This afternoon, I had the pleasure to interview Yankees’ No.6 Prospect Rob Refsnyder. The 23-year old hit .300, with 8 HR, and 33 RBI with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
1) Last season with S/WB, you had an impressive year. What did you do to prepare yourself for such a successful season?
“Well, every off-season I take some time off to let my body recover and spend time with people who I didn’t get to see during the season. The season is a grind; it’s nice to feel normal and spend time with loved ones. Then I do prep work and get my body ready for my workout program that I do with my strength and conditioning coach Neil Willey. I don’t think people can be successful without hard work and dedication to their craft. So, time off and specific hard work.”
2) When you were drafted by the Yankees in the 2012 MLB Draft, what was going through your mind at the time?
“Excitement. The Yankees were always an organization I admired. We were in the postseason in college so I didn’t think too much about it. I do my best to stay in the present.”
3) Last season, you played both second base and right field. Do you feel comfortable at a specific position?
“I feel comfortable at both.”
4) What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
“I’m pretty boring. I do my best to live simple and enjoy as much as I can. I love to travel and see new places. I enjoy being around people who I can be myself around and laugh with. Golfing sparks my interest as well as reading and listening to new and old music. Simple things go a long way.”
5) When you were growing up, did you idolize any players? If so, who and why?
“[Derek] Jeter and [Michael] Jordan. Simply because of winning. My family had tickets to the [Los Angeles] Lakers growing up. If you want a real experience, go watch Kobe Bryant close up. The stuff he can do is simply amazing. I enjoy J.J. Watt now.”
6) When did you start playing baseball? When did you first realize that this was your dream?
“As long as I can remember I have been playing. Baseball doesn’t define me though. My dream of being a professional athlete started early.”
To contact Rob, you can reach him on Twitter at @Rob_Refsnyder
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