Take a few minutes to get to know right-handed pitcher, Tyler Beardsley, the player and the person.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in southern California, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players?
Tyler Beardsley (TB): Being a southern California guy, I have always been a big fan of the Angels and still am to this day. As a kid I would always go to their games with my friends and family. Some of my favorite baseball players I enjoyed/enjoy watching were Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey, Mike Trout, Garrett Richards, and Kris Bryant.
SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities?
TB: My favorite memories about playing high school baseball were creating lifelong friendships with every one of my teammates. My freshman year of baseball, I was a part of a league championship team. Going into my senior year I decided to play basketball and also won a league championship that year. Little things like this I will cherish forever. Always nice to hang out with your former teammates and talk about those memories.
SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and what was it about Cal State-Sacramento that made you want to pitch there?
TB: Coming out of high school I believe I had two junior colleges who were interested in me. Honestly, I didn't pitch very much in high school but happened to start one game in Wasco and had a coach who took interest in my pitching ability. I spoke with him after the game, and he had great things to say about me. I took a visit up to the college and loved everything about it. After that, I decided to go to College of Sequoias for two years. During my sophomore year, I was recruited by Sacramento State and believed it would be a perfect fit. I loved everything they had to offer me. Incredible coaching staff and a great program that is continuing to grow to be a top Division 1 baseball program.
SS: What was the experience for your at Cal State-Sacramento? What were some of your highlights and favorite moments in your four years there?
TB: I had an incredible experience at Sacramento State. Not only was I given the opportunity to play baseball, but I was able to work on my degree at the same time. One of these days, baseball will come to end, so it was important for me to study something that I was interested in. Criminal Justice was my major and I'm hoping to become a California Highway Patrol in the future. My two years at COS I was a part of a championship team in 2014 and made it all the way to the state finals. The two years I was at Sacramento State, my favorite moment was getting the win in the final two innings when playing fifth-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge in front of about 13,000 fans and about 30 Hornet fans along the left field foul line.
SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? Where did you think that you might be drafted? What was your interaction with Twins scouts before the draft?
TB: Before the draft I spoke with quite a few scouts. At the time, I wasn't really worried about where I was going to be drafted. I was just looking for an opportunity to continue to play the game that I love and just make the best of it. My interaction with the Twins was slim, but I knew they were interested in me. I was very excited that the Twins picked me in the 16th round. Great organization and I hope to be a part of it as long as possible.
SS: When you did hear your name in the 16th round, where were you? What your reaction and the reaction of those close to you?
TB: When I heard my named called in the 16th round, I was with my family here in my hometown Tehachapi. It was the best day of my life. This is something I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid. Friends, family, and coaches were blowing up my phone congratulating me for a couple days. I will never forget that day for as long as I live.
SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field?
TB: I would have to say it was a little bit of an adjustment coming into the minor leagues. One thing that was new to me was playing almost every single day. In college I was about four times a week. I believe I had four days off in about four months. That was one major adjustment but another would be the competition is a lot better. I was pleased the way everything turned out in my first short season. Learned a lot and I’ll be ready to go next year.
SS: To what do you attribute your success in the Elizabethton and in Cedar Rapids?
TB: What made me successful while playing in Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids was just playing the game the right way. I wasn't trying to do too much. Whether it's making sure I'm throwing strikes each start or getting outs any way I could or just showing up to the field on time. Little things like this are noticed throughout the organization and can go a long way. I just tried to do the little things the right way for the time I was there. Another thing I wanted to do was try to be consistent with each start. This is something that is tough to do, but that is the game of baseball and that's why I love it so much.
SS: What was it like pitching in Cedar Rapids in the playoff hunt and in the playoffs? What was the atmosphere like there?
TB: During our playoff hunt, it was important for us to put together wins late in the year. I was called up around August, and when I got there I knew we were in a spot where we needed to win a few games so that we could clinch a playoff spot. I made about five starts while I was in Cedar Rapids and each one of those starts I did my best to put us in a position to win each game. I was put on the DL for playoffs but got a great look on what it's like to pitch in the playoffs. Atmosphere was great at each game we played.
SS: What pitches do you throw, and what would you consider your out pitch?
TB: Fastball, Slider, curveball, and change-up are the pitches I throw. I would have to say my slider can definitely be my out pitch. Still working on it because I just started to throw a slider about a year ago.
SS: At this very early stage in your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths?
TB: Being 22, i feel like I have so much more to learn about the game of baseball whether it's the mental, or physical part of the game. I believe I've got much more room to grow so that i can become a better baseball player.
SS: What are the areas of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve in the offseason and going forward?
TB: I'm focused on getting as strong as possible this offseason and really getting my body right for this long upcoming season. I need to be absolutely ready to go for spring training and getting on a full season team.
SS: Are you be going back to school in the offseason? What is your major in school?
TB: I will not be going back to school this off season.Hoping to go back to school this next off-season but for now I'm enjoying the time off with my family and friends. While in college I was studying Criminal Justice. I want to become a CHP in the future.
SS: What are some of the things you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball?
TB: When I'm not playing baseball, I like to be outdoors for the most part. I love fishing, shooting guns, riding motorcycles, camping, etc.
SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?
TB: Each and every one of my coaches, family members, teammates, and trainers that I had throughout college have helped me get to where I am today. Can’t thank them enough for their support throughout my college career.
SS: Favorite baseball movie?
TB: The Sandlot would have to be my all-time favorite baseball movie.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again, thank you to Tyler Beardsley for taking time to respond to our questions. Please leave a comment or ask questions down below!
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.