An Interview with...Shawn Green (part two)

By Diane Stanley
February 6 2003

Seeing as we are heading into winter I thought it might be a good time to post the second part in my series "The life of a ballplayer". What is it really like to go to spring training? Not as a fan, but as a player.

Here, Shawn Green, a personal friend of mine will give you a little look at what it's like on the other side of the fence.

Q: When do you start to get ready for spring training?

A: Usually just after the Christmas holidays I really up my training schedule. I work out religiously all off-season, but once the holiday is over I start getting into game shape as much as I can. By January I start to get very itchy feet and want to get back in the game.

Q: All players have a deadline to report by. You always seem to arrive very early. Why is this?

A: I like to get in early to get the physicals out of the way. (I hate needles!) Also most players who are new to the team get in early so I can get to know them a little better when there are not so many other players in camp. I feel it's good to get to know your teammates as well as you can, as soon as you can. Also by then I'm more than ready to get started.

Q: What is your first obligation once you reach camp?

A: First up are always the physicals. We all have to have them. Blood tests, cardio tests pretty much the same as you receive when you go for your annual check up. It's always good to get this over and done with. You know you are in good shape for the season once all the results are in. It was during these tests that Joe Torre and I believe Andreas Galleraga both found out that they had cancer. These physicals may well of saved their lives.

Q: Between physicals and actual games there is a couple of weeks in between. What goes on then?

A: Pretty much just working out, and practices. A pitcher loses velocity and a part of his location over the winter. A hitter loses track of his swing. Much of this time is spent regaining strength, and coordination, and getting back into general shape. We also do timed runs and for those who have put on a few pounds its diet time. Thankfully I can eat pretty much whatever I like and never gain fat weight. If I do gain a few pounds luckily it's always muscle. We also play games against our own teammates. It's all good practice.

Q: I guess it's pretty exciting once the games begin. What do you, yourself gain most from these games?

A: Well once again there are new teammates to learn. You find out how much ground they can cover, and how well they can play. Also I try to work out any bad habits I may have picked up over the winter. I try and hit most days, but hitting off of a tee, or from a machine will never match up to hitting live ML pitching. I try not to worry too much though as it takes time for everyone to get back into a groove. Most players need to actually get into the regular season before they regain their true form. That's not saying that if I have a 0-4 day I won't take an extra hour or so of BP after a game.

Q: What for you is the hardest part of spring training?

A: Getting back into a strict routine again. Even though I keep up my workouts etc during the winter I don't get up at 7am like I have to once we are in camp. We have to report usually by 9am for a day game. 1-2 for an evening game Seeing as I have a good half an hour drive to the park I need that couple of hours before I arrive. I just have a light breakfast before I leave and do the crossword. I could never just get up and leave. When I'm at home I get up whenever I feel like it, work out when I feel like it. I guess it's the same for everyone when they go back to work after a vacation.

Also you have to get used to working out and playing in the hot sun again. It is very tiring. I usually go out for dinner either with my wife or a couple of teammates after a game and then just snooze most of the evening.

Q: It seems like there is a lot of hard work involved.

A: Yes there is. There is a lot of fun too though.

Q: Players always seem more relaxed and fan friendly during spring training. Why is this?

A: In part for me I would say it's because there is not so much pressure. The season is not on the line.

As for the fans I always try to be fan friendly, but there is a little more time between workouts during the spring. Plus usually there are not too many fans looking for autographs etc. We know these people have paid a great amount to come down to see us. We want to make it as enjoyable for them as we can.

Q: Apart from playing and working out what else do you do during the spring?

A: There is usually a "met the fans day." We get to meet up with some of the fans that attend, and have a barbeque and sign a few autographs and take pictures with fans.

There is also a day when the baseball card photographers come in and we pose for a few of their cards. Also we have pictures taken for the club publications. Not one of my favorite things to do to be honest.

When I get the odd off day I like to do the things that other people like to do. Go to the beach visit a theme park. Family type of things.

Q: What is the worst part of spring training for you?

A: Seeing a guy who has worked so hard to make the team being sent down as the final cut. Whoever it is you always feel for him. I know what it feels like, as it has happened to me in the past. You just hope to see him back with the team soon.

Q: What is your favorite part of spring training?

A: Breaking camp to start the season. There is always a great sense of excitement in the air when you board the bus for your first destination of the season.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for me again. Hope you will take the time to tell us about playing at home and about life on the road in the future.