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MMN Exclusive: Pitching in the Minors and Winning A Championship With Hunter Carnevale

By Former Writers

October 2, 2013 1 Comment

Hunter Carnavale2

When following a relief pitcher in the minor league system, its hard to get a true gauge on what to expect since he only pitches one inning every couple of days.  It seems like unless the player is a well known name in the minds of the Mets fans, not much attention comes his way.  Now that can be a positive thing for a player just trying to fit in, or it can be a bad thing for a player trying to make his mark.

I also understand the Mets bringing along a pitcher slowly, especially with the way good pitchers are a dime a dozen now-a-days.  And when a pitcher has to undergo Tommy John surgery, you do not know what you are going to get in return.  The consensus is that the players who have had the surgery have come back to continue their careers, but there just isn’t ever a guarantee.  Its the hard work and dedication that they put in that helps to keep their dreams alive.

That can be said for Relief Pitcher Hunter Carnevale, who has been on a journey of his own.

Hunter was signed by the Mets in 2010 out of the University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA). He was then assigned to Kingsport where in 12 games pitched, he was 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA, one save, and 27 strikeouts in 23.1 innings of work. Towards the end of that season, he was promoted to Brooklyn and appeared in only five games.  Hunter remained with Brooklyn for the 2011 season, and prior to having season ending Tommy John Surgery, Hunter pitched in 12 games, was 1-1, with a 1.86 ERA, 2 saves and 19 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. In 2012, after rehabbing his arm, Hunter returned towards the end of the season and pitched in 6 games with Kingsport; he posted a 1.50 ERA, with 2 saves, in 6 innings of work. 2013 was Hunter’s coming back party, he played a full season with Savannah and fully healed from his surgery. Hunter worked in 44 games, with a 3.57 ERA, 2 saves, with 66 strikeouts in 58.0 innings.

The Sand Gnats won their Division, won their first round of the playoffs and capped it off with the 2013 SAL Championship for the first time since 1996.  Hunter appeared in Game 2 of the finals and pitched 1 inning, with a strikeout and didn’t allow a run.

Hunter’s journey is truly one that needs to be shared.  To have to go through Tommy John surgery at such a young age, with high hopes of regaining full strength and be just as good or even a better pitcher, I am sure was in the back of his mind.  But with the help of the Mets organization and Hunter’s will and dedication to continue his career, it helped him to return better than ever. Hope you enjoy my interview with Hunter:

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?

Hunter – I really enjoy being active. I love to go stand up paddle boarding and really enjoy golfing.

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

Hunter – When I was really young, I was a huge Barry Bonds fan. I grew up a San Francisco Giants fan and really enjoyed watching Barry play. My overall favorite player is Derek Jeter. The way he carries himself on and off the field is bar none and not only that, he is a winner as well. I was a shortstop growing up so I tried to emulate him the best I could.

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

Hunter – Ed Sprague. He was my head coach for the four years I was playing for him, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today if it weren’t for him.

David – On the day that you were drafted by the Mets in 2010, 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?

Hunter – I was sitting next to my computer in my room with my brother Jack. I got a text from Doug Thurman saying that the Mets were going to take me with their next pick. Doug is the scout who signed me and when I got his message I was really excited. I just thought of the time and effort I put into trying to get drafted and as I realized that I was about to be, I really can’t put those emotions into words.  As soon as I was drafted a bunch of my friends and family started calling me immediately. I made sure I called my mom and dad. It was just a really memorable day for me.

David – In 2010, you played your first pro baseball season with the Kingsport Mets, what was the experience like and how can you compare it to playing in college?

Hunter – It was different as you can expect. We started playing everyday, while in college we played 4 times a week. I think the main difference is that you have to learn how to manage what you do more efficiently. Being a bullpen pitcher you have to be ready everyday, so you have to learn how to get your pre-game work done, and not overdo it so you are still ready to compete during the game. In college, you can step up a routine because you basically know when you are going to pitch ( Tuesday and once or twice on the weekend), while in pro ball you have to listen to your body and do what its telling you to do (or not do).

David – In 2012, you were out most of the season with Tommy John Surgery, how frustrating was it to be out of baseball and what did you do to get yourself back on the field?

Hunter – Of course it was frustrating, but I realized it had to be done. Unfortunately it is a very common surgery for pitchers and I took the mindset that I was basically “getting a new arm.” Coming back I went to therapy in San Diego 3 times a week for 16 weeks. I worked hard and stayed with the throwing program that Dave Pearson and the training staff told me to do. I went to spring training in April of 2013 and continued getting better with the goal of trying to get back into games before the season ended.

David – Do you feel that your arm is stronger after the surgery?

Hunter – Yeah, I feel great. Just coming off my first full season, I was very pleased with how my arm and elbow felt.

David – In 2013 with Savannah, you pitched in 44 games which was the most amount of games in one season since you started playing in pro ball, how has your elbow held up under the increased workload?

Hunter – Everything held up fine. During a long season like that you have to do a good job staying in tune with your body, especially it being my first full season after elbow surgery. I think I just worked smarter, and understand that you have to stay even keeled and just keep moving forward.

David – Can you describe the feeling of winning the South Atlantic League Championship, this past season with Savannah?

Hunter – Oh man! It was an unbelievable experience. This summer was the most fun summer I have ever had, and I think it can be attributed to the relationships you build with your teammates and coaches. Since we are together basically everyday for 6-7 months in a row, you become a second family of sorts.  After all the hard work, travel,  and  ups and downs that a season brings, I couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys. I have never won a championship before, and jumping on that dog pile never felt so good!

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

Hunter – My good friend and bullpen mate, Beck Wheeler impressed me the most this season. He didn’t make the Savannah squad out of spring training and once he got to us, he became our best reliever for the entire season. I think he came out of the season with 20 saves ( Which includes the championship game). Mets fans should be most excited about Steven Matz. He is a tall, and strong lefty with a great disposition, who has some of the best stuff I have ever seen. He is mid to upper 90’s with his fastball from the left side. He is one of the nicest people you would ever meet as well.

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

Hunter – Frank Viola. There is so much I can say about him. The experience that he brings to a pitching staff is immeasurable. Since he’s basically seen/ done it all, you can ask him about anything and he will say something that, if you take it to heart, will definitely help you. I’ve been with Frank for 2 years ( 2011 in Brooklyn and this past year) and the biggest thing he helps you with, is understanding your strengths and how to utilize those strengths against the batter. Once you realize what kind of pitcher you are he preaches to ” trust your stuff,” get ahead of the batter,  and compete.

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?

Hunter – Yes, I feel like I am on track to reaching those goals. Seeing that the TJ surgery put me back a little, I feel that, as long as I pitch well, I’ll have a chance to move up.

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

Hunter – I look forward to seeing my family and friends the most. Some people I don’t see you 6 months at a time, and its really nice getting to be with them again.

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

Hunter – I have a pretty good understanding on how and what to do to get ready for the up coming season. I follow the Mets’ strength and conditioning guide and do other things that I personally have to work on to develop more as a player. I make sure that there are no weak links and that I hit the ground running when Its time for spring training.

 

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I want to thank Hunter Carnevale for taking the time and allowing me to interview him for the Mets fans.  With the many good arms the Mets have in the farm system, the fans really have something to look forward to.  I know that so many promises have been made over the years, but its been a while since I have witnessed such a large amount of talented players in the farm system. Mets fans should know that the Mets future continues to shine with each young man in the minors, and Hunter’s star is starting to shine once again. Even though he took a little detour with his surgery, Hunter proved in the 2013 season that he is back and stronger than he has been in a long time. I wish him well in his continued success and he is definitely a pitcher the fans need to start paying attention to.

(Photo Credit – TradingCardDatabase.com and Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning News)

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