Following Shawn Green's franchise record 49 homerun season, the Dodgers' right fielder to talked to us about his youth baseball career, which included some innings at shortstop and on the mound!

A potent left handed hitter and speedster, Green hit 35 homeruns and stole just as many bases in 1998 to join the elite 30/30 club. Green became a member of the Dodgers in 1999, joining the team he cheered for as a youngster growing up in Tustin, CA.

JrBB: At what age did you start playing baseball?

SG: I started playing on a team when I was seven.

JrBB: What are your earliest memories of playing?

SG: Playing T-Ball, I remember just trying to keep my shoes clean. I didn’t like them getting dirty.

JrBB: What baseball organization did you start out in?

SG: I started out in Little League as my first organized league, then played in Tustin Pony Baseball.

JrBB: As a kid, were you an above average player?

SG: I played a lot, so I always did well, because I practiced all the time.

JrBB: What positions did you play?

SG: I played everywhere - pitcher, shortstop, first base.

JrBB: A lefty shortstop?

SG: Yeah (laughing).

JrBB: Did you play any other sports?

SG: I played basketball, and soccer too.

JrBB: Who was a big influence on you when you were a kid playing baseball?

SG: My dad was the biggest influence on my playing as a kid. He always coached my Little League teams.

JrBB: Tell us about your best memory of youth baseball.

SG: In Little League we always had really good teams. In All Stars, we won a few tournaments...we were trying to make it all the way.

JrBB: How were you as a student in school?

SG: Yeah, I was a pretty good student.

JrBB: Tell us about your high school career.

SG: I played varsity my freshman year, so I was on varsity my whole high school career.

JrBB: What was your Plan B if you did not make it as a baseball player?

SG: I was going to be a doctor if baseball didn’t work out for me.

 [ Green Interview: Page 1  | Page 2 ]

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