Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the first thing you do when you get to the batter's box?
A: Make friends with the umpire. Shake their hand. Then reassure them and protect them.
Q: What is the hardest training technique you have used for catching?A: Honestly, my step-dad taught me the most catching skills. This might sound harsh, but he used to tie my hands behind my back and chuck balls at me. I wasn't allowed to let any balls get past me and I had to block the balls. It sounds awful, I know, but it wasn't. I hated it at first, but I quickly learned how to block the ball with my body.
Q: What is your favorite baseball memory?A: It's actually my favorite and my least favorite. It was the final league Championship game for Ohio Pitbulls Baseball and our team was undefeated. We ended up winning that game which was the sweetest feeling. However, it was my final game with the Pitbulls as I aged out of the program. That was sinking to leave those teammates, that team, and that coach.
Q: Do you enjoy other sports or hobbies besides baseball?A: I like most sports, actually. But if I had to list some hobbies I really enjoy, that would be fishing and hunting. Recently, I've enjoyed working on old cars and trucks.
Q: What was your worst experience with fans?A: During a championship game. there were 5 or 6 high school students who were really loud, distracting, and taunting. They bullied every batter of ours at the plate and every player we had on the field. The parents on our side were very upset and tried to calm them down. I was at the plate as the catcher, so I heard it the most. I ignored it. It didn't help that our team was losing. But suddenly, every single one of our batters began hitting major hits. Double by double by double. It was a God thing I think. We started to win and those 5 or 6 students had to get up and walk out in front of our fans. They were humiliated. It was amazing. We won that Championship game with pure sportsmanship.
Q: What is the fastest ball you've ever caught.A: The fastest is 98mph. On one occasion, the ball was so fast that it blew halfway through my mitt.
Q: Has being a baseball player helped you off the field?A: All I can say is 'how has it not?' I think every little boy should play baseball. The teachings are endless. It teaches you leadership, confidence, strength, courage, integrity, teamwork, discipline, commitment, sacrifice....I could keep going.
Q: What is the one thing you've heard the most in all your years of baseball?A: Baseball is 95% mental. Ugh. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that phrase. But it's true. Any negative talk in your mind will completely alter the way you play. Confidence and believing in yourself and your team is key.
Q: If you could play another position besides catcher, what would it be?A: HAHA. I love being the catcher, but I also really love playing shortstop. I never really get the opportunity to play that position, unless we're really up in the lead., but that is the one position I'd pick. I played centerfield a long time ago, so I guess I like being right up the middle.
Q: How much training do you do during the year?A: It depends on the season. I typically train every month of the year. It is not abnormal to put in 5-10 hours on the field some days. Currently, I am training at UNOH. I start with Fall Ball and then train for the spring season. When summer comes, I am typically in a summer league. To sum all that up, I train 12 months of the year.
Q: Have you ever had a batting slump?A: Absolutely. Every baseball player does. It's so easy to get inside your own mind. But you have to refocus. Keep training. And just find a way to get out of the slump. It might be a small tweak in mechanics that can get you out of it. But your biggest obstacle during a slump is your own mind.