Darren Bragg Q & A

Posted on 11. Sep, 2009 by Corey in All, Dayton Dragons Baseball, General Baseball.

Corey Brinn: You played for nine different Major League teams during your 11 season career. Did you mind jumping around so much?

Darren Bragg: I didn’t mind moving so much because I knew it was part of being in the big leagues. I knew that I would have to fight and scratch every year for a job for whatever team would give me a chance. That was my path and I had to deal with it. I was not the type of player that was going to get a multi-year deal like most of my teammates.

CB: The list of current or future hall of fame players you have been teammates with is amazing. Which ones stand out as being the best?

DB: (After a long pause to think) I would have to say (Ken) Griffey Jr. I had the opportunity to play with him in Seattle and in Cincinnati. The game came really easy to him when we were in Seattle. He was in his prime and the best player in baseball. He was just fun to watch.

CB: What teammate had the biggest influence on your career?

DB: It would have to be Seattle Mariners outfielder Jay Buhner. He took me under his wing when I was a rookie and helped me a lot with my outfield play. Buhner taught me all aspects of the game and what it was going to take to stick in the big leagues.

CB: What coach gave you the best piece of advice in your career and what was it?

DB: Marc Hill was a backup catcher in the bigs for about 13 years. I had the chance to play for Marc in Single A when he was my hitting coach and then again in Double A when he was my manager in Jacksonville. He would look at me and say, ‘Braggie, I played almost 15 years in the bigs, so I KNOW if I can do it you can.’ He got me to believe even more in myself as a person and a player.

CB: You were known as a hard nose player who worked extremely hard. One time you were even knocked out cold during a game and stayed in the lineup. How’d that happen?

DB: I was playing with the St. Louis Cardinals and we were in Candlestick Park taking on the San Francisco Giants. I went over the outfield wall to make a catch and got knocked unconscious. The trainer came out and gave me the eye test and suggested I come out of the game. I looked at him and my manager and said, ‘No chance I am leaving this game.’ I was the type of player that worked hard to get on the field, and you were not going to get me off of it.

Another time, I slid into second base and dislocated my finger. I had to pop it back into place myself. After the game, manager Tony LaRussa said that they were placing me on the disabled list for 15 days. Again, I told them no chance and that I was fine.

While in Boston, I got beaned in the head and had 22 stitches. When I arrived at the park the next day I noticed I was not in the lineup and busted into manager Jimy Williams office, angry that I was not playing that day. I knew my opportunities to play were limited so I had to stay on the field at all costs.

CB: You were able to play in three different post-seasons. What was the atmosphere like playing on playoff teams?

DB: Unbelievable. To play in Wrigley Field and Fenway park in the post-season was awesome. Two of the most storied stadiums around and I was on the field for a playoff game. From the first pitch the crowd was standing and you could feel the energy and excitement throughout the park.

CB: In addition to 2,500 big league at bats, you also have more than 3,000 minor league at bats. What was the journey like trying to obtain your dream of making it to the bigs?

DB: I wish I could have enjoyed more looking back. I played every day like it could be my last and didn’t take anything for granted. But because of that, I couldn’t enjoy it as much because I was always fighting for my job. I trained myself to stay in the moment and never look back. Being young, I always worried about my future and put some unneeded pressure on myself.

CB: Following your playing career, you pretty quickly jumped into coaching. What is your ultimate goal as a coach?

DB: I try to make the kids that I come across better people. I want to see them all get to the big leagues at some point. I really enjoy it, but like with my own kids I know they are just kids. Some need more direction than others and my job is to help them be successful.

CB: You spent two seasons in Dayton as the hitting coach for the Dragons. What did you enjoy most about your experience here?

DB: I really enjoyed the bus rides and the grind of the season without having to perform on the field. In my playing days, I always looked ahead, worried about what team I would be on and would I be in the lineup or not. Coaching brought baseball back to me spirituality. I lost some love for game worrying about fighting for a job all the time. Now, I totally enjoy being at the stadium every day.

CB: Following last season you were promoted by the Cincinnati Reds to “Outfield and Baserunning Coordinator.” How has the season gone being able to visit all the different affiliates of the Reds?

DB: I have really enjoyed it so far. Mainly due to the fact that I can see players I had in Dayton two years ago and watch them succeed at higher levels. It is a very gratifying feeling watching guys doing the job right. They are all good players and it’s fun to watch them play. It also keeps things fresh for me.

CB: What is your best advice for a young athlete trying to become a professional athlete?

DB: Have a mindset and be confident in what you do. Make sure you take risks and not always the safe route. Take chances whether playing the game, or picking a college to attend. Don’t settle. And try to be the best everyday.