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May 24, 2004
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Interview with
Scott Hairston
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Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.
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Hairston brings a "team
first" attitude to the field There's no question that Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Scott Hairston possesses a world of talent. As one of Arizona's top young players, the 23-year-old second baseman has been on the fast track to the big leagues since he was selected in the third round of the 2001 draft. But Hairston is quick to point out that it's what the team does that matters the most.
"The most important thing is that we're winning," said Hairston while still a member of the Diamondbacks' AAA affiliate in Tucson. This unselfish attitude is something that Hairston, who is the fifth member of his family to play major league baseball, has developed during his four years in the professional game. "You always look at your average and ... your stats," said Hairston. "I really learned that that stuff will take care of itself. Now I just go out every day ... and help my team win. If I think of myself and what I'm doing wrong, it really takes me out of the game." Hairston continued, "It's made me a better player ... it's made me a better person, just to see how a team can come together." There's never been any question about Hairston's physical baseball skills. His offensive potential has often been compared to that of big league star Gary Sheffield. Hairston hit a combined .324 in his first three minor league seasons, only dropping below the .300 level in AA last season when he was bothered by nagging back problems. The right-handed hitter was batting .313/.375/.565 for Tucson prior to his latest call-up to Arizona, the second time this season that he's been summoned to fill in for an injured player. Hairston made only one appearance in his first stint with the Diamondbacks. He wound up facing one of the toughest pitchers in the game in Philadelphia closer Billy Wagner. "The guy's amazing," commented Hairston about the Phillie southpaw. "He doesn't overwhelm you with his size. But once he whips that arm it's tough. It's kind of intimidating. He touched 100 miles per hour ... it was my first at bat and I was very anxious. It was something I'll never forget." Hairston struck out in that initial appearance against Wagner; he was sent back to Tucson a day later. He was recalled just over a week ago, and hit a homerun against Florida last weekend for his first big league hit. He followed that with a triple in his next game. Hairston grew up in a major league family. His father, Jerry Sr., played 14 seasons, mostly with the Chicago White Sox, while brother Jerry Jr. is in his sixth year with the Baltimore Orioles. Grandfather Sam, a Negro League veteran, and uncle John both had very brief cups of coffee in the big leagues. Hairston believes that this connection to the game has been an advantage for him. "Throughout my career, when I needed someone to talk to, I was able to talk to my dad and my brother," Hairston said. "I'm sure they've gone through everything I'm going through now."
Hairston has learned not to try to be like his brother. "Earlier ... I put a lot of pressure on myself to be better than my brother, to try to outdo the comparisons and to make my own name," said Hairston. "I added pressure to myself, but I learned to handle that." He really believes that it's pointless to compare himself to his brother, who, like Scott, also plays second base. "We've never tried to outdo each other," continued Hairston, "because we've realized we're different types of players. He's more of a speed guy ... he's an excellent defender ... We're built differently and we have different ways of going about the game." Hairston has sometimes been criticized for a perceived lack of effort on the field. It's something that he explains when discussing the difference between himself and his brother. "He's very energetic and I'm more laid back," Hairston stated. "Sometimes that kind of hurts me, because sometimes you need that energy. That's something that he's always had. But I still have that fire. I go out there and I want to win. It's just that we have different energy levels." While Hairston has spent the bulk of his pro career as a second baseman, it's very likely that he will not remain there long term. Just before his second call-up to Arizona, the organization announced that Hairston would work exclusively in the outfield for the remainder of the AAA season. He's played only second base to date for the Diamondbacks, but the team still believes that his future is as an outfielder. "I'm learning to play outfield," said Hairston. "Anything can happen in the future ... I'm still going to be taking ground balls in the infield, but it's good to have that versatility, especially the way the game's changing nowadays." Prior to this season, Hairston's outfield experience was limited to 10 games in left field for Central Arizona College, where he played after graduating from Tucson's Canyon del Oro High School. He's positive that he can become a solid outfielder with experience. "I know I can get the job done," Hairston said. "I've been an outfielder before. It's different, but I know I can make that adjustment." Deep down, it appears as if Hairston knows that this position change is one of the keys to his success. "If I become a good outfielder, good things will happen," he said. --- Bill Mitchell |
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