My interview with Pat Healey,Baltimore Blast MLS soccer player

I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite players on the Baltimore Blast MASL soccer team, Pat Healey.  Pat is the son of Kevin Healey (the President and General Manager of the Baltimore Blast) and grew up in Bel Air, Maryland.  He attended Calvert Hall High School (did I mention I go to Archbishop Curley, the rival school of Calvert Hall), and played Soccer at Towson University. At Towson, he was named the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year.  Pat was a three-time All-CAA selection and a two-time NSCAA/ADIDAS All-South Atlantic Region player.

How did you get started in soccer?  

 

I grew up with it. My grandfather and father were always in it. I started when I was 3 at Maryland sports arena in Edgewood. We played a lot in the living room, too. 

Did you just play soccer growing up? 

 

I played a lot of sports. Baseball, basketball and golf but soccer has always been my favorite. 

Did playing other sports help improve your skills as a soccer player? 

 

The movement in basketball is similar to soccer. Working in small spaces and combination play. Basketball is very similar to indoor soccer or Futsal. Baseball also helps with quick reactions and decision making. 

Who were some soccer role models you looked up to when you were coming up? 

 

My first role model was Chris Reif. He went to Calvert Hall and then eventually played for the Blast. Our families were friends so I saw him play a lot.  I watched the blast a lot growing up. Danny Kelly and Syracuse's head coach Tommy Tanner were great two way players that I watched. 

 

Who is the funniest player on the Blast?

 

Max Ferdinand thinks he is. Either Mike Deasel or Neto.  Two different sense of humors but both funny. 

What advice would you give to young players who want to become professional soccer players?

 

Dream big. Work hard. It's not easy and takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice. I was a kid from Baltimore watching the Blast and my dream came true. 

What is your favorite pre-game meal? Song?

 

I eat chipotle sometimes. We go there a lot, especially on the road. Chicken is usually in the pre-game meal somehow. 

Favorite song is hard. Maybe "Love and Memories" by OAR. It's my favorite band. I like all kinds of music. I listen to country a lot. 

 

How did you begin to plan for your professional soccer career? 

 

I was a sophomore in college and had the feeling I had a chance to become a pro. I started taking a lot of extra classes so I could graduate early because the MLS draft is in January. I would need to graduate a semester early.  Graduating was important to me. I put a lot of time the next 2 years studying and working hard in practice and extra after some practices. 

What was life as a “rookie” like a few years ago? What were the emotions? How did you stay focused? 

 

I was the only rookie playing so it was big. We had a lot of veterans so I just want to learn. Every practice was a new lesson. I watched and talked to Robbie Aristodemo all the time. Any advice he could give me was great. 

 

The guys on the team were great. I felt a part of the team right away. They kept me focused and hungry to learn. I try to do the same things with the new guys now. 

That's why the Blast is so great. Leaders. It's about the team. 

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey? 

 

The ball doesn't bounce your way sometimes. Been in the final 5 times in 6 years. Only won twice. Twice we were winning near the end of the game. Losing sucks but all you can do is try your best. 

What are your goals? Short-term? Long-term? 

 

Short term is win the MASL championship this year. Long term is to stay healthy and help the Blast keep getting better. I play for the U.S. Futsal national team and the World Cup is in 18 months so preparing for that too

 

 

I hope you guys enjoyed this interview as much as I did while constructing it. Thank you again Pat for the wonderful opportunity!  Thank you to the Baltimore Blast for the Photos and biography on Pat.

Hall Of Fame Balls #19 &20

Here they are ! I've been wanting to add more to my Hall Of Fame ball collection. Luke Appling I picked up for $8 it was a steal at auction. Billy Williams I got for $25 so not bad at all . Thanks for reading !

Hall Of Fame ball #18

Andre Dawson autographed baseball . I'm happy to add this ball to my collection.

One Goal for 2015

So I decided that I wish to expand my hall of famer signed baseball collection. As of right now I currently have 17 , my goal is to get 50 by the end of 2015. Will I accomplish it? I sure hope so . I have plenty more signed balls of guys who are sure to be first ballot HOF'ers such as Vlad Guerrero, Derek Jeter , etc. I hope you enjoy seeing the collection I have so far ! 

My interview with Adrian Marin

I was lucky enough to have a chance to do an interview with another baseball player.  He happens to be one of my favorite players.  I wish Adrian the best of luck in the future!

Here is his scouting report courtesy of http://www.scoutingbook.com/players/p3123

"The kind of prospect that makes scouts use the word 'athlete' ten times per report, Baltimore infielder Adrian Marin is a slappy shortstop who's easy to recognize at the plate thanks to his unusual approach. He looked good in his rookie league debut (.287/.339/.360 in 47 games) but he's still a pure potential player at this point. Watch him develop, don't expect much power, and he could be a useful piece of an MLB club in a couple of years."

Did you ever have a host family?  If so, Who did you stay with?

No, never.  I usually just get a couple guys from the team and we all pitch in for an apartment together.

What team did you grow up liking?

I liked the Red Sox growing up, Manny Ramirez and big Papi were one of my favorite duos.  I also enjoyed watching Nomar.

Which of today's players impress you most?

Mike Trout.  I think he's the best player overall in the game. Has all 5 tools and is so young. He's amazing on defense, and an even better offensive player.

Do you have any role models/ inspirations ?

Off the field definitely my mom.  She had to raise me alone and took me to every single practice and at the same time made time for her work. She's very strong and has helped me in life greatly. On the field, Derek Jeter.  He plays the game 100% and plays it the right way.  He's an amazing leader.

You are ranked 11th out of all Orioles prospects.  How does that make you feel? 

It's a great honor, but I have to continue working hard and make my way to the top.

Who is the best pitcher that you've faced up until this point in your career? 

I faced Chris Tillman in spring training and he was definitely one of the best pitchers I've faced.

How old were you when you first started playing baseball? Did you play any other positions?

I started when I was 4. I started by playing anywhere in the outfield and then around the time I was 6, I started playing second base and by 7-8 I started playing shortstop.  Ever since then I've stayed at that position.

If you weren't playing baseball, what would you want to be doing ?

I was really good at football, so maybe I would try that out. But, if not I would probably be studying something surrounding medicine.

What are your offseason plans?

I'm working hard in the gym and really focusing on my hitting technique and learning a lot of the mental part of the offensive game.

Who's your all-time favorite player?

Derek Jeter.

What is your most memorable moment in baseball? 

Getting drafted to play professionally.  It was a dream come true.

What did it feel like being drafted by the Orioles in the 3rd round of the 2012 MLB draft?

It was an amazing feeling. A very nerve wrecking process but once they picked me it was a great relief. I was excited to start right away.

Did you think you would be drafted at all? Earlier?

I thought I was going to get drafted. I just had no idea where. I had so many different predictions from everyone.

Have you ever asked for anyone's autograph? If you could obtain one from anyone in the sports world past or present who would it be?

I've never actually asked for anyone's autograph before. I do look up to some specific players for inspiration, so if I were to ask someone for their autograph it would be Derek Jeter. As far is in the past, it would be awesome to get Babe Ruth's.

Have you ever searched for your stuff online?

I have, but I have decided to stop searching, especially during season. 

Have a lot of people asked for your autograph? If your autograph was worth $50 would you sell your own stuff?

Usually every game fans ask for autographs, I'm just happy to have my own card and grateful for the opportunity.

Thanks for answering my questions, Adrian. It means a lot. Well that's all I had to ask for the interview. Any last remarks?

Alright. Awesome. Thanks for the opportunity.

First post of 2015

First off I wanna wish you all a happy new year! I hope everyone is home and spending time with their family. Hopefully all will return home safely if anyone went out and partied . I want to thank everyone who made 2014 a great year.I would like to thank my following baseball collectors: Will,Max,Scott, Caleb,Noah, and Chris. 

I have known Will for the past 2 years now and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet such an awesome guy. I met will on his blog, which by the way you should go and check out at "foulbunt". If you type that in on Google an awesome guy with an awesome collection will pop up. I can't wait to see you in January William and thanks for putting up with me .

Thanks to Will I got to meet 5 guys , one being his son Chris who is a super nice kid . Chris is starting out a great collection and loves Tim Lincecum , Giants and any Orioles so if you have any extras send them his way. Thanks for being my friend Chris.

Max,

You have been a great friend to me for the little bit of time I have known you . Max collects any Cubs ! If you have anything Cubs please send them his way. He is so nice and so easy to make a deal with . Best of luck in the future Max!

Scott,

Even though I have known you for very little time , I am so glad I met you . Even though we fight sometimes (most of the time ) just kidding, but seriously thanks for talking to me everyday and I hope to make a deal finally with you within the next 362 days.

Caleb,

Another guy I wouldn't have met if it wasn't for an awesome group and Will yet again. Even though I can't ever see you in the group chats because of the stupid rules of Skype, I enjoy hearing your voice everyday . Wait ...what ... I do?.... Anyways Caleb collects the Braves and I'm hoping to help him extend on a great Nick Markakis PC. Best of luck !

Noah,

Noah is morally the quiet one yet he comes out of nowhere and says the randomness things. Noah is hilarious and collects any Tigers or Lions stuff so please comment if you guys have any of the guys stuff I mentioned . 

Please leave a comment if you would like there blogs or their Instagrams to give some of the best collectors ever some attention ,that is much needed !

Happy 2015!

Sitting down with newly rule 5 draft pick Jason Garcia with the Baltimore Orioles

Jason Garcia followed me on Twitter the day after he was drafted . The Orioles had thee Astros select Jason so they made sure they got there guy. In return the Orioles have the Astros cash for him. When Jason faced the Orioles single A team he struck out 14 out of 18 guys . Some of those guys were Chance Sisco, Christian Walker and Chris Davis . Jason was very generous and told me that he would be more than willing to do an interview with me. I'm so thankful for the opportunity and wish Jason the best . 

Jason has not gotten much attention yet, but the right-handed pitcher could end up being a sleeper pick. Garcia dominated in his senior year season at Land O’ Lakes High School near Tampa, FL, posting a 2.01 ERA and striking out 72 batters in 58 innings. Originally committed to Florida Atlantic University, Garcia ended up signing with the Red Sox and went straight to the Gulf Coast League, where he posted a respectable 3.03 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and struck out 17 batters over 29.7 innings.

Selected in the Rule 5 Draft by Houston (Dec. 2014)

Scouting Report: Stiff mechanics with a average build. Throws from a high 3/4 arm slot with along arm action behind and a stab. Very quick to the plate. Fastball sat 91-93 mph with downward finish prior to TJ surgery. Post TJ surgery, fastball has drastically improved, sitting in the low-to-mid 90s and touching 100 mph. Fastball is on the straight side, but occassionaly shows arm-side run when he finishes his delivery. Still Improving command and fee for the pitch. Has trouble spotting pitch arm-side. Secondary offerings need considerable work and repations as he lacks feel for the offerings. Leans on an low-80s mph slider to finish batters off. Shows depth at times and late, hard break. Flashes solid-average potential, but below-average at present. Demonstrated good feel for the offering prior to TJ surgery. but working to regain that feel now. Changeup is a work in progress. Throws it in the mid-80s mph without much drop. On the firm side and looks more like a fastball he takes something off by slowing his arm down Uses infrequently in game situations. Very young for his draft class, but shows a lot of maturity and poise for his age. Fast learner, takes coaching well. Type of arm that can make strong strides with maturation during his early twenties. Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013, missing most of the season.

Did you ever have a host family ? Who'd you stay with? 

Yes In spring training a rehab. Her name was Sharon. She was a florist at the ritz and me and mike miller and Aaron Kurcz stayed with her in ft myers.

What team did you grow up liking?

The New York Mets.

What was it like coming back from TJ surgery?

It was tough. I think mentally it was the hardest. First couple times throwing all you can think about is the last time you threw a ball what happened. So I think I learned a lot about myself mentally and physically and saw how far I could push myself.

Which of today's players impress you most?

I would definitely have to say kershaw. I mean I feel like every pitcher watches him to learn and also Jose Hernandez. Played against him in highschool and he's so electric. 

Do you have any role models/ inspirations ?

Yes Pedro Martinez and Nolan Ryan. I'm a big 2seam guy and I love throwing my change up so I try to watch them and listen to a lot of interviews from them.

Who was the greatest hitter that you've faced up until this point in your career? 

Wow that's tough. I probably would have to say Brian McCan with Atlanta last year.

How do you feel about the use of radar guns and the emphasis on pitchers velocity these days?  

I mean I think velocity is now a lot more pressed on than ever, but you still gotta pitch and that's what people sometimes don't understand.

How old were you when you first started playing baseball? Were you always a pitcher or did you play any other positions ?

I was about 3.I grew up as a catcher and third baseman until sophomore year in highschool.

If you weren't playing baseball, what would you want to be doing ?

Marine biologist.

What are your offseason plans?

Be with the family and now work even that much harder to make the most of this opportunity to make a roster spot. I know I have a lot to prove so gotta just prepare.

Who's your all-time favorite player ? 

Pedro Martinez. That guy was just an animal on the mound

How did you feel when you got drafted by Boston in the 17th round of the 2010 MLB draft ?

I was so excited. Wasn't too sure if I go or not but I Was definitely excited.

Did you think you would go earlier ? At all?

I got a call from the rays and giants in the fifth but they sounded unsure.

What is your most memorable moment in baseball? 

Definitely Tommy John. I think it made me on and off the field better.

How did you feel when being selected by the orioles in the rule 5 draft ?

It still hasn't hit me. It's surreal. 

Have you ever asked for anyone's autograph? If you could obtain one from anyone in the sports world past or present who would it be ?

No I'm more of a picture guy and definitely  between Derek jeter and Jackie Robinson.

Have you ever searched for your stuff online ? 

No I try not to pay too much attention to the media. I don't want to get too high or too low. I'm trying to stay level headed. Especially after this.

Have a lot of people asked for your autograph ? If your autograph was worth $50 would you sell your own stuff?

Not too many and I think if it was worth that i'd be making decent money so I don't think so. 

Thanks for answering those Jason means a lot well that's all I had to ask  for the interview . Any last remarks ?

Just wanna say thank you and I'm excited to be an O!

I hope all of you enjoyed my interview with Jason Garcia and you all should go hit him up with a follow on Twitter. His username is @jj_1121 . I look forward to seeing Jason play and I hope he and you both enjoyed reading this! 

Thanks to http://www.soxprospects.com/players/garcia-jason.htm 

For the scouting report.