Tuesday, January 22, 2013

T.G.P Exclusive Interview With Dante Bichette Jr.


The Greedy Pinstripes present to you our latest exclusive interview, this time with Yankees third base prospect Dante Bichette Jr. Our first round pick in the 2011 MLB First Year Players Draft finished last season in High A with the Charleston Riverdogs and looks to be in Trenton or even Scranton by seasons end. I hope you guys enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it. A big thank you goes out to Dante for taking the time to do this for us, you're the best D!!

The Greedy Pinstripes: Was your dream as a child always to be a baseball player? If not then what did you want to be when you grew up?

Dante Bichette Jr: I grew up around the game since my dad played. So naturally I always thought it would be awesome to play on the same stage, but I knew for sure i wanted to be a Major Leaguer when i was about 16.

TGP: What team did you root for growing up as a kid?

DB: I was always a Yankees fan as a kid. I had to keep it a secret though since my dad played for the Red Sox for a couple years.

TGP: Favorite player(s) growing up?

DB: My favorite players have stayed the same since as long as I can remember. Manny Ramirez and Derek Jeter.

TGP: Your biggest inspiration when it came to baseball?

DB: I am extremely self-driven, so it is enough for me to just try and really be the best I can be.

TGP: How is it like to grow up with a dad as a Major League player?

DB: I dont think there is a better way to learn about the game than to be around it, so it definitely is something I am lucky to have been blessed with.

TGP: Was your dad one of the crazy parents that would ride you hard in little league or coming up?

DB: This is funny because I have been around more crazy little league, travel ball, and high school coaches than you can imagine! But no, my dad has always had my best interest in mind which keeps him at a good intensity level.

TGP: Favorite moment as a Yankees prospect?

DB: I have two. One was when i was called up for a Big League game last spring training and hit two homers. The other was winning the GCL finals my first year.

TGP: Who was the best prospect in the Yankees system that you ever played with?

DB: Oh man! I cant single one person out, because I am surrounded by a bunch of guys that are awesome. I would definitely say that Ive been playing with a few future stars the past couple years.

TGP: Do you keep in touch with any other current or former Yankees prospects or coaches?

DB: I do. I stay in touch with a bunch of players and a few coaches via text, twitter, or visits over the offseason.

TGP: Hardest part of being a prospect?

DB: I would be ungrateful to say there is a hard part of being a prospect. Its exactly what everyone wants, and it only means you need to work harder.

TGP: What do you plan to do to bounce back and replicate your 2011 season?

DB: This year will be very simple. I am going to stick to an approach and I am confident everything that is supposed to happen by the end of the year will happen.

TGP: Were you always a 3B? Did you ever want to try another position?

DB: I played SS growing up and through high school. I love shortstop, but now watching guys like Cito Culver I see why I am moved to the hot corner haha!

TGP: Not really a question but your mom is awesome! We love reading and replying to her tweets. She is the mold of how every baseball mom should be!!!

DB: She is great! Everything that has happened in my life or my brothers life should be credited to my mom.

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

DB: haha! Oh definitely my little Brother Bo! Or at least he will be the most famous.

TGP: Most embarrassing song/artist in your ipod?

DB: Possibly "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber. Im not particularly embarrassed by it, but it usually brings on a few laughs.