With football fast approaching, it may seem like baseball is a long way away. But really, baseball isn't even over yet. Oregon State shortstop Joey Wong has been keeping busy with summer baseball, playing in the Cape Cod League for the Falmouth Commodores. I had a chance to exchange some words with Joey through e-mail, and here is the short interview for your reading pleasure:
Jake, Building the Dam: First, let's talk summer baseball. You're playing for the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod League. With almost all of Oregon State's roster on summer teams (i.e. John Wallace, Taylor Starr, and Josh Osich playing for the Corvallis Knights) Can you give OSU fans some background on how you (and Jorge) made your way to the East Coast? Is there are recruiting process there, or did you just decide that's where you want to spend your summer months?
Joey Wong, OSU Shortstop: Well the coaches contact coaches and ask for players that they would recommend so that's kind of how we end up out here.
Jake, Building the Dam: The league is packed full of talented collegiate players. With guys like North Carolina outfielder Tim Federoff who you played against in Omaha on the roster, what's the chemistry like? Is it a lot more laid back than playing for Oregon State, or is there still a lot on the line?
Joey Wong, OSU Shortstop: The guys on the team get along great, there is a respect that everyone has for one another out here because it's known as the best college summer league in the country so there aren't chemistry problems at all, at least not with our team.
Jake, Building the Dam: As of now, you're hitting .232 in summer ball with almost 100 at-bats in 26 games. I know that a lot of times players and coaches don't look at stats a whole lot, and sometimes stats don't do justice to how players are actually developing. With that said, how do you feel about your game right now? Are you getting better and learning things in Cape Cod?
Joey Wong, OSU Shortstop: Yeah things are going well over here. I feel good about things and they're going better lately so I'm excited to keep playing.
Jake, Building the Dam: What's it like transition from metal bats to wood? Does it take long, or is it an easy switch for you?
Joey Wong, OSU Shortstop: It's not a huge transition, it feels a little different but hitting is still hitting either way. [laughs]
Jake, Building the Dam We've seen a lot of talented players recently head for the pro's after their junior season of college. You're junior season is coming up. Have you put any thought into what your plans are for after this season?
Joey Wong, OSU Shortstop: I don't think about it too much I'm just trying to stay focused on what is going on right now.
Hopefully that gives you a glimpse of what's the summer is like for Mr. Wong. Thanks, Joey, and we look forward to talking to you in the future.
GO BEAVERS!
--JB--