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MMN Exclusive: Interview with Mets Outfield Prospect Joe Tuschak

By Former Writers

November 4, 2013 No comments


Joey Tuschak1

When thinking about players that can help the Mets in the future, the key for a scout is looking for those that have an ability to produce within the system and eventually develop into impact players. Even if it may take a few years to reach their full potential, the risk is worth the wait. The Mets took that risk when they signed outfielder Joe Tuschak in the 6th round of the 2011 June Amateur Draft from Northern High School in Dillsburg, PA.

Coming straight from high school to pro ball for some prospects is a huge jump and they experience a whole new level of play then they are used to.  In high school, the game is not as fast and most teams are usually not stacked with more than one or maybe two standout players. Tushack shares how the transition from the pro game was very different from high school, “It was a lot faster than high school ball, not just the pitching but the overall speed of the game,” he continues, “I would have to say with the pitching in high school; we would probably only see one guy a year throwing in the 90’s.  When I arrived at this level, I was consistently facing pitchers throwing in the 90’s in addition to a lot more movement on their off speed pitches.”

In 2011, he started with the Gulf Coast Mets and in 32 games, he batted .204/.318/.222 in 108 at bats. In 2012, he was promoted to Kingsport and in 46 games, he batted .192/.305/.277, with six doubles, and one home run in 130 at bats.  This past season, he remained in Kingsport and in 56 games, he batted .271/.313/.376, with seven doubles, three home runs and 24 RBI’s in 210 at bats.

Tuschak has developed into a viable bat in the lineup and after having a productive season in 2013, he took great strides to becoming the player the Mets hoped he would be when they drafted him out of high school. “I really do think this was the first season that I felt comfortable. During the off-season I worked out with Chris Heiseywho is an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, and he helped me a lot with my hitting and also the mental part of hitting and also the game itself, ” says the outfield prospect.

The upcoming season looks very promising for him to develop his abilities and continue to advance in the system.

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Enjoy the interview:

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

Joe – In the off-season I love being around my family and friends. I have started fishing and golfing (or trying to) with my dad and buddies.

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

Joe – I would have to say Carl Crawford and Andrew McCutchen. I always tried to model my game after them. They play the game hard and with a lot of passion. There is never a game you don’t see them playing their hearts out. They leave everything they have on the field.

David – While growing up in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, who influenced you to play baseball?

Joe – My father influenced me to play baseball growing up. He and I would go to the field everyday possible to hit and work on fielding.

David – On the day that you were signed by the Mets in 2011, what was your reaction and who was the first person you shared the news with?

Joe – It was a very emotional experience, and I was so happy. That was my biggest accomplishment in life. The first people to know were my parents.

David – In 2011, you played in your first pro baseball game with the Gulf Coast Mets; what was your experience like ?

Joe – It was a great experience. At first I was very nervous but after my first at bat all that nervousness went away.

David – Which part of your game can you say improved the most from 2012?

Joe – I would have to say both my defense and hitting.

David – In 2013, you played on a Kingsport team that made history, what can you take away from the season and what was the chemistry like with your teammates?

Joe – The chemistry between the team this year was unbelievable; we were like brothers. I learned a lot from the coaches as well as the power of having supportive teammates.

David – Even though the team couldn’t pull out a victory in the playoffs this season, what was your experience like in the post season?

Joe – It was a great experience making it to the playoffs. Every pitch you became more and more locked into the game, which made it very enjoyable.

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

Joe – Amed Rosario; he was outstanding in the field and had a great swing for being only 17 years old.

David – Is there anything in your approach to the game that you feel you need to work on?

Joe – I feel all aspects of my game can be improved on but the aspect I plan on focusing on the most this offseason is baserunning.

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

Joe – Bobby Malek; he really helped me by working on my approach at the plate this spring.

David – Do you feel like you are on track with the goals you set for yourself? If so, what are you expecting for 2014?

Joe – Although I do feel I met my goals last year, I am always trying to find ways to get to the next level.  For 2014, I expect to build on what I was able to accomplish this past year on both the team and individual levels.

David – Do you feel you are ready to make the jump to Savannah or beyond? If not, what do you feel you need to work on?

Joe – I feel that I would be able to hold my own in Savannah coming off this past season but I also feel that it would be beneficial for me to not move up in the organization too fast.

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

Joe – I will work out with Chris Heisey again.  We will run, lift, and work on mechanics at local facilities.

David – Anything you would like to tell the Mets fans?

Joe – Thank you all for the support you have given me as well as the teams that I have been a part of.

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Thank you Joe for sharing your journey with our writers and the Mets fans. The organization has done a good job when drafting players out of high school and in return the ball players have worked hard to develop within the system.  Joe is one of these players and I see a great future ahead for him and he will continue to develop into an impact player. I wish him well and look forward to following his career straight to his major league debut.

(Photo Credit – Allen Greene/For The Sentinel)