La Ley Sports fans let me be the last to wish you all a happy Fourth of July.

This week I sat down with former Gulliver Raider and Baltimore Orioles 2012 third-round draft pick Adrian Marin. Adrian Marin is currently in the Oriole’s Rookie ball organization in the Gulf Coast league and we conversed over his recent experience as a professional baseball player.


Q&A

Luis Perez: What is the hardest thing about playing pro ball (so far)?

Adrian Marin: The pitching and the base runners. The pitching is a lot harder, everyone is 90+ with good off speed. Also on defense the hitters are much faster than those in high school so I’m still adjusting.

Luis Perez: Talk about the difference in the pitches you are seeing? (FB, breaking balls... etc.)

Adrian Marin: The fastballs have a lot more movement and are much faster. Off speed is harder to read off the hand and they locate it well.

Luis Perez: Can you touch upon the difference in age groups/skills in pro ball?

Adrian Marin: In rookie ball I’m playing with older competition, mostly are in the 20s. So they are a lot stronger and more experienced than me. But as you seem to improve and get better they will move you up the ladder and closer to the show.

Luis Perez: How did your first at-bat go? Nervous?

Adrian Marin: I was a little nervous my first at bat but i ended up hitting a hard ball up the middle that was unfortunately caught by the pitcher.

Luis Perez: How is the vibe in a clubhouse where everyone is practically competing to get to the next level?

Adrian Marin: People are a lot more serious on game days. Everyone has that goal to make it to the next step.

Luis Perez: What is the thing you miss the most now that you are practically independent?

Adrian Marin: I miss my family and friends. But it’s good because i get to mature on my own now.

Luis Perez: Who is your biggest role model, who do you credit with your early success?

Adrian Marin: My mom has always been there for me, through the good and the bad. She helped me get stronger mentally and made me the player i am today.

Luis Perez: Are you yet to face/play with anybody you have played against/or with in the past? If so who?

Adrian Marin: I have not faced anyone that i have played against before yet.

Luis Perez: What was the signing process like?

Adrian Marin: The signing process was very nerve wrecking and made me anxious to see what happens. I would get many calls from teams that gave me a hint of where i would go. But usually it’s not the case. So i just waited there until pretty much the Orioles called me and told me were going to call your name next. I was beyond relieved and excited then.

Luis Perez: What is the lifestyle of a pro ball player like?

Adrian Marin: Long days, we wake up at 6:30 every day to go to the gym or conditioning depending what your scheduled. Then we usually practice some and get ready for the game at 12. Then the days over

Luis Perez: What adjustment (if any) have you made for the style of pitching you are now facing? (Stance, patience… etc.)

Adrian Marin: I get ready a bit earlier and on time to recognize the pitch better. I also try to just make hard contact and be patient.

Luis Perez: Who was the first person to congratulate you upon signing with the O’s?

Adrian Marin: My mom. She was standing right beside me when the MLB network (draft coverage) called my name.

Luis Perez: When did you know that Baltimore was interested in you?

Adrian Marin: I actually had no clue that the Orioles were interested until they called me a minute before the selection.

Luis Perez: What is the best advice you can give a young ballplayer who wishes to break into pro ball one day?

Adrian Marin: Work hard and hustle on the field. The minute i get on the field i give 110%, i run on and off the field at all times. I hit a ground ball or a fly ball and i run as hard as i can. People notice that and see that you care about this game and want to play.



Adrian Marin’s up-to-date Minor League Statistics:

Year    Age    Club      Lg   Class      AVG  G   AB   R   H   2B   3B   HR   RBI   BB   SO   SB   CS   GDP   OBP   SLG   OPS
2012    18      Orioles GCL   R          .229  12   48    6   11   3     0      0      5      4     10     3      0       1     .288 .   292    .580