Interview With Former Yankees Pitcher Larry Gowell, Part Two

(This is Part Two of my interview with former New York Yankees pitcher Larry Gowell, who found a place in the history books as the final AL pitcher to record a hit in the regular season before the DH rule was instituted in 1973. Larry passed away several days ago at age 72. 

This interview originally appeared on SB Nation's Minor League Ball, in October of 2017.)

Clinton Riddle: After two seasons at Oneonta, the Yanks moved you to High-A Fort Lauderdale. How tough was it adjusting to advanced competition? You put up fantastic numbers there; did you change your approach to hitters, add a new pitch, or was there some fundamental change in how you worked on the mound? Any coaches that were a great help to you, in particular?

Larry Gowell: Well, after my first year I did not go to spring training because I went to school to stay out of the draft. The second year I did go to spring training, and that is what made the difference.

Our pitching coach, Cloyd Boyer, brother of Clete, was our pitching coach. He worked me hard on the changeup. He also said I was over-throwing and the ball was not moving as much as it could. If I could keep the ball down and take a little off the fastball, I would have more life on the fastball and it would sink really hard. So, right out of the gate I was mowing hitters down left and right. My control finally came together and my fastball was sinking like a rock, and I really developed a great slider at this time.

The Yankees always knew I would do so based on my arm angle. I was sidearm pitcher and had a lot of flexibility in my arm. I went 8-0 in my first 8 games. Then came the draft and I was drafted, and I had to go to Miami for a physical. Well, as luck would had it, I was flat-footed. Well, the military turned me down because of that, thank God. They did not know I was a professional ball player, either.

Well, I went on to win eight more games and strike out 217 hitters in 196 innings with a 1.76 ERA. I then became a top prospect for the Yankees. There was even some talk they were thinking about bringing me up at the end of the year.

CR: Your next season in 1970 with Manchester was a success, as well. What sort of adjustments did you make when you faced competition in Double-A? Was there a specific pitch or a tweak to your mechanics?

LG: Yeah, going to Double-A, you are seeing much more experienced players. The big adjustment was getting left-handed hitters out, because I came from the side. Very tough on right-handers, as most people understand. So, I had to learn to get my arm out more and throw a curveball with more down movement, something I could throw down and in. Then I would throw my hard, sinking fastball away to the outside of the plate and work in a changeup. So, this is where I really worked hard at this and had an O.K year.

CR: In 1971, with Kinston and Manchester both, you put up fantastic numbers. That continued in West Haven in 1972. Had the Yankees hinted at a call-up before 1972 rolled around? Were they giving you any feedback as to how well you were doing?

LG: In spring training, I could not get my control going. I was very wild, and so they had me go to Kinston to start to work it all out. And I did, with a good solid performance, and then I got the call to go to Bobby Cox's West Haven Yankees, where they expected me to pitch in the first place.

I did throw some of my best baseball in West Haven with great control and a lot of ball movement with the fastball, and the slider was lights-out on the right-handers. I also was keeping my wrist higher up for my slider to make it go down and in on the left-handers. They should have brought me up in the middle of the year, but chose to bring up Ron Klimkoski instead of me. He was experienced in the major leagues and pitching quite well.

They still made a mistake, because I really could have made a mark in the big leagues with the stuff I had at the time. Yes, I did hear rumors, pro and con, about bringing me up.

CR: You made your ML debut on Sept 21^st, 1972, at Milwaukee. Mike Kekich was the starter; he took the loss, that day. You pitched two perfect innings, struck out a batter. Walk us through your first day with the team, and your first ML appearance.

LG: I can remember the phone ringing in the dugout to get me up to warm up and come into the game after we were falling behind. I remember my legs were shaking some, and the adrenaline was pumping through my body like never before. I was always one to get up for the big moment in whatever I did. I wanted to show the Yankees and the world that this little high school pitcher from Auburn, Maine belonged in the big leagues.

I had worked my whole life for this moment. It is all a blur after getting on the mound. I remember Munson catching the warm-up throws and then coming out to tell me that I belong in the majors. He said it was just another hitter and that I would be OK.

I remember that first pitch, and I think it was a ball. I was overthrowing somewhat. I took a few deep breaths and settled right in. “Just another hitter to get out”. “He is no better than me”, I kept saying. I threw the ball very well with a good sinker and slider, and had very few problems in those two innings.

I have a Yankee fan, who is now my friend, that was in the stands that day, named Dr. Mark Cannon, and he said I looked great and seemed to be calm, even though my insides were all over the place. I kept my cool and am so very proud I had success!

CR: You ended up facing the Brewers again, this time at Yankee Stadium. You got the start, and went five strong innings, giving up only one run on three hits, striking out six. It was the final game of the regular season. You also made history, that night. It's bottom of the third, you're leading off the inning, bases are empty. Can you describe the at-bat vs. Jim Lonborg? Do you remember what pitch he threw that you sent into left field?

LG: Again, I was always a guy that got pumped up for any big moment in my life. I remember standing in the batter's box, taking my warm-up swings, and I said to myself, “This could be my only at bat in the major leagues. I am not going down without a fight.”

I had a great bat in high school and loved to hit. I had a lot of pride in my pitching and hitting abilities. So, as I stood at the plate to face the great Jim Lonborg, who was pitching a great game, I said to myself, “I will not be called out on strikes. I will go down trying to hammer the ball.” His first pitch was a strike that I took, then he threw a few on the plate and I did not swing. I worked the count to 3-2. At this point I know that fastball is coming because I am a no-hit pitcher up to bat, and he is not going to walk me from a curve ball. So, I am looking fastball.

He throws me a high fastball at my letters, trying to throw it by me. I got my bat head out in front of that fastball and hit a bullet down the line, in Yankee Stadium! The ball went all the way to the wall. I was standing on second base thinking I was in a dream. I could not believe I had a double, and I looked up and out came Elston Howard with my jacket to keep my arm warm. My blood now was really boiling as at that point I was batting 1.000 in the bigs, with a double, no less. No cheap hit from Jim.

The next hitter hit a ball to the shortstop and I shocked him by running to third, and he did not throw me out. The next hitter made an out, so they could not score me to tie the game up. If we would have tied that game, I would have pitched the rest of the game because I was throwing great that night, as you can see with the 6 K's in 5 innings.

Anyhow, it was an experience of a lifetime, and then 20 years or so later I find I out that that the ball is historic. Since that was my first hit, they stop the game and give me the ball. I decided to let the Hall Of Fame have it after it having been appraised for $6,000 or more, which I wrote off my taxes.

Today, the Hall tells me the ball is invaluable for its place in all of baseball history. I am so honored to be part of baseball history during my very short cup of coffee in the big leagues.

CR: So where did life take you after your time in baseball was over? What have you been up to, since then?

LG: I decided to go in the life insurance business and worked as a sales rep soon after retiring from baseball. That career lasted about 25 years or so.

Today, I am semi-retired over the past nine years. I am now a professional singer and piano player doing about 140 performances a year, singing to the senior community all over Maine. I perform the old standards and a lot of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Broadway music, gospel and much more. My two biggest moments were singing at the Metropolitan Club in New York City and singing the National Anthem for the Boston Red Sox. In my spare time I play a lot of golf, ski, go kayaking, and I'm generally enjoying my later years in life.

The nature of baseball is such that, even when a player has a small window in which to make his mark, nearly anything is possible. Larry Gowell experienced this, first-hand, and left his own mark in the history of the game. While his time with the Yankees is precious to him, it was merely prelude to a successful and fulfilling life after the cheering stopped.

(Mr. Gowell has acquainted himself with social media, recently, and has a Facebook page under his name. He is also using a photo previously shot by a Topps photographer to make his own baseball card through the Topps website. Check out his YouTube videos here.)

Player Interview: Mark Donato, 1B, AZ Royals (Rookie Level, Arizona League)

Now that the Legends are affiliated with the Kansas City Royals (at least for the next 4 years), I've been getting to know the KC system. And let me tell you: there's a TON of talent in this organization. Newly-drafted 1B Mark Donato is one of their most recent draftees, and he definitely fits the Kansas City mold. Despite what the record states in terms of wins and losses in recent years (ahem!), this is one team that knows real talent when they see it. I had a chance to speak with Mark for a moment about his experiences in this, his first year as a pro, and I'd like to share it with my fellow Legends fans as the first of what I hope will be many "getting to know your minor league organization" type entries here at TGOG.


Mark Donato
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 225 lb.
Born: November 18, 1991 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US (Age 21)
Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 26th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft from Indian River Community College (Fort Pierce, FL).

Minors Batting

 Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	Aff	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB
2012	20	Royals	ARIZ	Rk	KCR	38	167	154	24	39	13	3	3	27	0	0	11	34	.253	.305	.435	.740	67	4	1	0	1	0
1 Season						38	167	154	24	39	13	3	3	27	0	0	11	34	.253	.305	.435	.740	67	4	1	0	1	0

(Thank you, Baseball Reference. You rock.)


1. Had you any thoughts as to who would be drafting you? Was it surprising to go when and where you did?

I knew there were a few teams interested in drafting me; I just didn't know who wanted me the most. I was expecting to go somewhere (between) 10th through 20th rounds, but when I heard my name called in the 26th round by the Royals it was the best feeling ever.

2. After starring as both a first baseman and a pitcher for Ss. Neumann-Goretti High, were you happy with becoming exclusively a position player after turning pro?

I stopped pitching when I got to college; that was the coach's choice, he wanted me at 1st base to supply some power to the team.

3. You're now part of an organization which has had a very strong talent pool in the minors in recent years. How do you see yourself matching up against other prospects in the KC system?

I always thought I was able to compete with the best ever since I was a little kid (emphasis added-ed.), now that I'm able to do that in the minor leagues it's a dream come true.

4. You were thrown right into the thick of it when you got to the Arizona League. What was the toughest part of being such a vital part of a pro lineup?

At first it was shocking that I was batting 3rd and playing 1st in my first pro baseball game, but I knew I worked for that spot and earned my chance to do that.

5. What is your impression of the differences between pro ball and your time as an amateur, thus far?

I noticed that only the great players on your high school team make it to play college ball, and only the best players on your college team make it to play pro ball, so as of now it's gonna take great dedication and motivation to make it to the big leagues. I noticed as a hitter how the holes in the infield and outfield got smaller as I moved from college to the professional level.

6. What would you say is your greatest strength as a player? Greatest weakness?

I would say power is my greatest strength as a player and speed would be my weakness.

7. Do you have a specific routine on game days? How do you prep for game time?

I like to make sure I'm fully prepared hitting-wise with getting enough swings in before the game.

8. Lexington, KY is KC's newest affiliate, a team who had been in the Astros system for 12 years, and so the fans are just becoming accustomed to rooting for a new team and a new league altogether. How do you feel about the prospect of being a big part of Legends fans' indoctrination into the Royals family?

I hope to play in Lexington soon and maybe entertain them with some long balls (laughs).

Player Interview: Dan Gamache, 2B, West Virginia Power (Class A, South Atlantic League, Pittsburgh Pirates)

DEC 10^th, 2012-I had the opportunity recently to speak with Pirates 2B prospect Dan Gamache, and after seeing him play here against our Legends several times this past season I'm certainly happy to have had the chance to do so. Never did I see him on the field or at the plate without a smile on his face or a noticeable energy and passion for the game. Watching players like Gamache is always a joy for me, and a reminder that there are still players out there who are fans of the game. You'd be surprised how many of them aren't.

Daniel Joseph Gamache
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Height: 5' 11", Weight: 190 lb.
Born: November 20, 1990 in Newport, Rhode Island, US (Age 22)
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 6th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft from Auburn University (Auburn, AL).

So you had quite a number of honors bestowed upon you as an amateur, but would you say there was one in particular that meant more than the rest?

My favorite honor I got as an amateur would have to be being named the MVP in the Capital City Classic my junior year at Auburn against Alabama. It doesn't get better than that game when it comes to regular season college games.

When the time came for the draft, was there a particular team which showed early interest in drafting you, or did you have a preconceived notion as to where you would end up?

There were several teams that I was confident would be taking me, but I would have to say that I had the most confidence that the Pirates would take me first.

Coming up as a third baseman and now having shifted to second, have you had much difficulty in making the transition?

It was definitely difficult at first transitioning from a corner position to the middle. I didn't realize the responsibility that came with second but with reps in practice and actually playing in games I have become way more comfortable there.

What would you say is your greatest asset, on the field?

I'd say that my greatest asset on the field would have to be my bat. I have always felt comfortable making necessary adjustments at the plate physically and with my approach.

How does the atmosphere in a pro clubhouse, with many different players from across the US and surrounding countries, differ from the feel of college or high school?

The pro clubhouse is very different at first from the college ranks. In college its more of a team atmosphere with everyone kind of focusing on winning games and working together as a team. In pro ball everyone has the same goal, to get to the big leagues. This makes everyone work together as well but it has a different feel from college.

If there was one coach or instructor you could take with you throughout your pro career, who would it be and why?

The one instructor I could take through my professional career with me would have to be my hitting coach that I've worked with since I was 8 years old, Jon Burke. He knows my swing and me better than anyone I've ever been coached by and I am able to call him for advice or just to talk whenever I need.

What has been the hardest adjustment for you since you went pro?

Worst moment on the field since being a pro has to be when I struck out three times in a game last season in West Virginia, just felt plain helpless. Best moment for me is my first home run that came in State College my first year.

Do you follow a special routine on game days?

I wouldn't call the routine that I have on game day special. Its not even planned out really, it just kind of happens. On the way to the field i will pick up a couple of energy drinks, usually crush one of those on the way to the field, get my early work in before BP, take BP, take in and out, take a shower, and listen to music at my locker while downing the other energy drink before pre-game stretch.

Who has been the toughest pitcher/batter you've seen, to this point?

Toughest pitcher that I've faced to now is Jose Fernandez. Kid's got talent. (Ed. note-he ain't kidding.)

If you had to leave the game tomorrow, what would you most like to do?

If I left the game as a player tomorrow I would without a doubt be a coach somewhere.

Player Interview: Ian Kadish, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (MiLB)

MAY 17th, 2012-It was an honor for me to spend a little time today with a pitcher I've been following closely since his professional debut last year at Bluefield (Rookie Class, Appalachian League): Blue Jays prospect and Cincinnati native RHP Ian Kadish. Ian was more than willing to devote a bit of his time to answering a few questions I had for him about his time in pro ball, both on and off the field, and I thank him for that. 


You had a great year at Bluefield in 2011. What one thing would you say was the greatest reason for your success?


If I had to pick one thing for the reason for my success in Bluefield in 2011, it would have to be my competitive nature.  I compete at everything I do, no matter what the scenario.  I hate losing and will go to great lengths to win.  Along with that is my work ethic...I even compete to out work everybody else. 

Tell me about your pitching repetoire. Is there one pitch you feel most confident in throwing? How do you approach pressure situations (runners on, small lead, etc)?

The fastball is obviously my go to pitch, but if I am in a pressure situation, I like to go to the slider.  I have great confidence with all of my pitches and feel I can throw them at any time.

During this year's Spring Training, what have you tried to concentrate on the most? How would you say the Blue Jays coaches handle their young pitching prospects?

This Spring I have tried to concentrate the most on fastball command down in the zone.  The Blue Jay coaches preach that and it is a huge emphasis in our program.  I think they do a wonderful job with the young prospects by pushing them, but not too much.  They really develop some great prospects down here.

What does it mean to you to be Jewish in a sport in which there haven't been a lot of Jewish stars in recent years? Do you feel that baseball is a thriving sport among Jewish athletes? 

It means a lot to me to be Jewish in baseball.  There have been some amazing Jewish players such as Sandy Koufax and Shawn Green...hopefully I can add my name to the list as well!

Have you had a moment in any level of baseball when you were ready to quit the game, altogether? What was it that changed your mind?

There was a time I will never forget where I had a breakdown because I was so frustrated with the game.  I was ready to quit all together and move on with my life.  The person that was there with me was my mom.  I broke down and let all my frustration out and only my mom knows exactly how frustrated I really was.  She got me through it though and I can't thank her enough!

Concerning the fans, has there ever been a moment when you were put in a situation that made you uncomfortable? Any fans that have been a little too aggressive?

Hahaha! There has not been a moment yet where I was uncomfortable...It takes a lot to make me uncomfortable, but I love my fans and I love interacting with them!

How do you keep yourself occupied on those long bus trips?

The long bus trips are filled with a great amount of movies, music, sleep, and more music!  Anything to pass the time!

Is there one player in the Jays organization who's made an impression on you? How about the best player no one knows about?

I can't pick one player in the organization that has made an impression on me because there are so many great players here.  I could go on for days about different players and it wouldn't be fair to pick just one.  

If you weren't playing baseball, what would you most want to do with your life?

If I wasn't playing baseball, I would probably be in Grad School for Exercise Science.  I love the way the body works and I love working out.  My strength coach in college made a huge impact on me and I love what he does.

What advice would you offer to young players looking to make it in the pros?

The advice I would offer was given to me by my manager in Bluefield, Dennis Holmberg.  He told me to keep chasing your dream and never give up.  Work hard and sometime down the road either in the near future or far it will pay off.

Follow Ian on Twitter (@TheBearJew36) and on his personal blog page (One Love...Baseball) for some serious insight on the man, the player, and the dream chaser. You'll be glad you did. 

Player Interview: Mitchell Lambson, LHP, Houston Astros (MiLB)

Lambson in a bullpen session (Houston Astros
Spring Training, 3-4-2012)

MAY 4th, 2012-I recently had the opportunity to speak with a young man who is as enthusiastic about the game of baseball as any player I've ever known (and definitely more so that some). That player is former ASU standout and 2011 Houston draftee LHP Mitchell Lambson, who made his debut with the New York-Penn League's Tri-City ValleyCats, last year (stats).

Let's get right to it, shall we?



1. During your time in this year's Spring Training, what would you say has been your greatest challenge?

Spring training was a lot of fun and I learned a lot.  It was my first spring training this year so I'd say the biggest challenge was being in a new place and figuring out what spring training is about.  I had plenty of help from my Tri-City teammates as well as help from new teammates I met at spring training to get the hang of things, and I had a great time meeting all the staff and players.

2. When you were drafted by Houston in the 19th round of last year's draft, what was the first thought that went through your mind? Did you have a notion as to where you might be drafted?

Lambson in pitcher's fielding practice (Houston Astros
Spring Training, 3-4-2012)

I immediately felt honored and pretty excited when I got drafted last spring.  It was my dream since I first started playing t-ball when I was 4 years old and to be a professional baseball player.  Getting drafted was a special moment for myself, my family, and all of my coaches, friends, and teammates who helped me to get drafted.

3. You've garnered quite a few honors in your time in amateur baseball. Is there one in particular of which you are the proudest, and why? 

I would say playing in the College World Series was the biggest honor in my amateur baseball career.  For one, it was such an awesome team achievement to reach the CWS.  I feel blessed and very grateful I got to be on two teams that made it to Omaha, as well as another team that was one win away.  Playing in the CWS was also a dream of mine since I first watched games at Rosenblatt on ESPN.  One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Arizona State was because I knew I would have a great shot at making it to the CWS.

4. You were able to play on the same Arizona State team with your brother, Mark, who had a strong showing in 10 games (23 2/3 IP) in 2011. How do you feel you compare with him, both ability-wise and in terms of personality?

Houston wasn't digging the long hair look.
Lambson reacted accordingly.
(Houston Astros Spring Training, 3-7-2012)

Playing with my brother Mark at ASU was awesome and something we will both be able to look back on and cherish forever.  My brother and I are very competitive and we have been pushing each other to be better as long as I can remember.  I try and set the bar as high as I can to push him and more times than not he beats me, (although I'll never admit that to him).  I think we are similar in our ability and we both have similar pitching styles.  The only difference really is I'm a lefty and he's a righty.

5. While in Spring Training this year, what would you say has been your favorite part of your time in practice? 

I haven't been a hitter since back in my high school days, so when they let the pitchers bunt or take a few swings in the cage during spring training practice I really enjoyed the chance to swing the bat again.  Hitting is much harder than I remembered though.  I really enjoyed all aspects of practicing during spring training and I enjoy the opportunity to get out on the ball field and play everyday.


6. While pitching for Tri-City in 2011, what was the hardest part or the most difficult adjustment you had to make in your first year in pro ball?

The biggest adjustment for me when I got to Tri-City was learning to play everyday.  The pro ball schedule is a grind and it took me some adjustments to keep my body and arm in shape to play everyday.  I love playing the game though so while playing everyday was a tough adjustment at times, it was also a fun process.

7. What would you say has been your most memorable moment in pro ball, thus far?

There have been a lot of fun moments so far in pro ball and I've met a lot of great friends and teammates, as well as getting the chance to learn from some of the best baseball coaches around.  I would say just having the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing professional baseball is the best part though, I wouldn't trade it.

8. Among the players you've met thus far, who has made the greatest impression on you, both in the Astros organization and on opposing teams?

I've learned from a lot of different players, getting to play pro baseball has given me the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the game.  I try and take something from everyone I play with to adapt to my own game so that I can try and get a little bit better everyday.

9. Have you set any specific goals for yourself going into the 2012 season?

Going into the 2012 season I want to establish myself in the Astros organization as a potential MLB prospect.  My way of achieving this is more about fine tuning my own game and getting better everyday than anything else.  I can't control where I play necessarily, but I can work hard to be a better pitcher everyday and I believe that if I do that then I will continue to move up through the minor league ranks and eventually make it to the big league club.  It is a process though and I know it isn't going to happen overnight, so committing myself to get better each and everyday is my goal.

10. How do you deal with the long bus rides on road trips? 

 I enjoy listening to music and watching movies on long road trips to help pass the time.  But I would say that getting to hang out with my teammates and getting to know them better is one of the best parts about long trips in the minors.

11. Do you do anything special to prep for a game? So many baseball players are superstitious; would you consider yourself part of that group?

I don't do anything too crazy before games, I just like to get into a good routine that prepares my body and mind to pitch in the game.  I would say my biggest superstition is to not step on the chalk, one of the golden rules of baseball.  

12. Can you give us a quick rundown of your pitches? Are there specific situations in which you might drastically change the way you pitch to a batter?

I throw a four-seam fastball, change-up, curveball, and slider.  I don't change the way I pitch to any hitter, I just try and stick to my strengths of locating pitches and changing speeds to get hitters out.  I try to have the ability to throw any pitch at any time in the count in order to keep the hitters off balance and guessing.

13. If you weren't a professional baseball player, what would you most like to be? 

My passion is baseball and I love the game, so if I wasn't a professional I would most likely find a job that keeps me around baseball and connected to the game.  I would love being a pitching coach later on in life if I got the opportunity.  

Player Interview: Evan Gattis, C, Rome Braves (Class A, South Atlantic League)

FEB 23rd, 2012-As a follow-up to my previous article on Evan Gattis, I asked him for some personal insight into the long, arduous path he traveled from his time as a troubled teen to All-Star catcher in the pro ranks. He was kind enough to oblige.

When you left baseball initially, what would you say was the greatest reason?

I felt like there was something more important I had to "figure out".

Did you feel that baseball had, more or less, become your whole life, and that it had somehow made you forget who you were as a person, apart from the game? That you had to remember who you were, in a sense?

Not so much the baseball part of it. I felt like there was something missing no matter how good I was at ball.

But I like that you (mention) "remember", because when people feel like themselves, it's an overwhelmingly familiar sense.

That's a very good answer. When you first hit the road, did you have an idea as to what you wanted to accomplish, or was it just a matter of getting away from the world you knew and learning a bit about life in general?

Well, I finished a semester of junior college when I was enrolled at Seminole State College (Oklahoma) and I was actually giving up the "spiritual search" initially, but later on I wanted to surround myself with people of common interest.

So you were driven to learn about yourself, as well as what life was really about?

Yeah, whatever the motivation the story for everyone is the same; for me it was for relief of depression. Some people lose a child, some people do outrageously courageous things and they don't know how they did it, some people go their whole life with a sense of lack and they know their death is approaching. It happens differently for everyone but it's the same dynamic. It's a search, it wasn't like a hobby. I wanted help.

I can certainly relate to that. I understand the impact that depression can have on both the life of the person suffering and the friends and family who care for that person. I've seen it both as a health care provider and as someone who's suffered from it, personally.

Right, it's hard on everyone. And who wants to be around a depressed person? And who wants to be depressed?

It's hard for a lot of people to understand, so I think they shy away from the subject. At what point did you feel like you had reached an understanding about what you were going through? Was there a moment of epiphany for you?

Many, in fact. It seemed to be a process. The endgame was in Santa Cruz. I knew I had nothing to look for, and it's funny; when you don't look you find (it). Not that you find anything, just that you don't have to look, because the search is exhausting.

Would you say your experiences on the road strengthened your desire to play baseball, or perhaps allowed you to enjoy the game more?

I appreciate it more. I can enjoy it full on, without wondering if there is something more important to be doing.

So your time away from the game was sort of a liberating experience for you, in many ways?

Yes, that was the whole point: liberation!

Now I'd like to ask you about your experiences with rehab, if you're comfortable with talking about that.

Yeah. I was 17 and terrified of failing a drug test for pot, and I didn't want to be a "mess up".

So it was an easy decision for you?

It kind of happened fast and I was depressed. Seemed like a good decision.

Certainly seems like it worked out for you. Last question: was rehab particularly tough for you, or did you get through it without much much difficulty?

It wasn't tough and kind of refreshing. It wasn't the happiest of places, but it was good to talk to people.

Player Interview: Adrian Houser, RHP, Greeneville Astros (Short-Season, Appalachian League)

“Hopefully,” he said, “be better than Roy Halladay.”

-Adrian Houser, when asked about his career aspirations

FEB 14^th, 2012-When you aim, aim high. Adrian Houser has done just that.

The 2^nd round pick of the Houston Astros in last year's June Amateur Draft may one day reach that goal. Whatever he accomplishes in his pro career, it's likely that he'll deflect a lot of the credit.

“The talent is mine, but the glory is His”, reads the Twitter profile of this young righty, and it's the kind of sentiment that's seen so rarely these days. Of course, different people see it different ways: when Tim Tebow kneels in the end zone, it's seen by many as pretentious and false humility, for example. But I'll leave that debate to the religious-minded folks. For now.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.

Drafted out of Locust Grove HS in Oklahoma, Houser saw barely a handful of games in the GCL before his promotion to the Appy League, where his numbers (for the most part) mirrored his performance in the Gulf. Two of his friends, Archie Bradley and Dylan Bundy, were also drafted, only slightly ahead of Houser. He found out about his selection via text message while visiting his ailing grandfather in the hospital on Tuesday.

From the Tahlequah Daily Press:

“I didn’t even see it,” Houser said when asked what his first reaction was to seeing that he had been drafted. “I was actually at the hospital and some of my friends texted me and called me said, ‘congrats.’ And I was like, ‘on what?’

“That’s when they said, ‘you’ve been drafted by the Astros.’ And I couldn’t really talk, but I was really excited.”

It's fitting that this young man should react that way. At first glance, he appears to be the reserved and unassuming type. He doesn't even have an agent (as far as is known by this writer), but does have 'financial advisers'. As well he should; second round draft picks don't exactly get minimum wage, you know.

Some additional info from Ultimate Astros, who have a pretty good writeup on Houser, themselves:

Houser was a three-sport athlete at Locust Grove, pitching on a Class 4A state championship team as a senior (10-1, 0.62 ERA, with 28 walks and 125 strikeouts in 62 innings. The repertoire of the 6-4, 205-pound Houser includes a two- and four-seam fastball, a knuckle curve he learned from his father, a slurve and a changeup he rarely threw in games as an amateur.

With a little of the cold, hard facts behind us, let's get to the young man, himself:

First, I'd like to congratulate you on your 2^nd round selection and welcome you, in my own small way, to the Houston Astros.

The first that caught my eye was that you learned the knuckle-curve from your father. What was his athletic background? Did he encourage you to be a pitcher when you were younger?

My dad played football and baseball during high school.  He was the first All-Stater in school history. He did so in football. He came close to being one in baseball also.  He had a chance to play college football, but decided to stick with baseball. He played a few years of college baseball.  When I was younger he didn't encourage one way or the other. We just worked and practiced on both.

The Diamondbacks drafted Archie Bradley, while the Orioles picked Dylan Bundy, two friends of yours. Do you have any special recollections of facing them on the diamond? How would you describe each of their pitching styles as compared to yours?

I've always thought about all three of us making it to the Big Leagues and playing one another some day because we've know each other since we were about eight years old and played ball together until our high school years.  It would be really cool to pitch against them in the future.  I can't really describe their pitching styles because I haven't seen them pitch in several years. I think we each have things that are different and some things are the same.

Knowing, at least in a general sense, where you stood when compared to other local talents, where did you see yourself going in the draft? It's OK to be honest. :)

To be honest I saw myself going anywhere from the first round to the tenth round in the draft.  I just didn't know where I was going to fall in between there.

Have you ever thought about what you would do with your life if you weren't playing baseball (knock on wood)?

I really never gave it much thought on what I'd do if I wasn't playing baseball (knock on wood).  I've always wanted to play Major League Baseball, even when I was five, and that's all I've ever really thought about doing.  Baseball is really all I've ever known.  I love to play it and love the game.  I hope to be playing for years to come.

Was there one coach from your earlier playing days who particularly sticks in your mind, and if so, why?

The one coach that sticks in my mind and always will is my dad.  He coached me since I was seven years old all the way until high school and he even helped coach the last two years of my high school years.  He sticks in my mind because he has always been there for me and has always pushed me to be better then I was the day before.  He is also the one that taught me how to be competitive and compete in every thing that I did.  I'll always be thankful for what he's done for me.

How hard has it been to adjust to life in the minors? Have there been any memorable moments for you, so far?

It hasn't been real had to adjust because the summer before the draft I spent almost the whole summer on the road playing baseball and away from my friends and family.  I got to see them a little more than I do now, but it hasn't been all that hard.  The hardest part is not getting to hangout with my friends every day of the summer.  There have been a few games that I've pitched good in, but nothing really memorable so far.  I'm sure there will be though.

Has there been one specific adjustment you've had to make now that you're facing pro players as opposed to high schoolers?

The biggest adjustment I've had to make is to make sure that I hit my spots and don't miss.  In high school I could miss every now and then and get away with it, but in pro ball if I miss too many times I'll pay a price for it.

What normally goes through your mind right before a start? How about while you're on the mound?

It's hard to describe what goes through my head before a start.  I try to stay as relaxed as I can and try not to get tensed up about the game. Once I start getting loose and ready for the game I think about the hitters I'm going to face and how I should pitch to them.  When I am on the mound I think about just throwing to the glove, hitting my spots, staying relaxed and focused, not letting the things around me bother me.

If there were one thing you could change about pro baseball, anything at all, what would it be?

I don't believe I would change one thing about pro baseball the way it is now.  I just have to play the game I love.

If you could pass on some advice to the younger players, what would it be?

I would have to say to dream big and work hard for those dreams to come true. You have to dream BIG but act BIGGER.  Don't let people tell you that you can't do something because you can if you work for it.  People that say you can't should be the ones to motivate you even more to prove them wrong and that you can do it, but you should already be motivated to make your dreams come true yourself.