Exclusive Interview
                                                       Eric Young Jr

                                  By: Joshua & Aaron Fischman

 

September 3, 2008 - Interview with Eric Young Jr

Eric Young Jr is a 5'10", 180-pound second-baseman in the Colorado Rockies farm system. He is the son of famous former-Major Leaguer Eric Young (who is now a baseball analyst for ESPN). Following a successful 2008 season in the Texas League with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, Young Jr will be playing in the Arizona Summer League with the Phoenix Desert Dogs, where the Rockies will atempt to convert him into a centerfielder. In 105 games for Tulsa this season, the 25-year-old switch-hitter posted a vital line of .290/.391/.392. He also stole 46 bases and scored 74 runs.

Eric was kind enough to field questions from our resident minor league baseball gurus, Joshua & Aaron Fischman, before beginning his stint in the Arizona Fall League.

We hope you enjoy the interview.

 

Joshua Fischman: Describe the decision process you went through in deciding not to play college baseball and football at Villanova University and concentrate on baseball at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Eric Young Jr : I wasn't completely sure if I was going to play baseball at Villanova, being on a football scholarship. I knew I really wanted to play baseball professionally. By going to junior college I was eligible to sign professionally after one year, and play baseball exclusively at Chandler-Gilbert CC. That's what I wanted to do.

Aaron Fischman: What was it like growing up with a major league baseball player as a father? Did you root for every one of your dad's teams?

Eric: It was an unbelievable experience. I loved going to the different cities and seeing the Major League players. Also, I loved just being around baseball. It has encouraged me to do what I do now!

Joshua: How is your game similar to that of your father and how does it differ? How many similarities in playing style between the two of you have to do with the fact that your dad was the one to have taught you the game?

Eric: My playing style is similar to my dad in almost every aspect. Mentally similar, because he taught me how to play the game with passion. Physically similar, because the Lord blessed me with the same gifts. The only difference in our game is I'm a little bit stronger, and taller, at this stage in my career than he was. So I can't do things exactly like him, because I have a slightly different body frame.

Joshua: What was it like to be able to play against your father in a Spring Training game?

Eric: Playing against my dad was incredible. So many years I've watched him play and been the batboy. It was indescribable to be on the field as an equal competitor.

Aaron: Which active and retired base-stealers have you drawn inspiration from in your career?

Eric: Ricky Henderson, my father, and Jose Reyes. I loved what all of them brought (or bring) to the table as far as their determination.

Aaron: How have you become such an accomplished base-stealer? Is it something that you have to work at?

Eric: Just like any other thing, I've had to practice. I have to take risks to see what I can and can't do. In years past, my caught-stealings were high. But that's because I wasn't afraid to try and see what I can do.

Aaron: In the last couple of years what have you learned about reading pitchers' deliveries?

Eric: Many pitchers have different setups, different ways of holding runners, and mixing up looks. Every pitcher works on timing though. So it's a matter of figuring out that timing.

Aaron: How do you feel about watching videotape of pitchers? How often do you do it?

Eric: Video tape is good, if you're looking for anything in particular. Sometimes instincts just take over and you have a good feel for how things are progressing.

Aaron: Have you reached the point where [manager] Stu Cole allows you to steal whenever you want?

Eric: Every team I've been on, I have had the green light to steal. In some situations, I might receive the stop sign. But for the most part I can steal when I want.

Joshua: Describe the kind of player and person that [former teammate] Dexter Fowler is. What has he meant to you both on and off the field? [Ed. note: Fowler was recently called up to the Rockies after a standout year in AA, where he hit .335, stole 20 bases, and scored 92 runs].

Eric: Dexter is my best friend, [he's] like a brother to me. We have been together for the last 3-4 years. He's my roommate at home and away, as well as my locker-mate. We've been through a lot together on and off the field. We have progressed together, which makes our relationship that much closer and stronger.

Joshua: What do you feel you must improve on to make the major leagues and excel there?

Eric: Consistency! I feel I [have] been becoming more consistent each year I play. My progression has been good, and I've been constantly progressing. I have to continue what I have been doing and consistently get better in all aspects of my game.

Joshua: Talk about your experiences in the Hawaii Baseball League. Not a bad place to spend the offseason, is it?

Eric: Hawaii was a great place to play. The culture, the island, and the people were amazing there. I had a great time over there being a baseball player and a tourist. I would recommend anyone going over there to play at least once in their lifetime; if given the opportunity. I would also recommend anyone to go there for vacation. It's a beautiful place.

Aaron: How often do you tune into Baseball Tonight? What do you think of the job your dad is doing on there?

Eric: I try to catch as many shows as possible. I think he's doing an awesome job on the show. He's progressed tremendously since he first started and I know he's going to get even better with more shows.

Joshua: Outside of baseball, what are you passionate about?

Eric: Music and electronics. I love gidgets and gadgets. Figuring out how things work, and why they work that way.

 

Thanks, Eric. We wish you the best of luck with the Arizona Fall League and hope for a speedy call-up to the Rockies.

 

 

 

 

Now that you've read this interview, see what others have to say about it on the Davis Sports Deli message boards.

Also, if you want to learn more about Eric Young Jr's baseball career, check out the Minor League profile of Young Jr that Joshua did in August.