Get to know @fidelpena03 (Fidel Peña)

Fidel Peña is a switch hitting C/2B in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Fidel has shown a lot of promise this year with his offensive line maturing with his time in professional baseball. His line (.261/.334/.345) during his first time in single A ball is starting to make people really wonder where his ceiling is.
 After a couple of direct messages Fidel and I agreed that questions sent by email would be the easiest for him. Although it took me a while to get the questions our Peña was quite understanding and still very prompt to return his answers.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: " My dad has always been a baseball person, so I was born with a bat in my hands pretty much."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: " I think it'd be Dayton OH."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: " My first pro baseball home run."

Q: Have you ever woken up and said " I don't want to go to work today?"
A: " Not one day of my life, cause I love what I do!"

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: " Sharing with the family and friends. And of course the gym and more baseball."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: " Ping pong lol."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: " It was Alex Rodriguez when he played short stop for the Rangers."

Q: What did it feel like to hit your first hit in the pros?
A: " It was a great feeling. I remember it was a triple down the 1st base line."

Q: How special was it to you when you hit your first home run, what emotions were you feeling?
A: " It was amazing! I totally called it. I told my friend to get on base so it could be a 2 run HR, and BOOM 1st pitch. If not the furthest it might be the 2nd furthest of my life."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you have had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: " Wow, it has to be discipline."

Q: If you could play with or against any athlete in any sport, who would it be and what would you play?
A: " Baseball with Albert Pujols, great example of dedication and hard work, and he is a professional in and out of the field."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?
A: " I don't have a problem with it. I think it's a good thing when you can communicate with the fans."

Fidel I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for your fans and me. I look forward to watching your career develop and you continue to mature in to a major league ball player. Best of luck this season!

Get to know @T7Harris (Tyree Harris)

Tyree Harris is a 6'2" wide receiver out of Marietta High School in Georgia. Many scouts believe Tyree slipped under the BCS Radar and also that he has great potential. Tyree has received great feedback about his large catch radius and also for his big, soft hands. Tyree also has a recorded time of 4.81 seconds in the 40 yard dash as well as a 31.2" vertical.
 In 2012 Tyree caught 49 passes for 837 yards and 7 touchdowns. On July 23, 2013 Tyree signed on with Wake Forest.

All of the interview questions were emailed to Tyree, and he was very quick to respond sending his answers that same night, and also notified me on Twitter that he had completed them.


Q: What influenced your decision to play football?
A: "Football always been my life. My dad was in the NFL, so I decided to follow what he did and I just fell in love with the game."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: " New York."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: " Play video games with my teammates."

Q: What is your best football memory?
A: " Right before every football game, me and my team in the locker room, getting fired up, and smelling the atmosphere right when we walk on the field. Smelling that fresh grass, and that popcorn. Knowing its game time!"

Q: What was it like being recruited?
A: " It was a difficult process, but I had fun meeting other athletes on my visits."

Q: You committed to Wake Forest, but you had a lot of other schools looking at you. What made you pick Wake Forest?
A: " The academic and the coaching staff. The way I bonded with my future teammates and the coaches. When I got to Wake Forest I felt like home. It was like deja vu."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said " I don't want to go to work today?"
A: " Yes, plenty of times, but I'm trying to live my dream instead of sleeping and dreaming it all the time, so I know I have to grind regardless of what my mood is."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: " Track and chilling with my friends and talking about what happen during the season."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than football?
A: " Track."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: " Michael Vick and Chad Johnson. Thats why I always wear #7 because of Michael Vick, and play WR because of Ochocinco!"

Q: What did it feel like to catch your first touchdown?
A: " Felt like I was in heaven man. I did the crazy celebration."

Q: If you could play with/against any other athlete at any sport, what athlete would it be and in what sport?
A: " Tiger Woods, and Golf."



I will leave you all with a highlight video of Tyree Harris. Its easy to see this kid is talented, and will undoubtedly be extremely fun to watch through out his college career.

Best of luck in your college career Tyree, and thank you very much for taking the time out of your schedule to answer a few questions for your fans and me.

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.

Twinsfest 2013 @twins

This year for Twinsfest was very special to me. I brought my oldest son Christopher (5) for the first time. My main goal was to get a wristband that would allow him to meet his favorite baseball player Joe Mauer. My mother was kind enough to babysit my two younger children until my wife was off of work so that Christopher and I could arrive as early as possible.
We were running behind but we still managed to each get a wristband for Mauer. We then went down to the field where some of the Minnesota Twins prospects were signing free autographs. My main goal was to meet Miguel Sano, Christopher waited patiently in the line while playing games on my phone and stopping to pose for a picture for me.

Christopher posing while waiting for Miguel Sano

As we waited in line Christopher's excitement grew wondering if his color (white) wristband would be called for Joe Mauer. As we waited we met a nice lady who talked about how she goes to twins fest every year, and has been a season ticket holder for the last 14 years. I enjoy waiting in the lines and meeting new people from all walks of life who share an interest in the autograph collecting hobby with me. 

At about 5:25 p.m. the Twins announced the wristband color for Joe Mauer, it was white! Christopher's eyes grew to the size of quarters as he realized he would finally be able to meet his baseball hero. We quickly went and bought a black big stick from the Fan HQ booth. (Fan HQ is a local store that hosts autograph signings, and sells a ton of merchandise in their store in Ridgedale Mall). We quickly went up what seemed like 200 flights or stairs to get into Joe Mauers line. 

Christopher Talking with Joe

 Christopher became more excited with every step we took getting closer to Joe. Finally it was almost his turn. I stood back taking pictures of Christopher interacting with Joe, handing him the bat, and talking with him. I am not sure exactly what they talked about but I do know that Christopher asked Joe "Would you please write MVP by your name"? Joe looked at his handler and asked for permission to do it. They made and exception for Christopher which made the experience even more special. As we exited a photographer stopped to get some information from me, and explained that the picture may be on www.twincities.com the Pioneer Press website.

 After I gave the photographer our information we headed back downstairs for some food. Christopher had cotton candy while we waited to talk with Brian Dozier. I vaguely know Dozier from some previous events I have met him at, and he agreed to stop and talk after his autograph signing session was over. We then went to meet Kyle Gibson whom I had interviewed earlier this year for this blog. He signed a baseball for my son, and then I introduced myself, asked him to sign a photograph. I thanked Kyle again for doing the interview and asked him how things went with his charity work. Every year Kyle and his wife go to South America and help build schools for areas that are in need of help. Kyle thanked me for asking and for helping him spread the word about his charity efforts.

After we finished with Kyle Gibson we went and waited a few minutes for Brian Dozier to finish his autograph session. Brian was being escorted by a security guard but had no problem stopping to talk for a few minutes. He asked me how things were and added "1st Major League HR!" to a couple of ticket stubs he had previously signed. I thanked him for his time and we headed to the children's play area.

The Twins do a great job of making this event more than just a chance to meet your favorite player. They had several different areas dedicated to kids. There was a section for playing home run derby with wiffleballs, a section to throw baseballs at the giant baggy that was in right field, a pitching section, and a section with about 4-5 jumperoos. Christopher had a blast playing in the jumperoos.

Christopher and I between his jumping sessions.

After we left we called mom so that Christopher could tell her all about meeting Joe before he fell asleep in the car. The excitement in his voice was such a wonderful thing for a father to hear. Knowing I was able to help him meet someone he considers a hero was such a great feeling.

I woke up the next morning and immediately checked the Pioneer Press website to see if his picture had made it to their site. I was so excited to find this picture online.

Christopher and Joe Mauer from the photographers perspective.

When my wife woke up I headed out to Brueggers Bagels to get some breakfast. I opened up the sports page of the Pioneer Press when I was there to find a picture in the paper of Christopher too!

Christophers picture in the paper.

This was definitely the most exciting and memorable to trip to Twinsfest to date. Not only did Christopher get to meet his favorite player but now we have these two different types of media to preserve his memory forever. I know this will be a Twinsfest that I will never forget, and I hope Christopher will always remember it as well.

The bat Joe signed for my son.

I would like to sincerely thank the Minnesota Twins for putting on such a fantastic event every year, Joe Mauer for making such a great memory for my son and family, Jean Pieri for capturing the moment of meeting Joe Mauer, Dustin Wiste for providing me with the tickets, my mother for babysitting, Kyle Gibson and Brian Dozier for being so outgoing and friendly. Together you all helped make this such a fantastic experience for my son and I.

Get to know @bristolmarunde

photo courtesy of www.bristolmarunde.com

Bristol Marunde is a fighter out of Henderson Nevada, part of team Throw Down Training Center, and owner of Reign MMA who was recently named the Best Amateur MMA Fight Promoter in Washington State. Bristol how did it feel to win that award? " I was extremely happy because the competition is  very stiff  in WA for MMA promotions. I've worked very hard, and have had many sleepless nights building the company." What prompted you to start Reign Promotions? " I wanted a fight company that watched out for young fighters, and one that can blow fans away with the production value."

Bristol was recently on TUF 16 (The Ultimate Figher) as a contestant fighting for a contract with UFC where he was part of the top 6 fighters, until he was defeated by Neil Mangy by way of unanimous decision during the 10th episode. While you were on TUF what were some of the things you and the other guys did to fill your time? " We made a chess board out of shot glasses and athletic tape. We had a house tournament and surprisingly Julian Lane (the red mohawk) beat everyone and is a really good chess player." What were some of the stranger things that happened in the TUF house? " I would have to say the strangest thing was taking a dump for the first time on camera and being miked up.... very unsettling knowing someone is watching....." You also had to cut a significant amount of weight to get onto TUF after fighting at 205, 185 and finally 170 to be on the show what was it like to try and cut that weight and what were some of the techniques you used? " The first cut to 170 to get on The Ultimate Fighter was hard, because that was my first time ever making 170 since high school in 2000. I really had to be careful with my water, sodium, and carb intake for that big of a cut. I sat in the hot tub to sweat most of the 20lbs off."

You started wrestling when you were 10 years old and later moved to the cage, what influenced that decision?  " My older brother the late Jesse Marunde pushed me into MMA stating that I had taken his best punches for years, now it was time I do it in the cage." What are some of the current goals you are working towards in your MMA career? " My goal has been the same and that is to be top 5 in the world. I have a long way to go, as I'm currently somewhere in the 40-50 range but the journey has been exciting..." To achieve your goal do you train hard all year round or is it more of a laid back approach until you have a fight scheduled? " I like to maintain a healthy standard year round. When I have a fight scheduled that's when I start to condition for it. A fighter can't be in fight shape year round, it would kill a man." So what does your daily training regimen consist of? " I usually train once a day and my day is either submission wrestling for MMA or its focused on take-downs. On days I don't do either of those I am working on the weight room becoming explosive and precise."

 Your current record stands at 12-7 with a healthy mix of your wins coming by way of knockout, submission or decision, if you could fight anyone in the sport who would it be? " I'd like to fight Jon Fitch, I'd like to see if I could stop his take downs and out grind a grinder of his caliber." What if you could see any two fighters go toe to toe, who would they be? " I'd like to see Chuck Liddel come out of retirement and fight Forrest Griffin... I pick my training partner Forrest because he could grind Chuck out for the W." MMA is obviously a physically demanding sport do you think that is the hardest part of it or would you say it's more of a mental game? " You can't have one without the other. A 'head case' is worthless even with a super athlete body. I'd rather be a fat kid with a strong mind."

Bristol is not just a fighter he is also a family man married with one son, what are some things you did to deal with spending all that time away from them when you were on TUF? " It was horrifying being away from my family for 7 weeks on the TUF show. I hated it and it made me feel like a prisoner not being able to talk to them.  I never want to be away for that long again." What are some ways you like to spend your free time in between your fights? " I stay busy with my 2 year old son who has more energy that I know what to do with. As he gets older our toys get cooler, we're working on mom letting us take him out on the ATV's..."

You seem to have quite a few tattoo's do any of them mean something special to you? " My brother Jesse Marunde died in 2007 and he was a world famous strongman placing 2nd in the 2005 Metrx World's Strongest Man, and I have a tattoo of him lifting an atlas stone in remembrance of him."

photo courtesy of www.bristolmarunde.com

So if you could be any super hero or villain who would you be and why? " I am definitely a good guy so I would have to be a super her that saves people. I would be Batman, he has it all. " some may say that you had a 'super hero' experience quite a few years ago when you found yourself in the media spotlight after you caught a rapist leaving your neighbors apartment in Bellevue. What was that whole experience like? " It was a scary situation because as I chased this big unknown guy down the street I didn't know if he had a gun or a knife. We stopped at the corner of a busy intersection, I head kicked him and knocked him down to the ground where I held him at 'fist point' while the crowd of horrified onlookers all dialed 911. Luckily the cops came fast, it started getting awkward as I realized I had no shirt, no shoes, and just a pair of shorts on..."



 As one fun question what is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?


" I was asked to sign a ladies hooha but politely declined. Plus she wasn't that hot...."

@boofbonser1 Get to Know Boof Bonser

Boof Bonser is a pitcher in the San Fransisco Giants organization. He has also spent time with the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics. When Boof was in high school he earned an elite status from posting a record of 24-9 through out his four years at Gibbs High School. During his senior year he posted a 7-3 record while batting .523 with 11 home runs. Boof made his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins on May 21st, 2006 replacing Kyle Lohse in the rotation who was struggling at the time.
 All questions were emailed to Boof Here is what he had to say.

Waiting to deliver the pitch

Boof stretching during warm ups

Q:What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: " My grandfather just always had me out in the yard playing baseball. It was fun for me so I kept on playing."

Q:What's your favorite city to play in?
A: "My favorite city to play in is Tampa Bay. I get to play in front of my family and friends."

Q:What's your best baseball memory.
A: "baseball memory, still has to be the day that I got called up."

Q:What was it like when you were drafted?
A: "The day I got drafted was great, I had all my friends and family over and when the phone call came in that I got drafted my whole house went crazy."

Q:Have you ever waken up and said "I don't want to go to work today"?
A: "No, I love this game to much."

Q:What is the Best clubhouse prank you pulled/saw/had pulled on you?
A: " I glued a teammates shower shoes above his locker and he had no idea that they were there."

Q:What is the  Funniest/ Strangest thing you've seen in the clubhouse?
A: "I have no idea, I see stuff everyday."

Q:What's your favorite off season activity?
A: " I like to get out and play a little bit of golf."

Q:What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: " I like football, never had the chance to play."

Q:Who was your childhood role model?
A: "Nolan Ryan, Chipper Jones."

Q:What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: "To see the city, look around."

Q:What did it feel like to get your first strikeout?
A: "I have no Idea, I think because I was still so nervous that I was in the big leagues."

Q:What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A: "I had to sign a shoe one time that was weird."

Q:What is the biggest personal change you've had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: "Learning how to grow up. Become a man."

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

A: "I will stick with baseball, the athletes are so good at what they do."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?

A: "I like fan mail, if we didn't have fans we wouldn't have baseball."

Q: Do you collect sports cards/memorabilia? If so anyone in particular?

A: "I collect all kinds of stuff, more is better."

Benefit information *UPDATE RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE!*

I just wanted to give all of the regular readers a heads up. I will be taking a short break from interviewing while I work on planning and hosting a benefit for my grandmother. Annetta is currently battling cancer for the 4th time in three years if you would like to read her story you can find it on her Caring Bridge site. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Chad


The Benefit planning is coming along nicely. My mother, aunt, and myself have been collecting donations that can be used as part of our raffle or silent auction. We currently have 4 raffle prizes that include a 32g iPad3, an autographed and framed Harmon Killebrew 8x10, $100 cash, and a Vera Bradley hand bag with matching coin purse.
 Our silent auction includes several "date nights" (movie passes with restaurant gift cards) lots of autographed memorabilia, a men and women's mystery bag a wine cheese and cracker basket. and many more items. We are still looking for help spreading the word about the benefit, as well as taking donations whether they be monetary or items we can use in our raffle or silent auction. You can find more information and join our facebook event page here.

 We have set up a paypal account that can be used to donate money, all proceeds will go directly into the Annetta Bennett Benefit Fund. This is the same way that we will sell raffle tickets for the people who wish to participate, but are not able to attend. If you only want to donate monetarily you may do so at anytime by following this

Raffle tickets are now available! Here is how it works for those of you who wish to participate with out coming to the event. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 click the link above which will take you to our paypal donation site. Enter the denomination for the amount of raffle tickets you would like to purchase. In the comment section please include your name and phone number so that we may contact you if you win. Please also enter the number of raffle tickets you would like in each basket for the raffle item(s) you would like a chance to win! Here are the prizes and the numbers of the baskets that go with them.

1. $200.00 JC Penny gift card (donated anonymously).
2. $100.00 Cash (Donated by Becky Bennett, Annetta's daughter).
3. 32g iPad 3 and $30 worth of iTunes gift cards (donated by Debbie Bennett Annetta's daughter)
4. Autographed and framed Harmon Killebrew 8x10 (donated by Phil Carter)
5. Vera Bradley hand bag and coin purse (donated by Collectors Gallery)

So if you want to purchase 6 raffle tickets here is an example of what the comment box should look like.

ex.
Chad Johnson
xxx-xxx-xxxx
3 tickets in number 4
2 tickets in number 3
1 ticket in number 2


If you have any questions please comment below or email me at cjohnson0708@gmail.com

32g iPad3 Raffle prize number 3

Autographed Harmon Killebrew 8x10 raffle prize number 4 

Vera Bradley hand bag with matching coin purse raffle prize number  5

Here is a look at some of our raffle prizes that you could win for just $1 and also a look at a couple of silent auction items. I hope to see you there!

Wild prize pack with gloves, scarf, duffle bag and much more!

Original art "On Higher Ground" by Jim Murphy

Dunn Brothers basket with T-shirt, free 1lb of coffee and two glasses

Date Night #3 Free large pizza from Davanni's and two movies passes to Woodbury 10 

Minnesota Vikings prize pack an autographed Brian Robison 8x10
an autographed Kyle Rudolph 8x10 and a Minnesota Vikings flag
*SILENT AUCTION*

Date night #2 Two movies passes to Woodbury 10 and $25 for The Machine Shed

Date night #6 Two passes to The Rick Bronson House of Comedy
and $50 to Stella's Fish Cafe

Minnesota Timberwolves prize pack with two tickets to the March 10th game,
an autographed Nikola Pekovic 8x10 a Crunch bobble head and more!
*SILENT AUCTION*

 My mother and I have decided to add a "spirit wall" to the benefit. Basically we are going to construct a tower or wall of alcohol; beer, wine, hard liquor etc. For $10 you will get one raffle ticket to be used only for the spirit wall. If your name gets called you take all of the alcohol home. *MUST BE 21 TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS RAFFLE*