Mike Kenney

Pitcher- Los Angeles Angels' organization

My next interview is with Mike Kenney.  Mike is a 23 year old pitcher in the Los Angeles Angels' organization from Carlsbad, California.  Mike made his professional debut in 2008 with the Rookie-level Arizona Summer League Angels, after being selected in the 28th round of the 2008 draft out of Loyola Marymount University.  In 2009, Mike pitched for the Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.  I asked Mike various questions about his experiences in professional baseball, how he felt when he struck out Manny Ramirez last season, and what Spring Training is like. 

Where did you play last season (2009)?

I played for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, [Class-A California League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels].

What was your first professional outing like and the emotions you were feeling at the time?

My first professional outing was very exciting and “nerv racking” at the same time.  The excitement wore off because I was playing rookie-ball in Tempe, Arizona in front of about 4 people.  The nerves were still there though because whether there's people there or not, you always want to do well and you're trying to get moved up to the next level.  

What was your first Spring Training like in 2009? 

The best way to prepare for spring training is to stand in your cleats for seven hours a day.  The days are long.  A lot of throwing, running, PFP [pitcher's fielding practice] work, and shagging in the outfield.  It's fun to see all your old buddies after the off-season, and once you get a week or two into Spring Training you really get excited for the season to start.  Another fun aspect of Spring Training is watching the big leaguers throw in minor league camp, because you really get to see their talents. 

What has been the hardest part of playing professional baseball, or something that you did not expect? 

The "grind".  I think not necessarily being on the road is the hardest part, but the fact that when you're "home" you're staying at somebody else’s home.  We had host families in Rancho Cucamonga and while they are great people and awesome for opening their homes to us, you still feel a little uncomfortable. 

What was it like being able to not only face Manny Ramirez this past season, but also strike him out? 

We found out a couple weeks before that we would be facing Manny in a game, and leading up to the game we all talked about the different scenarios that could happen while facing him.  How it would be embarrassing to be on ESPN for giving up a [home run] to him, whether or not he'd charge [the mound] if you beaned him, etc... For me, it was a win-win situation facing him because he's one of the best hitters in baseball and he's supposed to get hits off of minor league pitchers.  It was pretty funny how many people found out [I struck him out], because that’s the first thing everyone always asks me about.  

What do you think are some of the biggest differences that you have noticed as you have progressed from playing college baseball, Rookie ball, and Class-A ball?

Consistency, everyone’s a lot more consistent as you move up.  Also, I would say mistakes get hit a little harder, and from a pitching standpoint you really need to get ahead of hitters and avoid walks.  

You just finished participating in “Instructs.”  What was that like, and how is it different than the regular season? 

“Instructs” was good because as the name suggests you get a lot of instruction.  It’s nice being able to try new pitches in a game situation.  It’s different from the regular season because you have to try new things, like throwing an inning going fastball then change-up every other pitch.  

Who are some of the guys at the Major League level that you have had the opportunity to speak to at Spring Training or during a rehab assignment, and did they give you any good advice? 

Torii Hunter [outfielder for the L.A. Angels], was rehabbing in Rancho Cucamonga for 3 days. I had always heard he was a great guy, but he blew my expectations out of the water.  He showed up early for workouts and stayed late after the games. He also bought lunch and dinner for us and taught us how to play the game the right way.