Most important, Williams got through the season healthy and ready for a “normal” baseball offseason. Today, Williams takes us through an eventful last couple of seasons. Continue below to read his answers to our questions. Feel free to leave comments and questions below.
Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Alabama, who was your favorite team and who were some of your favorite players?
Corey Williams (CW): I cheered for the Braves since they were the closest team to my hometown of Huntsville, AL. As for my favorite players, I would have to say Greg Maddox, and John Smoltz
SS: You went to Vanderbilt, which has been a baseball powerhouse for a long time. What are your top memories of playing there under that tradition and playing in the same uniform as guys who had great MLB success?
CW: My favorite memory by far was making it to the College World Series in 2011 for the first time in school history. What Coach Corbin instills in us is not only about being successful on the baseball field, but being successful in life. He wanted us to be contributing members of today's society, which has stuck with me into my professional baseball career.
SS: Looking back to 2013, were you healthy the full year or did you start feeling any pain in your elbow?
CW: During the second half, I went on the DL with elbow soreness. I came back after that seven days, but looking at my stats, I was not the same pitcher from the first half of the season to the second half of the season.
SS: At spring training 2014, what happened? You were pitching and something happened. Did you feel a pop in your elbow or how did you know something was wrong?
CW: I never felt a pop, I was continuing to feel elbow pain, and it took me a lot longer to bounce back after throwing with intensity, whether that was on the mound or long tossing. I let the team doctor and trainers know, and I had the MRI a few days later.
SS: What was the most difficult thing about missing the 2014 season after surgery?
CW: 2014 was the first year that I had not played an inning of baseball, which was one of the most difficult things I have been through in my baseball career. The most difficult part for me was not being able to compete for my team. Standing on the mound, looking down at the catcher and hitter was something I needed and wanted to feel again. Also, I missed the camaraderie with all the guys on the team. Although it was a tough year without pitching, I was able to finish my degree at Vanderbilt, and graduate with a degree in Human Organizational Development.
SS: How would you describe the rehab process from Tommy John in your words?
CW: The rehab process is extremely long and slow. The first four months, you are letting the scar heal and the new ligament heal while in a full arm brace. The next 4 months you start a throwing program, which starts off very slow but gradually builds up. After 10 months, you are able to start throwing on the mound. Once you are on the mound, you have great days and very bad days. I felt I was ready after I threw my first eight bullpens, but little did I know that I still had live hitter vs. pitcher and rehab innings. It was a tough year, but allowed me to continue to build on my mental and physical strength as a pitcher.
SS: You returned to the Ft. Myers Miracle in early June, what did you feel like to get back on the mound in a regular season?
CW: It was a great feeling being back with the guys and on a team. Pitching late at night and under the lights was an amazing feeling, I definitely had a different perspective and outlook on the game.
SS: How would you describe yourself as a pitcher? What pitches do you throw, and what do you consider your strikeout pitch? Has or does anything change in that approach following surgery?
CW: I would say I am a sinker ball pitcher. I throw a 2 seam fastball, slider, and curve ball. My strikeout pitch this past year was my slider. As for my approach to pitching following surgery, I am still an aggressive pitcher, and that has not changed.
SS: What was the goal for 2015 for you? It seemed like, more than advancing, the goal was completely about getting you through the year healthy. From that perspective, how did you feel physically throughout the season?
CW: My goal was definitely to stay healthy all year long, and compete each time I was called upon to pitch. I felt like each time I got to get on the mound, I got better!
SS: You finished the season with Chattanooga and helped them to the Southern League championship. What was it like being on that team with the group and winning?
CW: It was a great experience. All the guys were pulling for each other, and we knew that we could compete with anyone. Doug did a great job with us, He helped us with our approach during the game and also to enjoy the playoffs and the experience.
SS: What are your plans for the offseason, regarding preparation for the 2016 season? When do you start throwing, and what are your hopes to accomplish before reporting to spring training in March?
CW: Relax for the first couple of weeks, then get in the weight room. Also, going to hang out with the wife. We have a couple trips planned for this offseason. I will start throwing around the first of December!
We would like to thank LHP Corey Williams for taking the time to answer our questions today. Please feel free to ask questions and comment.
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