Casey Schroeder: Clean Eatz

-The K Zone-

August 19th 2018

Casey Schroeder

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What are some of your favorite parts about the White Sox Organization?

Casey Schroeder: One of my favorite things about the White Sox organization is some of the cities I have gotten to play in. I have gotten to see a lot of different places in the country. I really enjoyed my time out in Montana during my first year with the organization.

Mike Duffy: What was it like playing for Coastal Carolina University? What are some of your favorite moments there?

Casey Schroeder: Playing for and attending Coastal was awesome. It is truly an experience I will never forget. Probably my favorite moment was hitting a homer in the first game in our new stadium. I loved my coaching staff and teammates there and Coastal will always have a special place in my heart.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Minor League Or Major league team name?

Casey Schroeder: I would say my favorite minor league team name that I know of would be the Montgomery Biscuits. Big league team would be the Indians because that was my favorite team growing up.

Mike Duffy: You mentioned that your favorite team growing up was the Indians, why was that your favorite team?

Casey Schroeder: My favorite team was the Cleveland Indians due to me being from Ohio and my dad and grandpa being huge fans as well.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Casey Schroeder: I guess I had always wanted to play professional baseball my whole life. I would say that desire grew when I was in high school because I began seeing that I might have to opportunity to actually do it.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Casey Schroeder: My favorite player growing up was Jim Thome. Getting to meet him and work with him due to him working for the White Sox has been absolutely surreal.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Casey Schroeder: My favorite big league stadium is Jacobs’s field (progressive field) but will always be the jake to me.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job in the offseason?

Casey Schroeder: I have bartended in the past but this offseason I am opening a healthy eating restaurant in Columbus Ohio.

Mike Duffy: What inspired you to open Clean Eatz?

Casey Schroeder: It is a franchise and I learned about it when training in Myrtle beach. I became friends with the owner and discussed his business model and thought it would be a good investment. Did about a year and a half of research on the company and what they offer fits my lifestyle so I decided to do it.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Casey Schroeder: I would say my favorite baseball memories are taking groundballs with my dad when I was growing up. I lost him unexpectedly last year so that’s what I miss the most.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Casey Schroeder: When going through tough times I always tell myself what my dad has always told me which is you can only control your own attitude and effort.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Casey Schroeder: I like the #goodbatting book by Kevin Wilson.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Casey Schroeder: Favorite movie is happy gilmore.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Casey Schroeder: Favorite tv show is Tucker Carlson Tonight.

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Casey Schroeder: My favorite band of all time is ACDC but I would say my favorite musician is Tom Petty. Favorite song by him is refugee.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Casey Schroeder: My favorite hobby other than baseball is playing guitar.

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Future Sox Photos Used

Noah Vaughan: Maple Kings

-The K Zone-

August 13th 2018

Noah Vaughan

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What are some of your favorite parts about the Oakland Athletics Organization?

Noah Vaughan: The Oakland Athletics organization has treated me very well as person and a player. They lookout for you and want nothing but the best for you. Also, the white cleats is a nice addition.

Mike Duffy: What was it like playing for University of Texas, Arlington? What are some of your favorite moments there?

Noah Vaughan: Playing at UTA was everything I hoped it would be. It was a great program that got me the exposure and experience I needed to excel as a player. I can’t thank the University and the coaching staff enough for getting me where I am today. My favorite moments there include beating no. 4 Texas Tech at Globe Life Park my sophomore year, beating Texas A&M in 18 innings in College Station on a Tuesday Night, and hitting a walk off home run against Georgia State to finish off the sweep my Junior year.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Milb team name?

Noah Vaughan: My Favorite Milb team name is Vermont Maple Kings. That was an awesome one night jersey and name that I wish was our permanent name.

Mike Duffy: Is there a certain personal reason you chose to wear #3?

Noah Vaughan: There’s no specific reason I chose number three. I came in and joined the team a week lake so it was one of the better numbers still left to choose from.

Mike Duffy: Did you buy anything cool with your singing bonus or are you saving it up?

Noah Vaughan: I haven’t bought anything with my signing bonus yet. I plan on investing majority of it so It can grow and be available for use later when I need it more.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite thing about being a lefty?

Noah Vaughan: I like being a lefty because to me there’s just something about a lefty swing that is so sexy. Lefties are always considered “weird” but I think righties are just jealous they don’t have it like us.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Noah Vaughan: From the age of four when I was asked in school what I wanted to do when I grew up I always wrote “be a professional baseball player” and usually got a laugh out of my teachers because it’s not realistic, but I knew it was obtainable if I simply put the work in.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Noah Vaughan: Jason Giambi was always my favorite growing up. Great lefty slugger.

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Noah Vaughan: I grew up a Yankees fan.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Noah Vaughan: I got to do a pre draft workout in Minute Maid stadium in Houston and have to say that was the coolest stadium and field I’ve ever been in!

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job in the offseason?

Noah Vaughan: I will probably drive for Uber and Give lessons during the off season.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Noah Vaughan: My favorite baseball memory was hitting a walk off home run my junior year against Georgia State to complete the sweep.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Noah Vaughan: When I’m struggling I just tell myself to “just keep swinging” it’s simple and I know eventually if I just keep swinging it the hits will come.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Noah Vaughan: Favorite book is any book from the among the hidden series I read in middle school, I need to read more haha.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Noah Vaughan: Favorite movie is Rookie of the year.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Noah Vaughan: Favorite TV show is Game of Thrones.

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Noah Vaughan: Favorite musician is Kygo and favorite song is This is Gospel by Panic! At the disco.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Noah Vaughan: Besides baseball I love making music whether it’s on my laptop or playing guitar that’s one of my favorite hobbies.

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Ryan Burr: Arizona State to the White Sox

-The K Zone-

August 3rd 2018

Ryan Burr

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What are some of your favorite parts of the White Sox Organization?

Ryan Burr: My favorite part about being with the White Sox is being around so much young talent and knowing how good this next wave of young players can be when we all get to the next level.

Mike Duffy: What were some of your favorite memories in the Diamondback Organization?

Ryan Burr: My favorite memories with the diamondbacks were becoming best friends with all of my teammates and being able to help my first team the Hillsboro Hops win a championship.

Mike Duffy: What has been your favorite team to play for so far like Hillsboro Hops, Kane County Cougars, Visalia Rawhide, Winston-Salem Dash, Birmingham Barons, or your new team the Charlotte Knights?

Ryan Burr: I loved Hillsboro, but I also loved Birmingham. Charlotte is incredible, but I think Birmingham so far has been my favorite.

Mike Duffy: What was it like playing for Arizona State? What are some of your favorite moments there?

Ryan Burr: Arizona State was the best college experience I could’ve ever asked for. I made the best friends there, and had some of the best baseball experiences of my life. My favorite moments are playing in the regionals, throwing the last pitch at Packard stadium, and setting a new saved record there.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Ryan Burr: When I was about 12 years old I knew I wanted to play professionally.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Ryan Burr: My favorite player growing up was Troy Tulowitzki.

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Ryan Burr: I grew up a Rockies fan.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Ryan Burr: Coors field is my favorite stadium I’ve been to.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job in the offseason?

Ryan Burr: This past off season I drove Uber and helped work security at a bar in Scottsdale.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Ryan Burr: My favorite baseball memories are probably from my times with Team USA.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Ryan Burr: My motto is: Just Keep Pitching.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Ryan Burr: Favorite book is the Lone Survivor.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Ryan Burr: Favorite movie is Pineapple Express.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Ryan Burr: Favorite tv show is Eastbound and Down.

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Ryan Burr: I like all kinds of music, from Drake to Eric Church to Kygo to Metallica, I listen to all sorts of music.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Ryan Burr: My hobbies outside of baseball include hiking, camping, hunting, shooting guns, traveling. Going to concerts and just having a good time.

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Sam Tidaback: Baseball & Marketing

-The K Zone-

August 2nd 2018

Sam Tidaback

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What are some of your favorite parts of the Rockies Organization?

Sam Tidaback: I think that my favorite part of the Rockies organization is the atmosphere and the people around the organization. Everyone has been awesome since I signed here and it’s been a great environment to be in. Everyone is supportive and everyone challenges you to be your best on and off the field everyday.

Mike Duffy: What has been your favorite team to play for so far like South Bend Cubs, Eugene Emeralds, Boise Hawks, or your new team the Hartford Yard Goats?

Sam Tidaback: I can honestly say that I have had some great experiences so far. I really loved Boise because of the players on the team and I had a great host family. But I can honestly say Hartford has been the best. It’s almost like playing in the big leagues. It’s challenging. The stadium is unbelievable. And our fan base is great. I also love being around the guys on an everyday basis and our coaching staff is awesome.

Mike Duffy: What was it like playing for North Georgia? What are some of your favorite moments there?

Sam Tidaback: Playing for North Georgia was a one of a kind experience. I loved every minute of it. Coach Cantrell was unbelievable and the assistant coaches were one of a kind. We had an unbelievable following and our stadium was very very impressive for a division 2 school. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those guys. I also made lifelong friends there that I’ll never forget. I think my favorite moment was winning the conference and playing in a regional there.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Sam Tidaback: I would say I have always wanted to play professional baseball. Every baseball player dreams of doing that. But I honestly did not think I could do it until I transferred to North Georgia. They gave me the confidence and the guidance to conquer my hopes and dreams of playing pro ball.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Sam Tidaback: I loved Derek Jeter and Sammy Sosa growing up.

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Sam Tidaback: Chicago Cubs all the way.

Mike Duffy: What was it like being drafted by your favorite team growing up?

Sam Tidaback: It honestly was the greatest feeling in the world. To grow up loving them. It was unreal. My dad grew up like 20 blocks from wrigley so it was awesome for my dad and my family and everyone that I know that are cubs fans.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Sam Tidaback: Fenway Park. Wrigley field and PNC Park.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job in the offseason?

Sam Tidaback: I work at a hitting facility in the off-season giving lessons and working with the local travel teams in my area.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Sam Tidaback: I think my favorite baseball memory is getting drafted in 2016 by the Chicago Cubs.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Sam Tidaback: I always tell myself that I have nothing to lose in this game if I’m down or out. I have a great family. Great health. I’ll have a degree in Marketing in December. I just always tell myself to go out and play hard and whatever happens happens. It’s all in God’s hands at that point.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Sam Tidaback: I would say ready player one is my favorite book.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Sam Tidaback: The Big Lebowski.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Sam Tidaback: Game of Thrones.

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Sam Tidaback: Anything by Led Zeppelin or Wiz Khalifa.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Sam Tidaback: My favorite hobby besides baseball is Golfing.

Mike Duffy: What is the host family experience like?

Sam Tidaback: It depends on who you get honestly. It is what you make of it. I love the host family experience because I love my home environment. If you are personable and can have conversations it is an unbelievable experience. You meet great people who care about you. But if you’re kind of shy and reserved it could be challenging.

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Caleb Frare: Chasing The SouthPaw Lion

-The K Zone-

July 30th 2018

Caleb Frare

The Nicest Guy In Baseball!

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What are you most looking forward too in the White Sox organization?

Caleb Frare: The opportunity to play and win the game I love. They’re rebuilding I hope I can be a part of that.

Mike Duffy: What has been your favorite team to play for so far like Trenton Thunder, Tampa Tarpoons, Charleston RiverDogs?

Caleb Frare: Trenton Thunder definitely.

Mike Duffy: What were some of your favorite memories as apart of the Yankees organization?

Caleb Frare: Celebrating with my teammates after playoff series wins has got to be the best. Never fortunate enough to win a championship but playoffs are a blast.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Caleb Frare: Since I was a little kid, become more of I can actually do this my senior year in hs.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Caleb Frare: Billy Wagner.

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Caleb Frare: Seattle Mariners.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Caleb Frare: Arm & Hammer Park (Trenton).

Mike Duffy: What mindset did you have to get over the hump of TJ Surgery? What ever you did it worked out and are seen as one of the best southpaw prospects in the game!

Caleb Frare: Tj was a grind. No doubt. I just had to keep getting after it.

Mike Duffy: What is being drafted from Montana like? It isn’t know as a big baseball state so what was that like big from that state and show how amazing you are in your career!

Caleb Frare: Being drafted out of Montana is something special definitely but it is just cool to chase my dream.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job in the off season?

Caleb Frare: I work for the family trucking business during the off season.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Caleb Frare: In hs I played a double header on Thursday night. Got on the bus. Drove 5 hours got to the field at 6 am and played 5 games that day. On no sleep. Won 4/5 that day 6/7 and won the tournament.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Caleb Frare: I pray and read the Bible. I don’t really have tough times cause God gives me peace.

Mike Duffy: What was MLB camp like?

Caleb Frare: MLB camp is really cool. You’ve got young guys like me and veterans all playing together. It is a really cool experience.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Caleb Frare: “Chase the Lion” by Mark Batterson.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Caleb Frare: The Intern.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Caleb Frare: Parks & Rec.

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Caleb Frare: Def Leppard “Pour Sugar on Me”.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Caleb Frare: Games (board, video, something that’s competitive).

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Sixto Sánchez: Assessing the Phillies’ Top Prospect and His Role in the Manny Machado Trade

The K Zone

by Maddie Marriott

July 23rd, 2018

Anyone who pays attention to Major League Baseball has heard about former Baltimore Oriole, Manny Machado, being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers this past week. Many thought the All-Star power hitter and infielder would be coming to the Philadelphia Phillies, but in the end, the Dodgers’ offer won out and they were able to add the All-Star slugger to their roster.

Rumors of a handshake deal bringing Machado to Philadelphia circulated around the league earlier this week and likely made their way to the Dodgers, who upped their offer and beat out the Phillies to bring Machado to L.A. There is no doubt that Machado would have made a great edition to the already successful Phillies. Although they are first in the NL East, the Phillies are one of the worst hitting teams in the MLB. In the first half of the season, Machado had a higher batting average, slugging percentage, and on base percentage than any of the Phillies, as well as more home runs and RBIs. With a 2.9 WAR and a batting average of .317 so far in 2018, almost everyone here in Philly would have liked to see Machado swinging in a Phillies jersey. But, it’s also worth asking the question: How much is he worth giving up?

The final terms of the trade between the Orioles and the Dodgers included the Dodgers’ prospects Yusniel Diaz, Dean Kremer (who was the first Israeli to be drafted by a major league team in 2015), Zach Pop, Rylan Bannon, and Breyvic Valera in exchange for Machado. Since Corey Seager, the Dodgers’ primary shortstop, is out for the rest of the 2018 season, the aggressive and even risky move makes sense for the Dodgers. But, with Machado becoming a free agent at the end of this season, some would say they gave up too much.

I can only assume this was an issue for the Phillies, who were reportedly willing to give up some of their top prospects to get Machado, including pitcher Adonis Medina, pitcher Franklyn Kilome, outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz, and infielder Arquimedes Gamboa, all in the top 10 in their list of prospects. However, there is one prospect that, as Bob Brookover of The Inquirer wrote, is on their “don’t-even-bother-asking list.” That would be Sixto Sánchez, nineteen year-old pitcher from the Dominican Republic.

So, how does Sánchez stack up against other pitchers? Let’s start with some stats. Sánchez has made eight starts for the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League so far in the 2018 season. He’s pitched a complete game and has an ERA of 2.51, well under the Florida State League average of 3.57. His WHIP, or walks plus hits per innings pitched, is an impressive 1.071. According to FanGraphs, anything above 1.1 is considered “great.” The average WHIP of the whole league is 1.31. In 46.2 innings pitched, Sánchez has given up only one home run and eleven walks. His strikeout to walk ratio in 2018 is 4.09, well above the Florida State League average of 2.59. Sánchez falls in the top 25 in the league for these four stats. Phillies pitchers have given up home runs in important situations this year, but not Sánchez. The fact that he has only given up one home run in forty six innings means that his average number of home runs he gives up per nine innings is 0.2. His fastball has been clocked at a whopping 102 mph.

Just as important as his stats is his attitude. How Sánchez rebounds from his current elbow injury will be the next step in determining whether he will be successful with the Phillies. Talent, which Sánchez clearly has, isn’t the only ingredient to success. Whether keeping Sánchez was worth losing Machado to the Dodgers remains to be seen. There are no guarantees with prospects, but also no guarantees for an upcoming free agent. While Machado may be a safer bet for this season because of his already proven talent, I believe that keeping Sánchez is a better option for the future of the Phillies organization. He has been compared to Pedro Martinez because of his size, skill, and country of origin. The people of Philadelphia can only hope that he lives up to the career of the All-Star and Hall of Famer.

(all credit for images goes to original owners)

Pat Light: Fan of the Yankees but Debuting for the Red Sox

-The K Zone-

July 22nd 2018

Pat Light

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Pat Light: Derek Jeter!

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Pat Light: The Yankees!

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Pat Light: Investing my own money! It’s like a video game to me.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Pat Light: Fenway Park.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Pat Light: Home Alone.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Pat Light: How I Met Your Mother!

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Pat Light: When the Wolves Bite.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Pat Light: Not really I just pride myself on not being a quitter so I always just keep going!

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Pat Light: When I first picked up a baseball!

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Pat Light: Making my Debut for sure!

Mike Duffy: Who is your favorite Musician and what’s your favorite song?

Pat Light: Billy Joel and Piano Man.

Mike Duffy: What do you love most about playing professional baseball?

Pat Light: Just a good time playing the sport you love with some great guys and traveling the country! Nothing better!

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job during the offseason?

Pat Light: No second Job but i do own a couple restaurants!

Mike Duffy: What has been your favorite team you have played for?

Pat Light: Probably the Red Sox because it’s who I came up with and have the most memories with.

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Odúbel Herrera: Keeping Baseball Fun

The K Zone

July 22nd, 2018

by Maddie Marriott

On any given night, centerfield for the Phillies is occupied by the freakishly athletic, always entertaining Odúbel Herrera. The 26 year-old Venezuelan fireball has certainly made his mark in Philadelphia since making his debut with the Phillies on April 6, 2015. Nicknamed “El Torito,” meaning “The Little Bull,” Herrera lives up to the name by playing both offense and defense with passion. Defensively, Herrera is known to rob a home run or two, in style, of course. He plays with flare, which usually means giving a little extra jump when pulling in a tough fly ball, just to keep us on our toes. His most memorable snag of the season has to be from April 28th against the Braves when he quite literally reached into the bushes of the Citizens Bank Park outfield to pull in a Freddy Freeman home run.

For all his defensive skill, his offensive performance has been nothing to overlook. With his obvious speed on the base paths and notable power at the plate, it’s no surprise that Herrera has racked up over fifty home runs and two hundred RBIs in less than two thousand at-bats. If it’s streaks that impress you, prepare to be amazed. Herrera reached base in 45 straight games this season, which is the fourth longest streak in Phillies history, behind some names you might have heard before: Mike Schmidt leads the pack with 56 during the 1981 – 1982 season, followed by Bobby Abreu with 52 in 2000 – 2001, and Chuck Klein with 44 in the 1940s. With this streak, he surpassed some other memorable names, like Richie Ashburn, Pete Rose, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley. He homered in five straight games in June, and has already passed his previous home run record and is set to pass his previous RBI record.

Aside from his athletic feats, there’s just something about Herrera that makes him fun to watch. First, let’s talk about his hair. Anyone who has seen Odúbel Herrera can probably agree that his most notable physical feature is his recently dyed dreadlocks. Only a few people could pull of the unique bronze color, but Herrera is certainly has the confidence to do it. “They love my hair,” he claimed in a quirky post-game interview with Gregg Murphy, “They call me Lion King.” When you watch Odúbel play baseball, you know he loves the game as well as his teammates and fans. Whether it’s flashing his signature bull horns to the dugout from second base or being caught with a goofy grin in the outfield, Herrera’s attitude toward the game reminds us why we watch baseball in Philadelphia in the first place; to work hard and compete, but have fun while doing it. I can’t speak for all Phillies Phans, but I certainly hope El Torito flashes his bull horns in Philly for years to come.

(all credit for images goes to original owners)

Hunter Speer: Sports Run Through His Blood

-The K Zone-

July 21st 2018

Hunter Speer

Interview by Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: What was your favorite part about being from New Orleans?

Hunter Speer: I would have to say my favorite part about being from Nola is the food & my family for sure!

Mike Duffy: Why did you pick #6 as your jersey number?

Hunter Speer: I wore number 6 in college & just so happened to get it in pro ball as well, it was hanging in my locker when I arrived! When I was in college I wore it because of stroman & I really enjoyed watching him pitch and compete.

Mike Duffy: Do you have any Gameday superstitions?

Hunter Speer: Gameday superstitions and really everyday superstitions is me chewing orbit bubble mint gum every time I play catch at practice or toe the rubber in a game!

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Hunter Speer: My favorite athlete growing up would be Joe McKnight, and baseball player growing up would have to be Chad Gaudin. He taught me how to pitch at a young age and I got a chance to follow his career from a personal level and that was amazing for me to be able to see what he did in Big league baseball for so long.

Mike Duffy: What team were you the biggest fan of growing up?

Hunter Speer: The dodgers were actually my favorite club, ever since I was a young boy. As well as my favorite stadium, blue heaven is one of a kind and it was the first big league stadium that I’ve ever been to!

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite movie?

Hunter Speer: Remember the Titans probably (big movie fan so that’s a hard one).

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite Tv show?

Hunter Speer: Prison Break

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite book?

Hunter Speer: Drew Brees : Coming Back Stronger (read that after I had shoulder surgery as a freshman in college).

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Hunter Speer: Not sure if I have a certain motto, but I really enjoy watching Inky Johnson’s work as a speaker whenever times are tough & maybe I’m playing bad or I don’t feel well that day or just to get me out of a hole I listen to his work and that’s helped me a bunch over the years.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Hunter Speer: I knew I wanted to be a professional from a very young age, my dad was a Dallas cowboy, older brother was a New Orleans Saint, middle brother was drafted by the Rays, played with the marlins and nationals organization as well, and then I’m the last of the bunch with the dodgers so my whole life I was working toward one goal and it’s led me to this profession and I couldn’t be happier doing what I do everyday! I absolutely love coming to work everyday, it’s a privilege and an honor to be a dodger.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Hunter Speer: My favorite memory thus far baseball wise was the draft this year for sure, being able to hear my name called with my family is something I will never forget!

Mike Duffy: Do you have a second job during the offseason?

Hunter Speer: No job during the off season! Just train, I take that extremely serious to prepare for the next year.

Mike Duffy: Do you stay with a host family?

Hunter Speer: Host family right now in Ogden yes! Awesome people, super thankful to stay with them!

Mike Duffy: What are some of the best and hardest things about being a minor leaguer?

Hunter Speer: I would have to say all of it for me is amazing honestly! I know people say minor league ball can be miserable and this and that with the long road trips and whatever else but that’s all apart of it. I absolutely love going to work everyday & being in this organization is amazing I wouldn’t change it for the world! Everything about minor league baseball to me is everything I’ve ever wanted so why complain!??! I’m having the time of my life and only getting better with time! Super thankful for the opportunity the dodgers have given me in this years draft. It’s a dream come true!

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