January 21, 2011
Hangin' out with ... Mike Cameron
by Ian Browne/
Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron (photo: Elsa/Getty Images)
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the January-February 2011 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron hangs out with New England Baseball Journal to talk about the best advice he ever received, his most memorable teammate and why he loves the "Kardashians."
How did you get started playing baseball?
“I was always playing. Baseball has always been a part of my whole family.”
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?
“Being coachable. Also, having an understanding of learning the game.”
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
“The one thing would be coming back from the major collision I had in 2005. I didn’t know at that time if I’d be able to resume my career. To be able to come back and play really well dealing with that situation is gratifying. But obviously, the other one is the four-homer game in 2002 with Seattle.”
How did you wind up with No. 23?
“In the past, I wore 24 and 44 and 25 and 23. I got 23 because it was available and I reverted back to the number I wore in the minor leagues.”
Who was your most influential coach or manager along the way?
“I can never really say one guy because I’ve had so many people who have been a part of my success. If I had to say one guy, it would be Lou Piniella. Not just playing for him, but the coaching he did with me on different aspects of the game.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“The best advice I ever got would be from my grandmother. She would always tell me to do all you can do and what you can do, be happy about it.”
What kind of goals do you have going forward?
“Just winning the (World Series) ring. If there were any round numbers to get, that would be nice. I’m 27 doubles from 400. I’m 31 homers from 300. I’m closing in on 1,000 RBIs.”
What is your favorite way to prepare for a game?
“I like going by feel and visualizing. Visualization, feel and comfort. I just try to have 10 or 15 minutes, maybe even 20 minutes before the game, to just picture myself playing the game.”
Who is your most memorable teammate?
“That’s so hard. Every year, you come across two or three people that you kind of bond with. I’ve known Billy Hall for a while. He would be one. It’s been great getting to know Youk (Kevin Youkilis) and 'Tek (Jason Varitek). A guy who just takes the edge off the whole dugout is Marco Scutaro. At intense moments, he’ll say something. He’ll say anything, and you can’t help but laugh.”
Are you superstitious when it comes to pregame meals?
“I used to eat turkey sandwiches all the time with lettuce, tomato and pepper and mustard, cut in half. This year, I went on J.D. Drew’s program, which is rice and chicken with teriyaki sauce and scallions.”
What’s the best part about playing in Fenway?
“Just the tradition of it and playing in a place where there’s so much excitement, intensity and energy.”
What is your favorite visiting field?
“I love going to Anaheim. I don’t know why. I just love playing there. I like going to New York.”
FAVORITES
Favorite movie? “Any comedy. I love to laugh. I can’t give you one specific movie.”
Favorite actor? “Denzel Washington.”
If you’re going out for a nice meal, what do you like to have? “Sushi or steak.”
Are you a dessert guy? “I’m not a big dessert guy, but if I had my choice, it would be a molten lava chocolate cake with ice cream or a crusted apple tart.”
Favorite vacation spot? “I like going to Jamaica. I like Hawaii. Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. If it was somewhere in the United States, I’d love to hang out in wine country for about a week.”
Your idol growing up? “Other than Michael Jordan, I only idolized the people who raised me. That was what I saw every day. That was real for me. My mom, my dad, my uncles, the people around me that I saw every day. “
Favorite group or music? “I like genres. My No. 1 thing is R & B and hip hop. But I like listening to some of the music that Papi has or Victor, even Josh Beckett and his country music. The only thing I can’t stand is grunge music.”
Favorite TV series? “I’m a little bit into reality TV. Obviously I watch a lot of this stuff with my wife, but I like the ‘Bad Girls Club’ and the ‘Kardashians,’ I love the ‘Kardashians.’ I like watching ‘CSI.’ That’s my favorite.”
Video games? “Yeah, I like to play Madden.”
Favorite sports besides baseball? “Basketball, tennis, I like all the sports. I’m becoming a better golfer”
Favorite team as a kid? “The Braves”
EQUIPMENT
Bat: “I’m fickle with that.”
Batting gloves: “Nike”
Glove: “Rawlings”
Spikes: “I’m a Nike guy, a die-hard Nike guy.”
