Author Archives: smilowfamily
MLB Reports’ Junior Reporter Haley Smilow Interviews The Mets 2B Justin Turner
Justin Turner is a Utility Infielder for the Mets, that put up his best numbers in the Majors for his Career in 2013. He 3 Slashed .280/.319/.704 for the campaign in his 200 AB, The Man played 5. different positions throughout the seasons, with just failing to Catch, Pitch or play CF or RF. Turner even had better numbers when he started a game: .291/.331/.737,
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow is a lucky baseball fan/writer/reporter. Recently this summer, she was able to interview Justin Turner of the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York City.
Of course, Justin Turner also has been featured in other blog posts – because our Guest Baseball Writer and Reporter “Lori Martini”, was fortunate enough to also meet the Mets Second Baseman on the field in Flushing Meadows – when she had her song “Believe” featured as a pregame song one day,.
Turner would later adopt the tune as his ‘walkup song’ for the rest of the 2011 season.
So it doesn’t surprise me that he would be so accommodating with his time with Haley.
Like always, Haley asked Turner several questions that he was not accustomed to fielding from other reporters. I am sure that is why he was so enthusiastic about the conversation.
We are very proud of Haley at this site – for also recently being featured in a NY Times article, that showcased her as bright young star. You can check out that article here.
So without further adieu, sit back, grab a favorite drink, and enjoy the dialogue between Justin Turner of the Mets and Haley. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports Junior Reporter Haley Smilow Interviews Andrew McCutchen!
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday July.01, 2013
Andrew McCutchen is a star player at the age of 26. Last year he hit for a 3 Slash Line of .327/.400/.953 – with a NL leading 194 Hits, 31 HRs and 96 RBI. He enjoyed his 1st 100 Runs Scored Season (107) and finished 3rd in NL MVP Voting, while snagging himself a Gold Glove and A Silver Slugger Award. This year he looks to carry the Bucs to their first playoff birth and winning season since 1992. He started out slow in 2013, but is coming on strong in the last 2 months. He has his Slash up to .292/.360./822 – with 9 HRs and 42 RBI. He has 50 Runs Scored and 16 Stolen Bases in his 78 Games Played. He has great plate discipline and has been aided buy several teammates for clutch hits. None are as Clutch as “Cutch”!
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow is a lucky baseball fan. She was able to interview Andrew McCutchen Follow @cutch22 at PNC Park. Not only was he a bonafide NL MVP candidate last year, he is a great guy.
This year, McCutchen looks to lead Pittsburgh to their first winning campaign in 20 years, and the team is playing well. As of today, they are 51 – 30, good for the best record in the MLB – and a 2 Games Lead on the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central.
Haley was able to take Andrew’s mind off of the usual questions he is asked, and it turned out to be a great interview.
Andrew McCutchen Highlights from 2013 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oceI3COXAY] Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports ‘Junior Reporter’ Haley Smilow Interviews Boston Red Sox Reliever Craig Breslow
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday May 11th, 2013
Craig Breslow is one of the better LHP specialists in the whole game of baseball. He has appeared in 361 Games and has lugged 344.1 IP – yielding a 3.01 ERA in his Career spanning 8 seasons. With Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey hurt for the Boston Red Sox, his role in the present future will be vital. He just returned to the lineup from an inflamed shoulder. So Far the 32 Year Old from New Haven CT has a 4.50 ERA in 3 Appearances in 2013. The LHP was signed to a 2 YR Contract worth $6.25 MIL – with a Team Option for 2015 before the season began.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow was a busy reporter last year. So much so, that we probably wont be able to keep up with her to post them in time. In her latest interview – Haley talked to Craig Breslow (of the Boston Red Sox)… She asked him about being a Yale Grad.. Also, who is the biggest prankster he has ever encountered.
Haley pulls no punches in asking the Relief Pitcher about his life in this candid interview. Amongst other topics discussed were: What Breslow does for charity work and what advice he might have for young people.
Yale Grad Craig Breslow:
MLBR ‘Junior Reporter’ Haley Smilow Interviews Cody Ross In Spring Training
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Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow was a busy reporter last year. So much so, that we couldn’t keep up with her to post them in time. In her latest interview from last Spring Training last year – Haley talked to Cody Ross (of the Boston Red Sox then)… about his favorite Ball Parks to play in, who he doesn’t like to face, what he does for pre and post game rituals and what he does on the road.
Haley pulls no punches in asking the Outfielder about his life in this candid interview. Amongst other topics discussed were: What Ross does for charity work, what his favorite animal is…. Also who is the biggest practical joker in the MLB…and much much more..
Cody Ross – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised Highlights 2012:
Remembering Baseball’s African – American Pioneers
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Phone:+1 816-221-1920
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By Haley Smilow (MLB Reports Junior Reporter and Writer): Follow @smilow
February is black history month. This made me think about the impact that African-Americans have had on the sports world. One of the biggest impacts, in my opinion, was the Negro Leagues. In August 2011, I was lucky enough to go to Kansas City to see a Royals vs. Yankees game. What I did not know was the history of baseball in K.C. is more then just the Royals.
I learned about many great players and the history of a great league on my visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. I never imaged that baseball was once divided based on the color of your skin. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of great black players. In the 1920’s, a structured league of black players began under the guidance of Rube Foster, and The Negro Leagues were born.
The Negro Leagues had many great players and stories of men like Satchel Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Josh Gibson, Buck O’Neil, Jackie Robinson and many others, including one amazing women named Effa Manley. What made these people great were their astonishing abilities.
Jackie Robinson Steals Home Plate!
MLB Reports Junior Reporter Haley Smilow Interviews ‘Blue Jays Closer’ Casey Janssen
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Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow was a busy reporter last year. So much so, that we couldn’t keep up with her. In her latest interview from last summer, Haley talked to Casey Janssen of the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center…. about his favorite Ball Parks to Play in, who he doesn’t like to face, what he does for pre and post game rituals and what he does on the road. Haley pulls no punches in asking the Relief Pitcher about his life in this candid interview. Amongst other topics discussed were: What Janssen does for charity work, what his favorite animal is…. Also whether or not he has forgotten his passport ever when going through International Customs and his favorite sports team. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Reports Junior Reporter Haley Smilow Interviews Joel Hanrahan
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday January 5th, 2013
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Haley Smilow was a busy reporter last year. So much so, that we couldn’t keep up with her. In her latest interview from last summer, Haley talked to Joel Hanrahan (of the Pirates back then) about his favorite Ball Parks to Play in, who he doesn’t like to face, what he does for pre and post game rituals, what he likes to cook, what he does on the road. Haley pulls no punches in asking the Relief Pitcher about his life in this candid interview. Amongst other topics discussed were: What Hanrahan does for charity work, what his favorite animal is…etc Read the rest of this entry
Meet Haley Smilow’s Assistant: Ethan Smilow’s Premiere Wrigley Field Interviews
Wednesday September 26th, 2012
Marc Smilow (Dad): So today my 11-year-old daughter Haley comes to me and says: “dad… my assistant has an idea that we would like you to send Jonathan over at MLB Reports.” Now my first reaction is what is Haley talking about? Her assistant!? Then they proceed to show me the interview that they have been working on together. So I would like to introduce you Haley’s assistant, Ethan Smilow. Ethan is Haley’s seven year old brother and like his sister, is Yankees fan but loves the game of baseball. Haley is the MLB Junior Correspondent for MLB reports. Well now, baseball has certainly turned into a family affair in the Smilow household.
Ethan Smilow plays catcher, second base and right field for the West Little League Novas in New York City. Ethan is also the reason we started our quest for 30 stadiums. In the summer of 2010, the family was watching the Yankees vs. Royals on television and Ethan said, “I want to go to Kauffman Stadium and see the fountain one day.” I turned to my wife and said yeah right, like we were ever going to Kansas City!! One year later, we all were sitting at a game in Kauffman Stadium. Over the last two summers we have been to 16 ballparks and learned that the rules of baseball don’t change at each location. But every ballpark has its own unique style, sites, food and history. On a recebt family visit to Wrigley Field, Ethan found it interesting and unique that most of the ushers at the ballpark were the same age as his grandparents. He couldn’t imagine his grandparents working at Wrigley. So he decided to ask several of the usher some questions about Wrigley and this is what he found out: Read the rest of this entry
Kyle Wilson Interview: Haley Smilow Talks Baseball with the Laredo Pitcher and Member of Team Great Britain in the WBC Qualifiers
Tuesday September 18th, 2012
MLB reports: Great news folks, Haley is back! And of course, she has brought a friend. Our Junior MLB Correspondent is featured today with her interview of pitcher Kyle Wilson. The 29-year old Wilson is a baseball story of grinding every day and playing the game he loves. A 22nd round pick of the Dodgers in 2004, Kyle Wilson pitched 4 seasons in the Dodgers system. In 2008, he reached AA Jacksonville of the Southern League. The past few years, Kyle Wilson has played indy ball. In 2012, he spent time with both the Gary SouthShore RailCats and the Laredo Lemurs of the American Association.
Timing for Haley worked out really well (as usual), given that Kyle Wilson is currently in Germany preparing to represent Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers! With the tournament set to begin tomorrow, we get to learn about one of its representatives- up close and personal. Featured today on MLB reports, Haley Smilow speaks one-on-one with pitcher Kyle Wilson:
HALEY: I know your home games are played at U.S. Steel Yard, what are some of your other favorite ballparks?
KYLE: The best park I have played in was in Jacksonville, FL when I played for the Suns. The stadium was great and fans showed great support. The league I am currently in I would have to say that Kansas City and Winnipeg had the best facilities, fans, and accommodations. Read the rest of this entry
Barry Enright Interview: Haley Smilow Talks Baseball with the Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher
Thursday June 7th, 2012
Barry Enright was drafted out of Pepperdine University by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second round for the 2007 amateur draft.
The right-handed pitcher made his major league debut on June 30, 2010. He pitched five innings and earned the win that day against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Enright, 26, is in his second season with the Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate. Enright was 9-5 with the Aces last season, and is 4-3 with 4.82 ERA (as of June 5) this year.
Haley: First, congratulations on your engagement. Have you set a date yet? And if it is not a surprise where are you going on your honeymoon?
Barry: Thank you. We set a date for January 19 2013 in Santa Barbara. We haven’t decided on our honeymoon yet, but our qualification is clear blue warm ocean water.
Haley: Can you share with us your first memory as a professional?
Barry: My first memory as a professional was in Yakima Washington. I gave up an 0-2 double off the wall to start off the inning but proceeded to strike out the side after that. I was a reliever my first half season to keep my innings down, it was a lot of fun. Read the rest of this entry
A.J. Pierzynski Interview: White Sox Catcher Discusses His Love for Wrestling and Hatred For Cold Weather
Saturday May 5th, 2012
Playing in his 14th season in the major leagues the White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is the guy other teams love to hate for his particular brand of competition, but they obviously like having him around on the South Side. He is a 2x American League All-Star that played a vital role in the 2005 World Series Championship.
Despite his reputation of being Public Enemy No. 1, Pierzynski is only hungry to win. This reputation only applies to his on field play but off the field A.J. is “not what people think.”
Ten-year-old Haley Smilow had a chance to sit down with A.J. before a game and talk baseball, but discovered the White Sox catcher is one of the most genuine, honest and appreciative guys playing baseball today. He is just a regular guy who likes to have fun and doesn’t like the cold weather.
Haley: My family went to several games at Kauffman Stadium, Target Field and Camden Yards along with stops at Miller Park, Wrigley and Busch Stadium last summer, do you have a favorite ballpark and why?
AJ: Seattle Mariners Safeco Field would have to be one of my favorites, it is a good field to play ball on and the retractable roof makes it possible to play ball in any weather conditions.
Haley: Is there a ballpark where you feel you always play well other than US Cellular Field?
AJ: I don’t know, I think I play well at Wrigley and at Safeco and not so well at Fenway for some reason. Read the rest of this entry
Eric Young Jr. Interview: The Latest Haley Smilow Feature!
Thursday April 5th, 2012
Haley Smilow (Guest Writer): You might say Eric Young Jr. has baseball in his blood. Growing up he became acquainted with the game early by watching his father, Eric Young Sr., play for the Dodgers, Rockies, Blue Jays, and Cubs, among other teams. Eric Young Jr. (or EY2., as he is known) was a multi-sport athlete in high school, but ultimately decided to pursue baseball. He played one year of college ball at Chandler Gilbert Community College before following in his father’s footsteps and being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 30th round of the 2003 draft. EY2 steadily worked his way through the minor leagues, posting solid batting averages at every level and catching the eyes of the Rockies’ front office, which resulted in his major league debut in 2009. In 158 career major league games EY2 has posted a line of .246/.324/.295 and spent time playing second base and patrolling the outfield. This year the 26-year old will again look to provide the Rockies with production off the bench.
Reporter Haley Smilow recently had a chance to chat with Eric Young Jr., and discovered his favorite foods, his go-to songs on his iPod, and what it means to him to share so many baseball memories with his father.
At what age did you start playing baseball? And did you eventually end up playing in a travel league?
I started playing at age 7. I played travel league (summer) from ages 9-12.
Who was your favorite team growing up? And other than your father, who were some of the players that you looked up to as a kid?
Favorite team growing up was whichever team my dad was on. I was a big Ken Griffey Jr fan growing up. Read the rest of this entry
The Grandy Man Interview: Curtis Granderson Talks Pizza, Wrestling and Choosing Your Friends
Friday December 9, 2011
Playing in his second season with the New York Yankees, Curtis Granderson had one of the best seasons of his career, which entered him into MLB records books. This season, Granderson was voted to the American League All Star game as starting center fielder. The left-handed hitter has home run power, a great glove, speed, along with athleticism on the field. His efforts off the field are as remarkable as his play on field. Curtis represented MLB at the White House in their anti-obesity effort and created the Grand Kids Foundation, focused on improving the educational experience for youth nationwide. Ten-year-old Haley had a chance to sit down with Curtis Granderson before a game in July, and talk baseball, but discovered the Yankees center fielder is an avid WWE fan along with being a published author and all- around nice guy.
Haley: In August my family is following the Yankees to US Cellular Field, Kauffman Stadium, Target Field and Camden Yards with stops at Miller Park, Wrigley and Busch Stadium. Do you have a favorite ballpark and why? Is there a ballpark where you feel you always play well other than Yankee Stadium?
Granderson: I like the Anaheim Angles Stadium because it has good weather to play in and the playing surface is well taken care of, making it a nice place to play ball. I also enjoy the Rally Monkey because he is fun to watch but as a player it means that the Angels are doing well. Other stadiums that I like to play in are Mariners Safeco Field and of course at home in Chicago at US Cellular Field and Wrigley.
Haley: Since I am going to be in Chicago, who has the best Pizza in Chicago? Who in New York? Do you like Deep Dish or Thin Crust Pizza?
Granderson: My favorite Pizzerias in Chicago are Lou Malnali’s, Giordanos and Gino’s and in New York Artichoke Basille’s. Sometimes I like Dominos thin crust pizza, because I like my crust crunchy. If I am really hungry, I will order deep dish.
Haley: Coney Island Hot Dogs or Nathan’s Hot Dogs?
Granderson: Since I played in Detroit, I would have to say Coney Island Hot Dogs.
Haley: What is your favorite meal?
Granderson: I really love Thanksgiving dinner because you get to eat a little bit of everything and you can go back over and over for more helpings.
Haley: My little brother is a fan of WWE, I heard you are as well. Who are some of you favorite wrestlers of today?
Granderson: Of course I like CM Punk because he is a great wrestler and from Chicago. Jon Cena is another favorite. I also like the Divas because they work hard and are as good as the guys.
Haley: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Granderson: I have an older half-sister, Monica.
Haley: In your book All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It, you share the lessons that you learned growing up. What is one lesson you would tell the Baseball Youth readers if they haven’t read the book?
Granderson: The selection of friends, good and bad, positive or negative and the people you surround yourself with, will shape your whole life.
Haley: I also know you are an ambassador for MLB and have traveled to England, Italy, South Africa, China, and New Zealand. Is there any place you would really like to go and represent MLB?
Granderson: I have never been to South America so that would be amazing. I would also like to go to Japan and Australia, those would be on my top-3 list.
Haley: Why did you choose the #28 in Detroit and #14 in New York?
Granderson: I was given the #28 in college, which was great because the numbers 2 and 8 are my favorite numbers, so it was both of them together. When I became a Yankee, Joe Girardi was #28 so I chose #14 because that was my number from high school.
Haley: I get to go to a lot of Yankees games and have noticed that you have two rituals can you to explain them?
Haley: 1) When you step up to the plate you tap it with the bat from left to right then the top. Why?
Granderson: No particular reason. I guess it is just a habit.
Haley: 2) When you are leading off from first and the pitcher makes a move you always walk around first base same way every time. Why?
Granderson: Because I don’t want to get picked off or called out.
Haley: Do you have any other rituals or superstitions?
Granderson: I only chew sugar-free bubble gum. (Curtis asked Haley: “Do you like gum?” Make sure you take a hand full when you leave the dugout.)
Haley: What is it like in the Dugout before and after a game?
Granderson: It is a fun place filled with energy and lots of handshakes. We are always meeting people before games. After the game it depends if we won or lost. If we win everyone is happy and celebrating and if we lost we need to move on to the next game.
Haley: When you are on the road do you share rooms with your teammates?
Granderson: In the majors we get our own rooms. In the minors we share rooms. I used to share with Ryan Raburn, Joel Zumaya and David Espinosa.
Haley: A.J. Burnett has created a celebration for a walk off win, a pie in the face. Have you ever gotten pied?
Granderson: No, I have not been pied. If I get pied it means we won but I am afraid it will burn. (The pies are Shaving Cream)
Haley: Who is the biggest practical joker you have ever been on a team with? Have you ever been the victim of a practical joke?
Granderson: Brandon Inge on the Tigers will do funny pranks, silly ones and even some gross ones. We had a little battle going when I played for Detroit. Once I opened his car and filled it with paper and construction tape, making it a big mess inside the car and out. Jorge Posada is a real joker as well.
Haley: In 2007 you became just one of four players in MLB history to record 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs & 20 stolen bases in a single season. What are some of your other accomplishments you are proud of?
Granderson: Graduating from University of Illinois-Chicago and that I am 1 of only 37 players with college degrees. Making it to the 2006 World Series.
Haley: Do you have any other favorite sports besides baseball?
Granderson: I like basketball, especially college ball. I also like hockey, football and bowling and I used to run cross-country.
Haley: What’s your favorite team?
Granderson: The Kansas City Jay Hawks.
Haley: Who would you consider your closest friends on the Yankees?
Granderson: Of course I have special bond with my fellow outfielders Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner. But I also like to hang out with C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Russell Martin we go out to dinner and movies together.
***Reproduced with permission from Baseball Youth Magazine. This interview originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2011 edition of Baseball Youth Magazine***
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Curtis Granderson Social Networking links:
http://grandkidsfoundation.org/
http://www.facebook.com/cgrand14
Haley Smilow Social Networking Links:
http://www.wix.com/smilow/home-field-advantage
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Field-Advantage/108037172615547
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