Exclusive Interview With Yankees Dante Bichette Jr.

What better way to spend a slow and lazy Sunday morning then reading an interview with Yankees prospect and son of a former Major League player Dante Bichette Jr. right? Today we bring our latest interview as a part of Prospects Month here on the blog with Mr. DB Jr., enjoy!





The Greedy Pinstripes: Dante! How are you sir? How is the family? It's been too long since we've talked.

Dante Bichette Jr.: We are doing great man! Thanks for asking. My dad, my brother and I have been killing it in the weight room the entire offseason, and killing it on the field training. Pops is busy dropping bombs and getting intentionally walked in his mens league games, and Bo is about to start his high school season with a new team that seems like a lot of fun. My mom is "baseballed out" for the meantime. haha

TGP: I don't really need to ask because I follow your stuff on Twitter a lot but how important is family to you?

DBJr: Family is everything. No matter what happens, family will always be there for you and have your back.

TGP: I respect the heck out of you for your faith and being so open about it. How do you think it has helped you in your life and in your career?

DBJr: My relationship with God has become extremely important to me over the past year. I was raised to believe in God, pray every night, try to live like him...etc. But only over this last year have I really taken it upon myself to establish a relationship with him and really dive into his word daily. It took some failure in my life to realize a lot of things. I do know a couple things for certain, the first is that God has had huge plans for me ever since I was a little kid. The second is that he won't let me fulfill what I'm supposed to do unless I am going to be a good light for him to shine through. My agent Bill Rose and his wife have helped me along the way with that. I could go on, but bottom line is that now I know I am more than just a ball player.

TGP: Your dad, Dante Sr., pursuing any other hitting jobs since leaving Colorado?

DBJr: Nope! He is going to be with Bo and I this year. Which I couldn't be any happier about!

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

DBJr: I have been in the gym, running sprints, and on the field everyday. I realize the opportunity I have this year is gigantic and I am ready to go!

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

DBJr: When I'm not doing any sort of training, I either am pwning newbs with Bo (what we call playing video games), or doing something with Morgan, my parents, or my grandparents. Not a whole ton of off time.

TGP: How is the group Navy 58 doing? Are you guys still pursuing the whole music thing as well?

DBJr: Well Mason and I haven't been in the same place for a little while now so haven't had any opportunities to get on the mic. But he did send me a video of some new turn tables he got, so you haven't heard the last of Navy58 ;)

TGP: Favorite restaurant to eat at?

DBJr: Well my favorite food is sushi by far but favorite restaurant is Texas de Brazil.

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

DBJr: Well actually she came to a bunch of games last year. Big props and thanks to her for all the driving she did. She definitely deserves some sort of award. I don't think they makes those. haha. But to be honest, it wouldn't be hard at all, all my focus is on the season and getting to the Big Leagues, and she is on board with that 100%. It was in her contract ;)

TGP: I see your a Hunger Games fan, I assume you read the books? How crazy is that last movie (or two more than likely) going to be? It's about go down, lol. 

DBJr: Oh man... Greatest question I've ever been asked. I love the Hunger Games. Even more than I loved Avatar. Which was a lot. I watched the movies first, and am now reading the books so no spoilers!

TGP: Speaking of Hunger Games I was kind of stalking your Twitter for this interview and saw that Christmas dinner spread you had. First off, nice work. Secondly, where was my invite D? Third, do you consider yourself a foodie?

DBJr: Haha! Thanks! I only recently started cooking. My Vovo' and Vovo^ have taught me absolutely every dish I know. Except for my dads famous hot dog sandwich.  

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?

DBJr: That's a funny one. I don't actually know if I fall into the "fan" category at all. You can ask Bo. If we ever need to know any stat, score, name, anything he is the one we go to. 

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

DBJr: In the past I would have gave you an answer, but I really don't think there is a comparison. I could be my own type of player.  When I make it, you'll see what I mean. 

TGP: I know you probably don't think of things like this but how long before you think we could see you in the Major Leagues? I have your ETA down as late 2016, is that accurate?

DBJr: The way things usually work is whenever the higher ups feel a player is Big League ready, they move him fast. I plan to be ready this year. But I don't make the moves so who knows!

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

DBJr: Hmmmmmm... I don't think it would be smart for me to answer this one. But I will say I would move Bo Bichette to the top of my Draft Board. That's a no-brainer. 

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

DBJr: I see myself as a FEARLESS star in the Big leagues. Bringing glory to God with the spot light he has given me every day.

TGP: Like Ty Hensley, and many other Yankees beat writers and prospects, we just wanted to take a second to really thank you for being so gracious and generous with us. There are so many people either in the organization or covering the organization that do not understand the "social" part of social media and you are always active and willing to talk with us. This is the second time we have interviewed you and you are always a pleasure to talk with. I personally appreciate you and I know our readers do too, we just wanted to let you know that. Thank you!

DBJr: Awesome man! No problem. God Bless. 

We want to thank Dante again for taking the time to do this interview and for always taking the time out for his fans, it is appreciated more than you know. You can follow Dante on Twitter by following @DBJr19. I have a real feeling, and remember where you heard it first, this is going to be Dante's breakout season. Between him not letting anyone outwork him and having his father there to guide him all season long I think this will not be the last we have heard from Dante Bichette Jr. this season.