The more and more I am given the privilege to share a players story, the more I realize what a great opportunity I have been honored with. The Mets fans know all about the players that have made it to the big club, or the ones that are on the top prospect list, but what about the remaining athletes that make up the farm system? These are the players that are working really hard to not only get noticed but are hoping for a chance for the Mets fans to get to know them. These are the players that round out the lineups, that show up ready to play everyday and also have the dream of one day suiting up and playing their first game at Citi Field.  And every time a player moves up within the organization, his dream becomes even more vivid.

Charley Thurber is one these players, working hard to reach his goals and dreaming of the day that he will actually suit up and call Citi Field his home.

Charley was signed by the Mets in the 2011 June Amateur draft from the University of Tennessee. The Mets sent Charley to the Brooklyn Cyclones and in 58 games, he batted .271, with 26 runs scored, 14 doubles and 26 runs batted in.  On August 16, 2011, he was honored as a Mid Season NY-Penn League All Star.  In 2012, the Mets promoted Charley to Savannah and in 99 games, he batted .223, with 29 runs scored, 15 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs and 39 runs batted in. In 2013, he moved on to St. Lucie and from April to June, Charley had a rough few months batting a combined .194, but then he picked it up and from July to September he hit his stride and batted  .332.  In 79 games, he would finish the season batting .227,  with 38 runs scored, 15 doubles, 5 home runs, and 39 runs batted in.

Charley is one of those players that deserves a chance to show he belongs.  He is also a good young man, humble and truly grateful for the opportunity that he has before him.  These are the players you want to see become successful and I can honestly say that the Mets are doing a great job developing their players, because they all have a great work ethic and know that if they desire to play major league baseball, they have to put their time in, and that is exactly what Charley is doing.

I am honored to share Charley’s story and I hope that Mets fans will start to take notice of the great players making up the farm system.  The next generation of Mets stars are not too far off; they are just preparing themselves to make the home team proud.  Hope you enjoy my interview with Charley!

David – Is there something that you would like to share with the Mets fans that they do not already know about you? Your interests, hobbies outside of baseball?

Charley – I’m a simple guy focused on God, Family and Baseball. It’s an honor to be a part of this organization and I hope to be playing in front of you all soon! Outside of baseball, I’m a fantasy football addict. I can’t get enough of it and I’ve been all over the waiver wire this fall.

David – Did you have a favorite player growing up and if so, did you model your game after him?

Charley – Ken Griffey Jr. Not only did he have a sweet left-handed swing and unbelievable range in the outfield but he always played hard. He wasn’t scared to run through a wall out there. Everyone could tell how much he loved and took pride in the game. He was a great role model to have and I feel that a combination of talent and grit like he had is rare.

David – Who was a most influential person for you while playing at the University of Tennessee?

Charley – Ash Lawson our assistant coach at the time. He really helped me to develop and believe in my tools. He helped me realize I could excel at that level and beyond and I am still close with him now.

David – On the day that you were drafted by the Mets in 2011; where were you when you received the news? Can you describe what was going through your mind and who was the first person you called?

Charley – I was home with my family. At that moment we were thankful for the new opportunity. It was a definitely a reward for all the work I’ve put into this game. It was so special to share this moment with them. My parents have always given me an immense amount of support on and off of the field and I wouldn’t have had this chance without them. It is an absolute blessing to have this opportunity and I won’t forget hearing my name called.

David – In 2011, you played your first pro baseball season with Brooklyn, what was the experience like and how can you compare it to playing in college?

Charley – I will never forget playing in Brooklyn. The first thing I realized was that Mets fans are really the best! It was electric to play in our ballpark because the seats were always filled. I was in awe of the support. Some of my favorite memories from that season were from playing against the Staten Island Yankees. It was an intense introduction to the Mets-Yankees rivalry. We had some great battles with them throughout that season.  Also, The staff in Brooklyn was extremely good to me. I remain close with them now. Overall it was a great experience. It made me feel one step closer and continued to fuel me toward my goals. It immediately showed me that the Mets’ organization is first class and special to be a part of.

David – Which part of your game do you think improved the most from 2012? What part do you feel you need to put more work into?

Charley – Plate discipline. It wasn’t perfect but I was able to simplify and strengthen my approach at the plate. This helped me cut down on chasing bad pitches and I put more balls in play hard. I really grew as a hitter with runners in scoring position and on base. Physically, I need to continue to build rhythm, stay smooth and repeat my weight transfer. At this point in my career I have experienced both success and failure in a lot of different situations. I am learning how to adjust quicker in these situations. Becoming more consistent physically and mentally will help me to reach the heights that I believe I can.

David – You were primarily a right fielder your first two years in pro ball, which outfield position do you prefer to play?

Charley – I really enjoy Right Field. I have played there primarily throughout college and pro ball. I am comfortable with the different angles and throws that I have to make; It feels like home. With that being said, I enjoy Center and Left field too. I make sure I run down fly-balls at each spot in batting practice throughout the week. I am always prepared and more than willing to go compete in any of the three spots. Wherever I can help the team and organization is the place I should be.

David – Looking back at the 2013 season, the team came so close to making the playoffs, what was it like in the clubhouse after the last game of 2013 ended?

Charley – The last day of the season is always tough. The majority of our team had been together since we broke from spring training. I felt that we had championship caliber makeup and talent. It was tough for us to not get a chance in playoffs after putting together one of the league’s top records. I’ve got to credit our staff: Elly (Ryan Ellis), Benny, and Phil for keeping us up throughout the season. They really put in a lot of time to make us a better club. I wish we could have gotten them a ring. Hopefully all of us can take those lessons and feelings into next year and win it all wherever we play.

David – What teammate has impressed you the most this season, and who should Mets fans be most excited about seeing in the future?

Charley – That’s a tough question. I honestly couldn’t give you just one player. I think that everyone knows Noah Syndergaard and Dustin Lawley were especially dominant and fun to watch this season. But when I look at how many different players came through for us this year, it’s amazing. Every win there was a different guy getting player of the game. It would take too long to write the whole lineup card but there are a lot of guys to be very excited about. It was an honor to play with all of them this year.

David – Is there a Met manager or coach who has made an impact in your approach to the game and helped elevate your performance?

Charley – All three of the staffs that I have played for have been great to me. I have been extremely lucky to have guys that care to help us reach our potential. Rich Donnelly, Bobby Malek and Frank Viola helped me transition to the pro game in Brooklyn. They believe in me and I was able to succeed for them. They have been special people in my career because they have known me from the start and didn’t care where I came from. Learning from them was definitely a reason I had the confidence and performance to become an NYP League All Star. Luis Rojas and Joel Fuentes helped me through my first full season in Savannah. They were extremely positive with me. They demonstrated each day is a new day to get better. They came to the ballpark every day ready to work with me and the team. This year Ryan Ellis, Benny Distefano and Phil Regan were great too. I learned how to play with more of a competitive fire. With Lucas Duda and Cory Vaughn rehabbing, I had some time where I couldn’t play. This staff still believed in me and helped me stay ready to return and finish the season. I was able to learn from Lucas, Cory and Matt den Dekker while they were in PSL and I’ll always be appreciative for that. In addition, our outfield coordinator Jack Voigt and hitting coordinator Lamar Johnson have both played at the highest level and have been kind enough to spend time with me. They have helped me learn how I can affect the game. So, I have been blessed to have quality time and quality work with these instructors.

David – You have had success in your career in the minors; do you feel like you are on track with the goals you set for yourself? If so, what are you expecting for 2014?

Charley – Thank you. I would say that I am never going to be satisfied or focused on what I’ve done in the past. My priority right now is to be more ready for the big leagues today than I was yesterday. In my early career I have learned things about the pro-game that will help me reach my potential. I have the ability to be much more of a threat as a hitter that drives the ball in and out of the gaps and produces runs for my team. I always want to make big things happen when I’m on the diamond. I want to win; I hate losing and I feel I have the duty to contribute to a win every day. I am going to stay focused on winning each repetition and each pitch and I know that results will take care of themselves.

David – Moving forward, what stands between you and the big leagues? What do you specifically need to work on as a player, and improve upon, in order to be ready to compete on the big stage?

Charley – I want to make big plays for my team. I want to give a spark in the lineup every day. I want my manager to feel like he needs me to win. Big plays change the course of games and ultimately the season. I need to reach a higher level of consistency to be in position to spark my team every day like this. However I completely believe I can do so. I was fortunate enough to workout in Citi Field before I was drafted. I know I flashed a spark of the power I have the potential to hit for and also the throws and plays I hope to make in the outfield for our organization. There are definitely some steps I need to take in order to sharpen those tools into everyday production. But, I believe in myself and I am relentlessly working toward contributing to our organization with all I can.

David – When the off-season arrives, what do you look forward to doing the most? Family time, friends time, or just rest?

Charley – Family is so important and it is really great to see them. Growing up in Elmira, New York I come home for a few weeks after the season and then again for holidays as I can’t train as well in the cold weather. But I absolutely cherish the time with them! It’s great to see my friends too. However, I am most excited to use this time to reflect, learn and progress toward my goals for this year and beyond. I felt like I made some strides the last month of this season and I really just wanted to keep playing once it ended. I can’t wait for the coming year!

David – How will you prepare over the winter; can you describe your workout regimen?

Charley – I am able to return to Tennessee and train with Herman Demmink of 3D performance. We’ve really got a great group of guys – a bunch of my college teammates now in pro-ball, along with current big leaguers including Nate McLouth, Joe Nathan, and Chase Headley among others who find Knoxville the best place to prepare every year. It’s great to have a group of guys to learn from and push each other through a rigorous 5-6 day/week program. It is focused on transforming strength into power, speed into explosion, and flexibility into durability for the long season. Most weeks are built around core-strength, scapular-strength, and upper and lower body power and explosion. We do a lot of different stuff but every week you’ll be sure to see a lot of pull-ups, bench presses, squats, box jumps, core exercises, med-ball throws and sprints. We swim varying lengths in UT’s Olympic Pool on Wednesdays to flush out from the workouts Monday and Tuesday. It is really gracious of the Tennessee staff to allow us to use the world class weight room, batting cages, and indoor facility for our physical and mental benefit. I couldn’t ask for a better place to train for my career.

David – Anything you would like to share with the Mets fans?

Charley – Thanks for the support! LGM!

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Thank you Charley for letting me share your story with the Mets fans! I have been truly impressed with the Mets younger players in the Minors.  Even in an off-season, after a long year of baseball, they are more than happy to sit down and answer all of my questions. This is what all Mets fans look forward too; getting to know the players that make up the lower part of the organization. I wish Charley much success in his career and I look forward to following him and highlighting more of his accomplishments.

(Photo Credit – Sam Wolfe/Treasure Coast Palm newspaper)