September 29, 2010
Hangin' Out with ... Daniel Nava
by NEBJ Staff/
Daniel Nava made an immediate impact with a grand slam in his first MLB at-bat. (photo: Getty Images)
Q&A
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level? Try to control things you can control, obviously your attitude. Do all those small things, like backing up bases. And remember that sometimes you smoke balls and they’re right at someone, but other times, you’ll hit a Texas Leaguer and get those hits. Things that you can control can take you a long way.
You are only the second person to hit a grand slam on the first pitch of your major-league career. What sticks out most about that day?I think I’ll just remember the feeling I had looking back on it. A couple of days later, I just thought about how blessed I felt to be playing the game at this level and to have the opportunities I’ve had. It has been a different road, so it’s been fun.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?I’d have to say my dad. He always told me, ‘As long as you’re doing what you love, just keep going after those dreams that you have.’ Obviously I loved playing sports and that was encouraging. At the time I wasn’t progressing or making it through levels and wasn’t signed by anybody, I still knew it was what I loved to do and I still knew I had something to offer. He never told me I needed to go back to school or to go out and get a real job.
Pop culture, etc.
Favorite movie:It depends on what mood I’m in. If I’m in a comedy mood, I’ll watch Dumb and Dumber, and pretty much anything with Jim Carrey.
Favorite dinner:A great steak.
Favorite dessert:I try to keep it healthy but I love apple pie. My mom makes a great apple crisp at home so any time I go home I have that. Any time I’m on the road, I try to have something similar to that because it reminds me of being back home.
Vacation spot:My family has a place in the Santa CruzMountains. It’s awesome. It’s a great place to get away. It’s in the RedwoodForest. We have hammocks and the tee is set up so you can hit balls in the forest. It’s a nice place to get away and relax.
Favorite literature:I read the Bible and I have some other stuff written by pastors.
Equipment
Glove:I use whatever I can get. Ryan Kalish has a deal so he has two extra gloves and he gives me one.
Bat:I use a bat from a company called Trinity.
Batting glove:I use batting gloves from a company called Cutters. I love them. I can customize them however I want and I don’t need pine tar.
