Ever wanted to ask a sports personality a question? Now’s your chance. They will answer readers’ questions in The Denver Post’s “Fan Mail” feature.
In this special Father’s Day week edition, Rockies outfielder Eric Young Jr., the son of one of the team’s most beloved former players, talks about playing through his dad’s legacy, the toughest pitcher he’s ever faced, and where he ranks among the game’s fastest players.
Keep an eye out for next week’s installment, when Avalanche chief scout Rick Pracey fields questions before the NHL draft. Send your Qs for Rick in an email to fanmail@denverpost.com.
Do you feel like you play in your dad’s shadow? Is it hard playing for the same team? Do you ever wish you were on a different team? I can say I’d like you as a player even if your dad never played. You’re making your own name, I think.
—Reggie, Littleton
Of course some people might think that. But that’s my best friend, my dad. And that’s probably gonna be my biggest supporter. To everybody else, maybe it looks like I’m in his shadow. But that’s my best friend.
I’m just happy to be on on a major-league team. I could care less if it’s on a team he played for or not.
How often do you talk to your dad? Do you lean on him for advice or guidance during tough times? Also, I thought the Rox commercial you did with him was great. Did you have to work a long time to get that right, or did you get it on the first take?
—Lance, Littleton
We talk like every other day. Sometimes every day. We talk a bunch. I ask him for advice — and not just baseball-wise, but about life in general. We’re on similar paths in life, so who best to ask for advice?
We had a good time doing that commercial. It was our first time doing something in front of the camera together. So it’s something my family is gonna cherish for a long time.
It took a little while to film it, actually. It took more than a few takes. But like I said, the whole process was fun and we’re gonna remember it for a long time.
(Editor’s note: The humorous Rockies’ commercial features the overbearing father trying to teach his son the ropes of life in the big leagues. One scene includes E.Y. Sr. cutting his son’s steak, in front of the rest of the guys.)
Is there a position for you with the Rockies? Now that Charlie Blackmon is an outfielder and Chris Nelson is splitting time at second base.
—Gregg, Westminster
Right now, I’m just able to play everywhere. Pinch run, pinch hit. Whatever the coach needs me to do, I’m capable of doing.
It takes time getting used to playing an everywhere role. But as long as you put out the effort and put the practice into it, good things will happen.
What’s the difference between everyday life in the minors and the majors?
—Shasta, Frederick
It’s more of an adrenaline rush up here. There’s a lot more going on — more cameras, more fans, more reporters. But it’s really easy to get up for a game up here.
Who is the toughest pitcher you’ve ever faced? Was it John Smoltz? And do you share horror stories about pitchers with your dad? What would he say is the toughest pitcher he faced?
—Allen, Firestone
Toughest pitcher? Actually I’ve had pretty good success against him, but the toughest pitcher I’ve faced is probably Tim Lincecum.
He’s real deceptive with his pitches. He throws everything, for a ball or a strike. So you never know what you’re gonna get from him. Some days he can be un-hittable. And some days he can be hittable. You never know.
Before that last long road trip, Jim Tracy said that you would play a lot. What happened?
—Geoff Bloom, Southern California
He probably wanted to go in a different direction. Right now, we’re battling, trying to get past that month of May. So, he’s gonna try to do a bunch of different things. But we’ll see what happens.
EY! Love watching with the Rockies. I’m glad you’re with the team. I’d love to see you back at leadoff because of your speed. Are you the fastest player in the majors?
—Marcus, Denver
I don’t know, that’s an opinion. So I’ll go ahead and let everyone else judge that one.
But I’d like to say I’m one of the fastest for sure. But I don’t know about the fastest. I would say I’m the fastest one on the team though.
His full name is Eric Orlando Young Jr.
Most Rockies fans call him E.Y. – the junior version.
After all, Young’s fleet-footed father was one of the most beloved players in franchise history. Who will ever forget Eric Young Sr. stepping to the plate at the old Mile High Stadium – the first Rockies batter to the plate in the first home game in team history – and launching a home run?
E.Y., Jr. surely loves his dad, but he wants to carve out his own history. He plans to do it with speed, quickness and knowledge of the game.
In 2006, Young led all of minor-league baseball with 87 stolen bases.
Last year, his official rookie season in the big leagues, Young played in 51 games for the Rockies. He stole 17 bases, tying him with Quinton McCracken (1996) for the second-most stolen bases by a rookie in franchise history.
