August 2, 2010
Hangin' out with ... Darnell McDonald
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Darnell McDonald made an immediate impact with the Red Sox, hitting a homer in his first at-bat.
Q&A
How did you get started playing baseball? My father would take us out with a big red bat and as soon as we could start swinging those, we’d take the whiffle balls out and pretty much when I could walk, I started playing baseball.
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level? Work, repetition. This is a game of repetition. A lot of other games are more based on instinct, but this is a game where you have to just keep working on your craft.
What is the highlight/most memorable moment of your baseball career? You know what? Before a game in San Franciscoin June, I met a boy that had cancer. He gave me this wristband for Sam’s Team. He told me if I wear this band, I’ll hit a home run. First at-bat, I hit a home run. So that, along with the first night I had in Bostonwith the walkoff hit, are probably the two that stick out.
Who was your most influential manager? Dusty Baker was definitely a player’s manager and built that confidence in me. He was the first manager who ever gave me the opportunity to compete for a job and to play in the big leagues. I definitely owe him a lot for what he did for me.
What’s the best advice you’ve received? A trainer that I work out with used to always tell me that Romewasn’t built in a day. You’ve just got to keep working and keep building on each year and just keep going. To this day, I always think about that. Romewasn’t built in a day.
Who is the most memorable teammate you’ve ever had? Tony Batista. I could go on and on. He has stories. If you just listen to the guy talk, if you just look at him, you laugh. He’s definitely my No. 1, favorite teammate.
Are you superstitious about your pre-game meals? No, however you feel that day. Well, sometimes I am. When I hit that walkoff, I went to Panera that day. I went back the next day. I don’t think I’ve been there since though.
Pop culture, etc.
Favorite movie: Any Denzel [Washington] movie
Favorite dinner: My wife and I, we like sushi.
Favorite dessert: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started liking dessert. I’ve got a sweet tooth now. I love tiramisu.
Vacation spot: Mexico
Idol growing up: Walter Payton
Favorite singer or group: Bob Marley and the Wailers
TV show: The First 48
Sport other than baseball: Football. I turned down a football scholarship at Texasto sign with the Orioles.
Equipment
Glove:Akadema
Cleats:Nike
Bat:Phoenix
Batting glove:Nike
