21 May Getting to Know New York Mets Jeff McNeil
Name: Jeff McNeil
Born: April 8, 1992 in Santa
Barbara, California
Nickname: Squirrel
Drafted: by the New York Mets
in the 12th round of the 2013
Major League Baseball Draft.
2019 Salary: $567,714
How do you like playing in New York? It’s awesome. When you win, it’s definitely
the best place to play in all sports. The fans are incredible when they’re behind you. I love it so far.
How do you like your manager Mickey Callaway?
He’s a good player’s manager. He gets along well with everybody.
What drives you?
I want to be the best. I always wanted to be the best since I
was a little kid. I always wanted to prove people wrong.
You use a unique knobless bat, how did that come
about?
My minor league hitting coordinator Lamar Johnson give me a bat with no
knob. I liked how it felt and have been using it ever since. It’s a balanced feeling. It’s not very
top-heavy. A lot of bats have that big old barrel, small handle. Mine’s got like a real thick handle
and kind of a medium-size barrel, so it makes it feel pretty light, and balanced.
Going into your second MLB season, do you plan on changing any part of your game?
I’m going to do the same thing I did last year. I’m not going to change anything. Just go out there and play hard.
Who is one pitcher in MLB history you would have loved to face?
Definitely Randy Johnson. Back in his prime, I don’t see anyone being harder to hit than him.
Do you have a favorite stadium?
Probably Dodger Stadium just because I grew up going there.
What was your favorite sport growing up?
Definitely golf. In high school I played golf, basketball and baseball. I really didn’t play baseball until my senior year. Golf was always my first love.
Favorite athlete in any sport?
Tiger Woods. I’ve played golf ever since I was 4 years old. I just remember
basically every Sunday, I’d sit in front of the TV and watch him dominate every tournament he was in.
What do you think about your 2019 Mets?
We have both the hitting & pitching to get it done. If everyone stays healthy, and we play the way we’re supposed to,
we can bring a World Series back to Queens.