September 4, 2010
Hangin' out with ... Ryan Kalish
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Rookie outfielder Ryan Kalish has made an impact in Boston. (photo: Getty Images)
Q&A
How did you get started playing baseball? Just typical playing as a kid. I remember my mom hitting me a little nerf ball. That was about it. Been doing it ever since.
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level? To set yourself apart, you have to see what other guys do, but still follow your own routine. You have to work as hard as anybody else, to be honest. There’s guys who want it just as bad as you do. You just have to go out there and play just as hard, if not harder, than they are.
You are wearing No. 55. I’m sure that is something they just gave to you as a younger player, right? Yeah, but I actually don’t mind it at all. I actually used to wear it in high school a little bit. I like it a lot.
You had a very memorable debut for the Red Sox at the July 31 trade deadline. What will you remember the most? Just the way it happened. I showed up at 3:50 to play a 4:05 game. I threw on my uniform and went out there and we got a win. I got my hit out of the way the first at-bat. The win was the biggest part of it, and also getting a couple of hits, it was really special overall.
Who was your most influential coach or manager growing up? My high school football coach was actually one of my biggest influences. His name is Frank Edgerly and football, I actually picked it up in high school and he taught me so much about it.
What do you like most about playing at Fenway? The fans are so supportive. They are really cool. They don’t get down when you make an out. They just want you to succeed. It’s really special for me to play here. They understand the game really well here.
You played quarterback in high school and could have gone to college on scholarship. Was it hard to leave that sport behind? It wasn’t a hard one for me, but you watch football every now and then and you wish you could go hit somebody. It’s tough to give up this sport that you love so much but in the end, it was worth it.
Pop culture, etc.
Favorite movie: “My Best Friend’s Girl”
Favorite dinner: Sushi
Favorite dessert: Applebee’s triple-chocolate meltdown. That’s a good one.
Vacation spot: I went to Costa Rica last year. That was one of my favorites. That was a really, really fun place.
Idol growing up: I’ve always liked Tom Brady, just the way he handles his life and goes about the game.
Favorite team growing up: I’ve always just been a fan of seeing the good teams and the Yankees were good then so I rooted for them.
TV show: Entourage
Favorite singer: Lady Gaga or Justin Timberlake
Equipment
Glove: Louisville Slugger
Bat: Louisville Slugger, Old Hickory, Nokona
Batting glove: Louisville Slugger
