Thursday, February 13, 2014

Exclusive Interview w/ Yankees Pitcher Conner Kendrick


Another day of Prospects Month here on The Greedy Pinstripes and another interview. This time around it is with a pitcher for the New York Yankees in their affiliate down in Staten Island, Mr. Conner Kendrick. Former Auburn alum as well as a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket for a minute now Kendrick brings his heat to the New York Penn League. Let's meet Mr. Kendrick, enjoy!




The Greedy Pinstripes: Conner! How are you today sir? How is your offseason going?

Conner Kendrick: Pretty good. The off season for me is going well. Just started a throwing program in the beginning of January. Happy to be able to throw.

TGP:  Do you pay attention to the Auburn football team as well as their baseball program? Wow what a season huh?


CK: I've spent a lot of time in Auburn during the offseason. Working out along side some of my old teammates. Also was able to go to a football game. It's crazy what one year can do. But that's sports for you.


TGP: What do you miss most about the whole college experience, specifically at Auburn?

CK: The main thing I miss about college baseball was the atmosphere. Sure MILB is a lot better competition but nothing beats a Friday night as a starting pitcher in the SEC.





TGP:  What were you doing when you found out that you became a member of the New York Yankees?

CK: When I got drafted I was watching it on tv with my family. I was not aware the Yankees had taken me until I received a phone call. It was a great feeling to be able to share with my family.

TGP: How do you think your faith helped you in your career and in your life thus far?

CK: My faith plays a huge role in my career. I've truly been blessed and cannot thank the man up stairs enough for this opportunity.

TGP:  What teams and sports did you root for and watch growing up?

CK: I was born in raised in Georgia so obviously I'm a Braves fan. Yet a newborn Yankees fan. Watching the pitching staff of the Braves inspired me to play the game.

TGP: Did you play any other positions coming up either in Little League, High School, or at Auburn?


CK: I grew up playing outfield as well as pitching. Played both in highschool as well as I did while playing in junior college.

TGP: What are you doing this offseason to improve on your 2013 season?

CK: The offseason consist of strength and conditioning workouts as well as a clean diet. As well as I can. It's a long season and you have to get your body prepared for it.

TGP: What do you do during the offseason to keep yourself occupied?

CK: Besides working out and conditioning I spend a lot of time saltwater fishing since I live at the beach.

TGP: Favorite restaurant to eat at?

CK: My favorite place to eat at is Shrimo basket. It's just a local seafood place in town. It's a nice place to spend time with your family.

TGP: I think this answer may be obvious but in my time around social media I have noticed there are two kinds of fans when it comes to prospects. You have the "prospect humpers" (myself being a self professed prospect humper) and a name yet to be determined (due to my lack of creativity) describing those who want to sell all the prospects off for the 37 year old "sure thing." Which category do you think yourself as a fan falls into?



CK: If it's not broken don't fix it is what I'd say. Sure having prospects in the organization is a huge part of the game. But why get rid of a sure thing? Prospects can wait their turn just as the veterans did. Hopefully they will turn out to be that sure thing veteran.

TGP: What current Major League player do you think you compare to the most?

CK: I've been compared to [Derek] Holland from the Texas Rangers. It's nice to be able to compare film with a guy that has already made it

TGP: If you could be the Yankees GM for a day what would you do? Don't have to really be realistic here. 

CK: It's hard to answer any questions about the general manager from your own organization. I don't want to step on any toes here.

TGP: How do you get any training done working out on that beach? Sorry I may or may not have been stalking your Twitter pictures :)


CK: Running in sand is like running on a treadmill on full incline. I feel training on that will make it easier while I'm conditioning during the season.

TGP: Have you ever considered returning to Auburn to mentor or coach?




CK: Being a coach or a mentor is what I would like to do one day. If I'm blessed enough to be able to come and give back to Auburn then I'd do it in a heartbeat.

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?


CK: I don't even have anyone famous in my phone unfortunately. I'm not known for being the most outgoing person in the world.

TGP: Most embarrassing song in your iPod?


CK: Music is really not my thing. I don't even use my iPod anymore. Any music that's on there is comprised of my brothers music.

TGP: We'll finish with this one, where do you see yourself in life and your career in five years?

CK: Hopefully 5 years from now I'll be fulfilling my dream and playing in the Major Leagues. I've been blessed beyond belief with this opportunity and I want to stay in this game as long as possible.

TGP: Keep giving those Georgia fans hell for me Conner, it's tough saying anything as a Georgia Tech Fan


CK: Haha I went to GT my freshman year actually. Always have not liked Georgia and I will never




Good man Conner, good man. Thank you for fighting the good fight against the Georgia Bulldogs fans and for doing all that you do in the New York Yankees organization. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for us, we appreciate it and so do our readers I'm sure. Have a great season! You can follow Conner on Twitter by following @ckendrick42 all season long.

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