Down On The Farm With Buddy Kennedy
I was able to meet up and interview Buddy Kennedy recently, drafted in the 5th Round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017. Kennedy is from the same town as Mike Trout, and his grandpa is Don Money, a former All-Star infielder back in the 1970’s for the Milwaukee Brewers. This year Buddy Kennedy made the Midwest League All-Star team and collected two hits in the All-Star Game. He is considered to be one of the Diamondbacks top 30 prospects, and has started adding more defensive versatility to his game by showing the ability to play multiple positions. Scouts feel his bat should develop enough over time for him to become an above average major league hitter.
James Weisser: Who is one of your favorite players to watch?
Buddy Kennedy: When I was growing up I really didn’t have a favorite player, but I liked the way Ryan Howard played. He played the right way and tried to get a hit every single at bat. When Mike Trout started playing and he got drafted, I followed him. I loved watching him every time he went out there he would have fun and I admired that about him. I always looked up to Mike Trout and so I try to play like him the best that I can.
JW: Growing up in Millville, New Jersey did you or have you gotten a chance to meet Mike Trout, and what’s it like being from the same town?
BK: I’ve actually gotten to know Mike Trout and we’ve gotten closer over these past few years. We hunt and train in the off-season together. I’m pretty much with him almost every other day. It was nice to have him take me under his wing and show me the ropes. He told me that the minor leagues is a grind but you just have to stay with it and stay healthy, go out there and play everyday like it’s your last and just go have fun.
JW: Your grandpa has probably one of the best names in baseball and was a former All-Star. “Don Money.” What was it like having him to talk to and learn from?
BK: He’s a good dude. He played 15 years in the big leagues. It’s nice being able to talk with him when I’m struggling, and he really tells me just to relax and have fun. He played in the Midwest League when he was coming up in the Phillies organization, so he knows what it’s like and how tough it is, for sure. He’s a great resource and great guy to learn from too. At the end of the year we talk about my season and what it is I need to work on to improve.
JW: I knew you played third base but the last time I was here I saw you playing second. Could you tell me more about your defensive versatility and if that’s something you enjoy?
BK: Well when I came into spring training this year we had a meeting about the Diamondbacks wanting me to be more versatile and try different positions. I enjoy being more versatile and as you work your way up in baseball there are less spots in the big leagues so to be able to play multiple positions helps you chances. I just want to do everything I can to help the team out in whatever way. The hardest part about playing second base is turning two, but once you get that down, it’s pretty simple. It’s comfortable for me and it’s relaxing compared to the hot corner.
JW: What’s your favorite thing about the game of baseball?
BK: I like just being able to play everyday and giving it my all. I try to stay positive and give it my all. Some days you have your ups and downs, but I never try to dwell on it, I just look forward to the next day and try to have fun. My main goal everyday is to have fun.
JW: How are you using baseball to help others?
BK: I like to be positive and I love to make fans days. I like talking with them and helping them to feel special. I really enjoy putting smiles on their faces, especially kids and people who might not be able to play just allowing them to have a moment where they feel good and are happy, that’s a way of making baseball bigger than baseball. and being able to connect with others through baseball and having them feel good is awesome.
JW: What’s your favorite movie?
BK: Field of Dreams.
JW: What’s your favorite food?
BK: My favorite food when I’m out of baseball season is Burritos.
JW: What’s your favorite kind of music?
BK: After the game if I’m cruising back home I like to listen to some country music. If I’m at the field getting ready to play I like to listen to rap.
JW: What are some of your interests outside of baseball?
BK: I like hunting a lot when I’m in the off-season. I also like to fish, but when I’m back home I like to spend time with family and relax.
JW: If you could be any superhero who would it be?
BK: Batman.
