Around the Diamond with Ricky Rodriguez
Q: How did you feel when you were selected for the 2016 All-Star game?
A: It was a great feeling. I felt very proud of myself. It's awesome when you see your hard work pay off, let alone be recognized for it.
Q: How did you get started in baseball? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do with your future?
A: I started as a 4-year-old playing tee ball. Once I got to high school I really knew that this was what I wanted to do for a career.
Q: How did you develop your unique batting stance?
A: In my junior college, my Coach Dennis suggested that I keep my hands down as late as possible to keep me loose, and it worked – with very good results!
Q: What made you decide that you wanted to change your hair style last season? Why did you decide on something completely different?
A: I was hitting balls really hard, but not finding holes – so basically I needed some knocks. I made a sacrifice to the baseball gods and they accepted the sacrifice, with much reward.
Q: What has been your all-time favorite memory playing baseball?
A: Cooperstown when I was 11 – it’s a tournament in Cooperstown N.Y. I had the chance to visit the Hall of Fame and stay in cabins with the whole team. We also ate all meals in a tent with 96 teams from across the country.
Q: Other than the Y'All Star Game, what was your favorite memory from your first Wild Things season?
A: Over all, the camaraderie on the team. We had a good group of guys; that's a huge part of being able to show up to the field and go to work. It makes it a lot easier when the guys on the team get along and are supporting each other.
Q: What are your expectations for the 2017 season?
A: To have a good year as a team and individually! And, if all goes well, get a chance to play affiliated ball.
Q: And lastly, what is your favorite thing about being a Washington Wild Thing?
A: Having Maria and Buzzy (Gaso) as a host family was great! They are amazing people and I truly appreciate them taking me in! They made the move to Washington very easy. Also, the fans are great! The little boy, Jacob (Hillier), who is always right behind the on deck circle who yells out all our names, he’s awesome!
The Wild Things will celebrate its 15th year in Washington at the home opener Friday, May 19th when the Windy City Thunderbolts come to town! Season ticket and group packages are available by calling the Wild Things’ box office at 724-250-9555.
