Q-and-A with Travis Weaver, Windy City ThunderBolts
June 28, 2012 8:08PM
Travis Weaver, Windy City ThunderBolts. | Steve Millar~For Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 30, 2012 6:24AM
Weaver was acquired by the T-Bolts in a March 19 trade with the Normal CornBelters and was hitting .267 with 11 RBI and five stolen bases through Wednesday. The 22-year-old is a native of Weyers Cave, Va., and a product of Bluefield College (Va.).
Are you happy with how the season has gone so far?
Yeah. I started off pretty good and I’ve just been able to maintain. I’m trying to avoid the big slump. I’ve tried to maintain a good, patient approach.
What’s the biggest key to you having success at the plate?
Not trying to do too much. I’m not a big guy. I’m not going to hit home runs. If I can just try to keep everything simple, that usually gives me success.
You’ve been a clutch performer, hitting .333 with runners in scoring position and two outs. How’ve you been able to come up big in big spots?
I just try not to think too much, honestly. The more you think, the more it gets you in trouble. I just try to relax and take the pitches they give me and try to do something with it.
You guys have a strong defensive infield with (Mike) Torres at second, (Chris) Wade at shortstop and you at third. Is it fun to be a part of that?
Yeah, it’s fun playing with these guys. I’ve normally played the middle infield, but the two guys up the middle are great ballplayers, and it’s an honor to play with guys with that talent. With each game I’m getting more comfortable at third base.
What’s it like playing for manager Morgan Burkhart?
He’s a pretty intense guy, but that’s what you want. You don’t want to play for a guy that doesn’t care about winning, and he definitely does. The whole team feeds off that.
Do you have any superstitions?
I like to change the wristbands that I wear. I never wear the same one back-to-back games. I have three or four different sets.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can dunk a basketball. I actually had a dunk on ESPN, a home video portion. My sophomore year in college, our basketball team had a dunk contest and they let me be in it to represent the baseball team. I did a 360 dunk and then one of my buddies sat in a chair on the block, threw a ball up, I jumped over, caught it and dunked it with two hands.
What’s your favorite baseball movie?
“Bull Durham.” Kevin Costner is fantastic in it.
If you had to go on one reality show, which would you pick?
“Jersey Shore.” I like to fist pump.
What’s on your iPod?
I have a lit bit of everything, from country to pop to rock. My favorite right now is Jason Aldean.
Your walk-up song is Justin Bieber, though. How’d that happen?
I like to have a song that’s not too serious. If I have a serious song, I feel like I have to be really good. I pick a song that keeps me loose, and Justin Bieber does that.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Jamaica. My girlfriend is from Jamaica, so I’d like to go there.
As told to Steve Millar
