How did you end up becoming a part of our Falcons program?
Me and another Brooklyn Falcons coach and former teammate, Andrew Medina, were interested in coaching once our playing careers finished, and it just so happened, that one day when Coach Drew was working out, he ran into a Falcons coach. Drew then recommended me, and that is how I got here.
Where did you grow up and what sports did you play growing up?
I grew up in Corona, Queens, and baseball was the only sport I took serious and played in an organized league. Basketball was always my go-to in the gym, even in college. Jumper still needs some work.
What's your favorite memory or moment on a baseball field?
I’d say it probably has to be my last college game (although none of us knew it would be at the time).
For some reason we just had a different feeling about the game that day. Whether it was staying up until 2am playing MLB: The Show, or cracking jokes during bp, it was nice to end college baseball with those being my final memories of the guys I’d been with for years.
What daily routine did you pick up during quarantine that you kept as a good habit?
Starting my day with a good breakfast. It definitely keeps me moving a lot better throughout the day.
Who is your favorite baseball player? Why?
Despite him being very controversial, A-Rod was my favorite player growing up. He was able to do anything on a field, and being Dominican like me, it was fun watching him play for the Yankees. Pedro Martinez is a close second.
Mets or Yankees?
Started with the good guys, but made my way to the dark side.
How's the Falcons 12u team looking this summer?
Although we may not have the tournament championships to show for it, I do feel we made a lot of strides as a team and individuals to make ourselves better. It’s a credit to the kids for putting in the time and listening to coaches to get this team in a better position to win.
What's the most important thing you try to teach our Falcons that you hope will stick with them as they grow up and play at higher levels?
The intangibles that don’t show up in the stat line. Hustle, effort, confidence, patience, and competiveness are all things that we need to continue to work on.
If I had to tell all Falcons players to read one book it would be...
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho really shows that you learn more about your self and life on the journey rather then the destination (without trying to sound cliché). The journey of your playing career is what you’ll look back on rather then how far you get.
If I had to tell all Falcons players to watch one inspiring movie or YouTube video it would be...
Pursuit of Happyness or Miracle on Ice.
My favorite baseball related follow on social media is...
@appliedvisonbaseball
What's the most important thing an outfielder, young or old, has to do to get better?
Challenge yourself in practice, it’s ok to make errors in practice because they don’t count.
What's the best advice you ever got from another player or coach that wasn't just for baseball but has guided you through life?
Probably to emphasize the “game” part of baseball—as long as the effort and competitiveness is there, you get to enjoy baseball for what it is: a game.
What is the funniest thing you ever saw happen on a baseball field?
Telling a freshman in college to ask our coach for the key to the batter’s box—and he actually asked him!
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