For
the week of :
August 11, 2003
Interview with
Robby Hammock
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Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.
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Hammock a regular
passenger on the
Robby Hammock must know every mile of the 115 mile trip between Tucson and Phoenix by now. When we caught up with the Diamondbacks' catching prospect in early August, he had already been called up twice to the parent club. Hammock has performed well at both levels, hitting .267/.321/405 with two homeruns in 116 at bats with Tucson, and an even more impressive .284/.313/.505 with five homeruns in 109 at bats with Arizona. True to form for a player that gets the most out of his abilities, Hammock has learned many valuable lessons from his time with the parent club. "The main advice I could give somebody is you've got to give 100% every day," said the 26-year-old Hammock. "It's a lot tougher. You've got to be ready to do day in and day out or you'll be made to look like a fool." Hammock, who was chosen by the Arizona organization in the 28th round of the 1998 free agent draft, has been like a sponge, learning everything he can from his Diamondback teammates. "Matt Mantei really took me under his wing," replied Hammock when asked which big league teammates helped him the most, and then continued, "Luis Gonzalez took care of me. Mark Grace shared a lot of points of views on the game. All of those guys ... any little part that they see they come up and give you a word of advice. Carlos Baerga was the same way ... all of them." The most important lesson learned by Hammock throughout his career is one that has helped him develop the maturity required to compete at the highest level of the game.
"It (the game of baseball) humbles you," said Hammock. "I learned the first day as soon as I signed, the first day I walked out to the mini-camp and started playing scrimmage games against the other new draftees. I learned right away that I wasn't nearly as good as I thought I was ... it just humbles you." Understanding his limitations and instead building them into strengths is a major success factor for the 5'11", 180 pound University of Georgia grad. Hammock continued, "One of the main reasons I took off in the last few years was, as a utility guy, knowing my limit and not trying to do too much. You learn to maximize your limits. It helps you be a more consistent player." Hammock's family is one of his primary motivators. He is married and has two little daughters. "(Having a family) tends to slow you down and you focus on the game a lot more," said Hammock. "I don't know if I'd be in the same situation right now if it wasn't for my wife and two daughters. You definitely want to provide for your family and you've got to do anything possible that you can. You've got to adjust and play hard every day." The biggest reason that Hammock should have a long career in the big leagues is his versatility. In addition to his regular catching position, he has the ability to play both corner infield and outfield positions. But if it ever comes down to choosing just one position, there's absolutely no doubt in Hammock's mind where he would want to wind up. "Catching, by far," proclaimed Hammock. "I have a passion for catching. It's my favorite position, and it's the one I feel most comfortable at." Hammock has since had one more opportunity to make the trip up I-10 from Tucson to Phoenix, having recently been recalled by the Diamondbacks for the third time this year. Perhaps this time, he'll be there to stay. --- Bill Mitchell |
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