When Damian Rodriguez was recruited to play for the Brooks Bombers this summer, the thought was that he could hit in the middle of the order.
But with the hot bats like Western Major Baseball League home run leader Riley MacDonald in the middle of the order, the Bombers made the decision to move Rodriguez to the leadoff spot.
READ MORE: “1 Thru 9: Riley MacDonald“
The Laredo, TX product didn’t disappoint. And when MacDonald signed a pro deal with the Quebec Capitals of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, Rodriguez stepped in. His batting average is sitting near .300 and as of Monday, he had clubbed seven home runs and drove in 22 runs.
Those numbers are right on par with where he was with the Central Methodist Univeristy Eagles during the spring, as he hit .284 with seven home runs and 28 runs batted in.
Not only did the 6-foot, 200-pound Rodriguez celebrate a birthday last week, but he also took some time to let us get to know him a little better in the latest edition of “1 Thru 9.”
Happy Birthday 🎂to @damiandingers the big 21 today!!! #BombSquad #BomberNation pic.twitter.com/QOYPHbgrq0
— Jason Wandler (@CoachWanz) July 19, 2018
1. What is your walk-up/warm-up tune?
“Thief” by Ookay. I love the the good saxophone with EDM mix.
2. What is the best pre-game meal?
Rice and chicken. Potentially season up that chicken.
3. Your family sends you a care package. What’s in it?
Some of mama’s cookies (made with love) and hopefully money!
4. What is your favourite stadium to watch or play baseball in?
To watch games, I’ll say Comerica Park in Detroit. To play, Seaman Stadium in Okotoks. The fans there are wild!
5. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a baseball player and why?
My parents pushed me to chase my dreams with baseball. They supported me through the ups and downs. They always give me positive vibes, along with all the support a kid could ask for.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPVdsLqjx2z/?taken-by=damiangiovanni
6. Who was the best teammate you’ve ever had and why?
I’ve had so many great teammates. I’m sure my list would consist of 50 players but Indiana boys Patrick Norris and Will Ray have been at the top of that list, along with Laredo product Alec Benavides. They bring a big smile and positivity with everything we do.
7. What is the best thing about playing baseball in the WMBL?
The setting of the WMBL is awesome. The fans are crazy, and love heckling us. They may be intoxicated but I love the energy.
8. What is your favourite baseball memory?
Hitting a walk off homer earlier this summer. We battled all game and blew the save in the 9th. Facing some tough adversity, it was a perfect ending to the day.
B5: @damiandingers go big fly to right field for a solo 💣. Bombers lead 4-2 pic.twitter.com/xNvKua7CeF
— Brooks Bombers ⚾️ (@Bombers_Brooks) July 10, 2018
9. What is the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?
My JUCO coach Matthew Torrez told me “less is more”. I trust my abilities and just play now. It’s been the best advice for my hitting, especially in two-strike counts. When I trust those words and put them in play, the outcome has been incredible.
One thought on “1 Thru 9: Damian Rodriguez”