All Sports Discussion contributing writer @HokieGuru has nailed down another interview with a former Hokie athlete.
We are delighted here at All Sports Discussion (http://www.allsportsdiscussion.com) to have an interview with former Virginia Tech baseball player (and catcher), @Chris Kay. Kay (http://www.hokiesports.com/baseball/players/kay_chris.html) was one of the senior leaders on the 2011 Virginia Tech baseball team.
We thank him our spending some time with us… our interview follows below:
What made you decide to become a Hokie?
The chance to play in the ACC was something I didn’t want to pass up. I also saw Coach Hughes as someone who knew how to win and was going to turn things around, and it made me want to also be a part of that.
What was your fondest memory at Virginia Tech?
Well, before Senior day my favorite memory of playing baseball at VT was the 3 home run game I had against Delaware my sophomore year. It was really exciting to hit two in a game and then after the third I knew it was a day I would never forget. Not to mention a great Mother’s Day gift to my amazing mom. Senior day for me could not have gone any better for a couple of reasons. I had 3 hits against a team I grew up wanting to play for (Georgia Tech) and I ended my career on a single to right field. Another thing that meant a lot to me was the chance to play one more time with some of my closest friends and one person in particular, Matt Blow. He was my best friend on the team and the success we both had was special. I could not have been any happier for him and what we did that day.
On a professional basis, what are you doing today?
On July 5th I signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League (Independent baseball).
Which player or person most inspired you to be the best baseball player you could be?
My father and brother both have inspired me through some of my best and worst times in baseball. My dad has always been there for me and truly believes in me. Whenever I need some inspiring words he has them. On the other hand my brother has inspired me for different reasons. He played football for Johns Hopkins University, but didn’t go any further than that. Although he never had the raw skill to compete with others, he always outworked people and was a smart player. I would be nowhere without those two people in my life.
Is there a player (or players) that you pattern your game after, per se?
I always loved watch Ivan Rodriguez defensively. For a fellow catcher it’s amazing to watch. The way he handles pitchers, blocks, and makes spectacular throws gives me something to always want to work on. As a hitter I love watching Miguel Cabrera. Something that stands out for me when I see him hit is the amount of power he has to right center and right field. He’s not just a power hitter trying to pull the baseball. He uses the whole field and uses it well.
Who are some of the former Hokies and Major League Baseball players that you still stay in contact with?
Austin Wates is a guy I respect as a person and as a player. He’s someone I talk to every week or two whether it be just to say hey or to talk baseball with. I know I can count on him. I try talking to Matt Blow about every week. We have a lot of great memories together. Other guys include some of my roommates like Manny Martir and Jake Peeling. Overall it’s tough to talk to everyone frequently because of all of us being busy with summer baseball or jobs.
In your opinion, what has been the biggest win for the Hokies’ baseball program during your tenure?
Miami at home my freshman year was the biggest win for our program in my opinion. We did not have the best year, but this series was the last of the year and was versus the best college team I have ever faced. They were ranked at the time and almost beat them in the game then ended up beating them in the second. We had a bunch of young guys playing and I think beating a team like that gave us confidence for the next couple of years in the ACC.
Any advice for the young men out there that read this about getting ready for college and beyond from your experiences as a college baseball player?
I think it’s important for the younger guys coming into college to take advantage of what they have in front of them. Listen and learn from the guys older than you. They are where they are for a reason. Also, it’s important to always remember to have fun. I think sometimes we lose sight of why we started playing baseball in the first place. You have the opportunity to represent your college or university, so realize how special it is. Enjoy the time you have and leave it all on the field while you can.
We at @TalkinACCSports thank Chris Kay for his time.
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