least 2x a year."

Q:  If you could play with/against any other athlete in any sport, what athlete would it be and what sport?
A: "I would like to play some gold with some PGA players and have them teach me some stuff so I can stop getting frustrated about my game..."

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

My wife & I are blessed to go to the D.R. each year on a mission trip to visit kids in a city/school that my agent & Garrett Anderson helped start. It opened in 2009 & we go every year to re-paint facilities, clean up the ball field and add new things to the project. If you are able to give $, sponsor a child, or want to keep up with the progress of the project, please visit this site. I will be auctioning off game used items on Ebay to help raise funds for our project in the D.R. cause they need electricity ASAP! More information will be coming when I know when & what I will be auctioning off! Thanks for the support!https://www.missionofmercy.org/BaseballProject

@RobbyRow_12 Robby Rowland

Robby is the son of Rich Rowland who played six seasons in the majors as a catcher with the Tigers and Red Sox, needless to say baseball was in his blood. Robby is one of many players I follow on Twitter and you can too just click here. Robby will often do Q&A with fans during his long bus rides while traveling with the team. It was during one of these bus rides he agreed to do the interview for this blog.
Here is a really cool video about Robby and his brother Richie being signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?

A: "Was just always around it growing up with dad playing ball. Always had his gloves and bats in my hand, just loved it from the moment I was born."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?

A: "Loved playing in my home town of Cloverdale! Small town so everyone showed up to the sporting events to support you. But professionally probably would have to say West Virginia. Love the fans we get to come out and support us. Our "Toast Man" is probably the best fan I have ever played in front of."

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

A: "Probably go and eat at places I have never been to. Being from the west coast I haven't eaten at a lot of the place that I eat at this year so just every city trying something new is pretty cool. And I love food so I'm always in search of that!"

Q: What is your best baseball memory?

A: "This will have to be my first professional outing where I had my big brother catch me and mom and dad in the stands watching. Even though the outing didn't go as I would have liked it was still an awesome experience."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?

A: "Surreal. All the hard work I put in as a kids when other high schoolers would look at me weird because I was always working and trying to get better just finally paying off when that phone rang."

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

A: "Haha no way man. I truly love what I do everyday and never take it for granted. That's the one thing dad and mom always told me growing up is that I won't be able to do it forever so love ever moment of the process."

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

A: " Probably my second year when we put some eye black inside someones hat, and when they took it off they had a pretty good black like all around their head."

Q: What is the funniest/strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse?

A: " We had a dance off one year that was pretty funny. Gotta keep loose in the clubhouse haha."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?

A: "Coaching basketball or video games. What  ever gets me out of the house I guess."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?

A: Absolutely love basketball. Would probably be playing that if baseball wasn't an option."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?

A: "Mom. With dad always playing she had to take care of my brother and I. She would put us in a wagon and drag us to games and take care of us. If dad was on the road she would put us in front of the radio or tv and make us listen to the game. She was and definitely still is my biggest role model!"

Q: What did it feel like to get your first strike out?

A: "Don't even remember. Too focused on getting guys our don't really remember when I did it."

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

A: "Don't think I should write it."

Q: What is the biggest personal chance you've had since becoming a professional athlete?

A: "Just the everyday grind of professional baseball."

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

A: "Would love to play a game of 1 on 1 with the one they call "Jimmer"."

Here is Robby's list of goals for the 2012 season

@ElliotJohnson9

Elliot is SS/2nd baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays he is one of several athletes I follow on Twitter for a little insight on the game from the view of a player. As of today he is batting .244 with 4HR and 28RBI. This is the Twitter exchange prior to the interview being scheduled.



Only 140 character limit? RT @cjohnsonss: @ElliotJohnson9 Started a blog about interviewing athletes on twitter you want to be next?
All of the interview questions were sent via DM on Twitter and here is what Elliot had to say.


Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: "Mainly my dad. He played and wanted me to play for the Cubs and help them win a World Series. He pitched to me nearly every day."

Q: What's your favorite city to play in?
A: " Fav city to play in is Milwaukee but fav city to visit is Seattle."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: " I like sight seeing on the road the best."

Q: What's your best baseball memory?
A: " Favorite baseball memory was game 162 last year. Incredible."

Q: What was it like when you were drafted?
A: " I didn't get drafted but signing was a dream come true. Nobody tells you the minor leagues is very unglamourous though."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said " I don't want to go to work today"?
A: " Some days my body would love a day off but I play baseball for a living so it's easier to head  to work everyday."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: " Fav off season activity is grilling and watching football."

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

Q: Who introduced you to baseball?
A: " My dad introduced me to baseball."

Q: What did it feel like to get your first hit?
A: " First hit was exhilarating and a dream coming true for me and my family. Off of Andy Pettitte and I'll always remember it."

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

I found this to be very interesting and I really enjoyed reading his answers. I want to thank Elliot Johnson for taking time out of his busy schedule to help me out with this. I really appreciate the honesty of his answers.

Thanks for reading a new one will be coming next week!