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MMN Exclusive: Fireflies Catcher Patrick Mazeika

By Corne Hogeveen

June 27, 2016 1 Comment

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

The 22-year old Patrick Mazeika was a 8th round pick in the 2015 draft for the New York Mets. Mazeika was drafted out of Stetson University (same school Jacob deGrom attended).

Mazeika is a left-handed hitter who is primary a catcher for the Columbia Fireflies but also played 11 games at first with the Kingsport Mets last season.

After Mazeika got drafted he made his pro debut with the Kingsport Mets. In 62 games, he hit .354/.451/.540 while on his way to being named the co-winner of the Mets Sterling Award for the squad. Of his 80 total hits, 32 where for extra bases as he had five homeruns and 27 RBIs.

Mazeika started this season a little behind schedule because of an elbow injury. He has played 28 games for the Columbia Fireflies, hitting to a .248/.325/.337 slash line with 15 runs batted in.

MMN: First of all thank you for the time to answer some questions for MMN You got drafted by the Mets last season, how did you find out that you got drafted and what was the first thing that slipped through your mind?

Patrick: I got a call a few minutes before. I was just excited for the opportunity the Mets had given me.

MMN: You had a great season with the Kingsport Mets. How is life playing in the Rookie league?

Patrick: It isn’t a whole lot different than full season besides living in the hotel.

MMN: What are the things you will work on this season?

Patrick: Continuing to get better in every aspect of my game.

MMN: What have you been working on with hitting coach Joel Fuentes so that you can repeat last seasons succes?

Patrick: Trying to get in a consistent routine to be ready to have good at bats every day.

MMN: You are playing for the new team Columbia Fireflies. What are you thoughts about the Columbia team so far?

Patrick: We have a very talented team that gets to play in one of the nicest stadiums in all of minor league baseball.

MMN: It’s your first full season in the Mets organization, how did you prepare in the offseason?

Patrick: I took some time off after the Kingsport season and then started lifting and began hitting in January.

MMN: How does your elbow feel after missing the start of the season due to an elbow injury?

Patrick: I feel great.

MMN: You were drafted out of Stetson University. Stetson has produced a CY Young award winner and a ROY of the year in the same season (Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom). Do you follow the performances from other players from Stetson?

Patrick: I do follow deGrom now that I’m with the Mets.

MMN: Final question, you were just added to the Top 30 prospect list by MLB Pipeline and doing great so far with the Columbia Fireflies. How will you keep this success up and do we see you in Single-A St. Lucie this season?

Patrick: Just continue to work hard and focus everyday. I’m not worried about what level I’m at just focusing on getting better wherever I’m playing.

MMN: Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions.

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