23 May Getting to Know N.Y. Mets Infielder Phillip Evans
Getting to know…..
N.Y. METS NEW INFIELDER
PHILLIP EVANS
By Ari &
Dovie Hirsch
Mets infielder Phillip Evans has finally made the big team. Callaway made the decision official as Michael Conforto will start the year on the DL, clearing the way for the 25-year-old utility infielder to break camp with the Mets. On March 29, the Mets will carry a five-man bench and a seven-man bullpen to begin the season.
I had the opportunity with my son Dovie to meet Phillip in Binghamton right after he won the batting title in the summer of 2016..
Name: Phillip Matthew Evans
Born: September 10, 1992 (age 25) in Whittier, California
Drafted by: The Mets in the 15th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California.
Major League Debut: September 8, 2017
FAST FACTS: Evans won the Double-A Eastern League batting title in 2016, finishing the season with a .335 average. Since being drafted, the 5-foot- 10, 223-pound infielder has hit .260 for his minor league career. Last season, in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Evans slashed .279/.341/.418, but hit .328 in the second half. He’s more of a line-drive hitter than a power-hitter, but he did hit a career-high 11 homers for Las Vegas this year. Evans is capable of playing a variety of positions. He came up as a shortstop, but has played second base, third base and left field.
Favorite Ball Players Growing up: Ken Griffey Jr., Jimmy Rollins & Jose Reyes
Favorite team growing up: Being that I am from the Bay Area, I will always be a San Francisco Giants fan
Favorite Ballplayer outside of Baseball: I’m a big football and Marshawn Lynch fan
Favorite Movie: The Sandlot
When did you start playing baseball?
A: When I was 4 years old I was already playing
Who influenced your career the most?
A: My dad has always been motivating me through my career so far. I have learned a lot from all of coaches from travel ball when I was younger, to my high school coach Justin Machado who taught me a lot about controlling my emotions and how to carry myself on and off the field.
Do you have a preference as to which position you like best?
A: Being on a baseball field is my life and brings me tremendous joy I love to play shortstop but I would play any position just to be out on that field everyday.
How do you like playing with Amed Rosario & Dominic Smith?
A: I know both of them very well. We were in the minors together.They are both very talented ballplayers.
What do you like to do on an off day?
A: I love being at the beach and in the ocean, just laying in the sand and playing beach volleyball makes me happy. I also love playing golf.
Any goals for the upcoming season?
A: Get to the big leagues and stay there!
DOVIE HIRSCH WITH PHILLIP EVANS THE DAY THAT
HE WON THE BATTING TITLE IN BINGHAMTON