Kids Get The Dish On Swish

SPENDING TIME WITH KIDS LIGHTS ME UP!

Some of my favorite questions come for my youngest fans. So here’s a collection of questions I’ve received and answered over the years. Check them out and feel free to send me some new ones.

How do I become a major leaguer?

I wish I had a proven formula that could get everyone to the “bigs” that wanted to get there. Unfortunately, wanting it isn’t enough on it’s own. You definitely have to have some luck and athletic ability thrown in but the keys for me, and that anyone who wants to make it, are the usual suspects and this applies for anything you do – hard work, perseverance and belief in yourself. When I was younger, I used to play ball with my dad for hours. You’ll need to do the same and not just the fun stuff. Sure, playing games helps but you need to work on throwing, catching, hitting, running, and keeping your body strong and in shape. Hit the library or the internet and do some research on drills you can work on to perfect your skills. My advice is if you really want to go for it, start playing as young as you can and listen to everything your coaches tell you and ask lots of questions. They can help tell you what you need to improve on so you can turn those weaknesses into strengths.

Who is the most important person in your life?

Oh man, that’s easy. My family are super important to me and we’re pretty tight but I would have to say my grandmother meant the world to me. I lost her to cancer in 2005 but she is still with me every time I take the field, I think of her because without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She really taught me about being a good person which means more to me than anything I could ever learn playing baseball. I have her initials written on my shoes and tattooed across my heart. When you see me point to the sky…I’m talking to God and to my grandma, Betty Lorraine Swisher.

What exactly do you do in the off season?

I wish there was an off season. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a difference between the regular season and when I’m not playing but I’ve got to work year round. I wish I could just kick back, eat whatever I wanted and just hang out but baseball is my job, as much as I have fun as I have playing it. So I’ve got to treat it like one and put in my all every day. I’m not worried though, I’m sure they’ll be plenty of time to kick back when I retire.

What’s your favorite sports besides baseball?

Well, I went to college at Ohio State and I’d be lying to you if I told you I don’t have that football bug in me. I love it. There’s nothing like Big Ten football, especially the Michigan-Ohio State game every year. Football is awesome.

I’m always up for answering more questions so drop us a note or an email if you want me to tackle your question here. Thanks for checking in with me!