July 21, 2011
Hangin' out with ... Jarrod Saltalamacchia
by Ian Browne/
Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia says Jason Varitek is his most memorable teammate. (photo: Getty Images)
Hangin' out with ... Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia:
How did you get started playing baseball?
“I had an older brother. Obviously I wanted to be just like him — like any other younger brother. That’s kind of how it started.”
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?
“Just make sure you’re having fun. That’s just the main thing. As soon as you stop having fun, there’s no reason to really play, obviously. Just have fun, but work hard, kind of set your priorities in line and go with that.”
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
“Nothing crazy right now. Walkoff hit for Texas on Opening Day in 2010 was cool; it was my first walkoff in the big leagues. I think my first big-league callup was a great memory as well.”
How did you wind up with No. 39 on the Red Sox?
“They just gave that to me. In Texas, I was 25 and then 21. I’ve always liked 10 or 24, and 24 was available, but they gave me 39 and I liked it so I stuck with it.”
Who was your most influential coach or manager along the way?
“Franklin Stubbs was a great hitting coach at ‘A’ ball. Randy Ingle was a great manager in the minors. Obviously, here Gary Tuck has been huge as a catching instructor. He has turned me around.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Just be myself. Control what I can control. Those are the top two things I’ve been told.”
What is your best preparation tool?
“I’m more of a visual guy so film is big for me. Also, just kind of scouting my pitcher, knowing my pitcher, knowing what he can do.”
Are you superstitious or rigid with your routine?
“We all have superstitions, but I can’t give those secrets out!”
Who is the most memorable teammate you’ve ever had?
“Jason Varitek has been right there for me from Day One, even when I wasn’t on this team. He wanted to talk to me and was always just who he was. When I came up to the plate, he would always say hi to me. We never got to talk real extensively, but I knew that he wanted to do. He told me he wanted to talk to me during BP, but there was a downpour the next two days. Since we became teammates, he’s definitely been there for me, on and off the field.”
What’s the best part about playing in Fenway?
“There’s so many things. The fans are the best. Also, the legacy that has been built there, knowing who has been on that field. It just kind of gives you goosebumps when you walk out there.”
What is your favorite visiting field?
“I’ve always hit well and played well in Baltimore. I think it’s a good hitters’ park. I’ve always enjoyed going there.”
FAVORITES
Movie: “Bull Durham”
Actor: “I like Kevin Costner. He’s always been a great actor. Adam Sandler is hilarious.”
TV show: “I like watching Swamp People, and those type of shows. That’s pretty cool.”
Nice meal at a restaurant: “Probably steak or some kind of Italian food.”
Dessert: “Yeah, I like dessert, but nothing fancy. Just ice cream or cake or something simple.
Sport besides baseball: “I like football. I enjoy watching football. I’m not a big fan of anything else. Since I came to Boston, hockey has been cool to watch. I grew up in Florida so there wasn’t much of that besides the Panthers, and nobody really watched them.”
Idol growing up: “In my era, when I was growing up, Ken Griffey Jr. was huge. Frank Thomas. Those kind of guys.”
Video game: “Nah, I don’t have any time for that.”
Hobby: “Hunting and fishing”
EQUIPMENT
Bat: Rawlings
Batting gloves: Nike
Glove: All-Star
Spikes: Nike
This article originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
