Monday, February 24, 2014

Exclusive Interview w/ Yankees Pitcher Andrew Benak


With our latest interview we have a name that many of you may not know yet, but you will, and his name is Andrew Benak. Benak is a starting pitcher that spent 2013 in the New York Penn League with the Staten Island Yankees and spent his college career at Rice University. 





The Greedy Pinstripes: Mr. Andrew Benak, how are you today sir? How is your offseason going?

Andrew Benak: Off season is going well just looking forward to the upcoming season


TGP:  You are currently a pitcher for the Staten Island Yankees, did you play any other positions growing up, in High School, or in college?


AB: I played a lot of different positions growing up. In high school I played first base as well as pitched

TGP: Do you miss anything about the whole college experience or anything specifically at Rice University?

AB: I loved my experience at Rice. We had a great team all four years and I really enjoyed both baseball and school

TGP: Do you keep up with the Rice University baseball and/or football teams?



AB: I keep up with both teams. I watch the baseball games any chance I get on the internet while I'm playing.

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


AB: I was sitting on my couch with my roommate in college just watching the draft. He was drafted as well and it was a great experience

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


AB: I was born and raised in Houston so I'm a Houston sports fan. The Astros, Texans, and Rockets were all my favorites growing up

TGP: How tough is it to be on the road so much and having your girlfriend at home waiting on you?

AB: It is definitely tough but she's very supportive in what I do. Although it's tough she makes it easier for both of us

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


AB: I'm really trying to improve everything going into this year from command to the movement of my pitches.

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

AB: The past two off seasons I have been doing internships. I graduated from rice in December and I am currently interning with a commercial real estate company

TGP: Favorite restaurant to eat at?

AB: My favorite restaurant hands down is Lupe Tortillas. It's a Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston and it has the best queso

TGP:  Are you listening to any good music right now we may not know about?


AB: I listen to all types of music from country to rap and everything in between. I mainly listen to country music if I had to chose a genre

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?



AB: That's a hard question to answer. I think it just depends on the type of fan you are.

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

AB: I'm not sure who I compare to most. Jeff Neimann helped me out a little so I like to think I compare to him in a way

TGP:  Have you ever considered life after baseball and whether you would be interested in coaching or mentoring? Maybe returning to Rice?

AB: I have considered life after baseball but for now I want to focus on the opportunity that I have in front of me and make the most of it. I'm not sure if I would be interested in coach at Rice. I haven't ever thought about it but it's something that would be intriguing

TGP: How important is family to you in your life and in your career?





AB: Family is extremely important I have an amazing family. My family has supported me my whole life and I wouldn't be where I am without them

TGP: Most embarrassing song in your iPod?


AB: We are never ever getting back together by Taylor Swift

TGP: You're home from a long road trip, what are you watching on TV right now?

AB: I'm watching friends right now but you will catch me watching anything from sportscenter to family guy

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


AB: That's another tough question I know what goals I have but like I said I like to focus on the present and make the most of "now"





Thank you very much for taking the time do this for us Andrew, it is appreciated. Good luck this season and every season going forward. You can follow Andrew on Twitter by following @abenak30.

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