[ Rodriquez Interview: Page 1  | Page 2 ]

JrBB: Do you recommend players pass up the draft to go to college?

AR: College, 100 percent! They should let go of the high school draft. There should be only one round for college. All kids should go to college unless you’re a No. 1, 2, 3, top-ten pick. I was a No. 1 pick, but I still wanted to go to college. My brother and sister went to college.

JB: Who were the top coaches who influenced you?

AR: Rich Hoffman at Westminster High School and Eddie Rodriguez at the Boys Club. I owe all my success to them. They gave me the confidence early on that I could play. They came to my all-star game, they came to opening day. They’re my buddies.

JB: Do you appreciate the great shortstops who played before you?

AR: Yes. A lot of times, I’ve heard guys come up and say, “I’m the man, I don’t need to thank anybody.” I hope that when I’m 35 and a 21-year old comes up, he gives me the respect that I’ve earned. I feel there is a responsibility with young players to really give thanks back to guys who have been around awhile: the Ernie Banks, the Cal Ripkens, the Ozzie Smiths. Without those guys, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

JrBB: As a person of Latin-American background, were you taught about the late Roberto Clemente, who died over 28 years ago on a mercy mission to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua?

AR: We’re all taught about Roberto. I learned about him at age seven from my brother. He was Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Jackie Robinson (to Latin players). I have watched tapes of him playing and looked up his record. He will live forever for us.

JB: Thanks Alex!

[ Rodriquez Interview: Page 1  | Page 2 ]

TOP