My Interview with Donald Lutz- the first German developed player to play in the MLB

Donald Lutz

My interview with Donald Lutz went awesome. I interviewed him as a member of the Triple AAA Louisville Bats. Unfortunately, he was released about a week after this interview was taken place. Lutz is the first German developed player to play in the MLB.

Lutz played for the Cincinnati Reds. Lutz had a .211 career average over two years and had a .987% career fielding percentage with a -0.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). Here's the rest of the interview- it was conducted over email (this is a direct transcript).

1. What's an interesting characteristic about you that no one on your team knows?

Haha I I've been around some of these guys for the past 7 years so they kinda know me pretty good!

2.  Who is your favorite German athlete besides yourself (meaning the athlete you admired/revered while you were in Germany)?

My favourite German athlete was always Dirk Nowitzki, not just because of all the success he had but the way he was on and off the field!

3. When was your first professional home run?

My first professional homerun I hit in 2008 I think in the Gulf Coast League against the Twins to complete my first cycle.

4. When was your first hit and who was it off of?

Not sure if you mean professional hit it first hit ever haha

But my first hit ever was an inside the park homerun in Germany

I hit a ball over the center fielders head and ran like crazy lol

5. When did you sign your first autograph?

I signed my first autograph 2007 when I signed my professional contract I also signed my friends reds hat

6.  One state in the U.S. you'd like to visit but haven't yet.... Why?

Hawaii!

Just havnt had time yet or the opportunity to go there but one day I will!

Just heard good things about it and I love traveling the world!

7.  Who's your favorite old-time baseball player?

Funny thing is I don't really have one because I never even watched or heard anything of baseball until I was 15

8. If you had to assemble your starting lineup (all baseball players that have existed), who'd be on the team?

Let’s skip 8!

Lutz w/his awesome mustache

9. The most imposing pitcher you've faced this year is...?

Haven't really faced many guys this year due to injury!

10. Having a short stint in the Majors, how different is AAA life from Major League life?

It's really different in the majors you just get treated like a king everywhere you go!

11.  Who's the funniest guy on your team?

We had a bunch of funny guys on the team so I can't really point one out!

12. What's your favorite visiting ballpark in AAA?

I like Indy the most it's a really nice park and always fun to play!

13. What's the weirdest experience that has happened to you this year?

I had tommy john lol that was pretty weird.

14.  Where do you see yourself after baseball?

I can see myself being a financial advisor or built my own zoo!!

15.  Who's the best player you've seen come through Louisville?

Donald Lutz (myself)

My Interview with Kevin Brown

Kevin Brown

My interview with Kevin Brown was awesome. Kevin Brown is a 24 year old outfielder from Northborough, Massachusetts who plays for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The Pelicans are the Class A advanced affiliate for the Chicago Cubs. Brown went to Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.  An interesting fact about Kevin Brown is that he's played at every minor league level (Rookie Ball, Single A, High A, Double AA & Triple AAA). Here's the rest of the interview!

1. What's an interesting characteristic about you that no one on your team knows?

 That both of my parents contributed to my baseball success. Most of the time, players say that their dad was their primary contributor to their baseball career. My mom was an excellent softball player.

2.  What was it like playing in the Cape Cod League?

It was an unbelievable experience. I played for the Orleans Firebirds. It was an unbelievable experience and a dream of mine because of how close I was to the fields as a kid.

3. When was your first professional home run?

It was in my rookie season in the Arizona League.  I was playing against the Cincinnati Reds in their spring training complex.

4. When was your first hit and who was it off of?

It was again in the Arizona League, but this time it was against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

5. When did you sign your first autograph?

When I signed my first pro contract, some of my buddies asked me for an autograph as a joke. 

6.  One state in the U.S. you'd like to visit but haven't yet?

I'd like to visit to California.

7.  Who's your favorite old-time baseball player?

Ted Williams. He's the greatest hitter that ever lived.

8. If you had to assemble your starting lineup (all baseball players that have existed), who'd be on the team?

C- Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez

1B- Albert Pujols

2B- Roberto Alomar

SS- Derek Jeter

3B- Brooks Robinson

OF- Manny Ramirez

OF- Mickey Mantle

OF- Ted Williams

DH- David Ortiz

P- Pedro Martinez


9. The most opposing pitcher you've faced this year is...?

It was Reynaldo Lopez. 

10.  What was it like playing for Bryant University?

Playing for Bryant University was an unbelievable experience. I'm so thankful for all of the staff who helped me, and it's just a beautiful campus out there in Rhode Island.

11.  Who's the funniest guy on your team?

Without a doubt, Ben Carhart.

12. What's your favorite visiting ballpark?

My favorite visiting ballpark I've played is the Birmingham Barons ballpark, Regions Field.

13. What's the weirdest experience that has happened to you this year?

My weirdest experience has defintely been how my coach told me that I needed to stay in Extended Spring Training, and then the next day I was flown to The Iowa Cubs ,   the Triple-AAA affiliate for the Cubs.

14.  Where do you see yourself after baseball?

I hope to coach collegiately or start my own business.

15.  Who are the best players you've seen come through Myrtle Beach or through any of the levels you’ve played at?

It was Kris Bryant and Addison Russell. They are both really talented.