Q&A: Jason Donald (Part 1)
Jason Donald, BlueClaws shortstop in 2007, made a big rise up the prospect lists after a tremendous 2008 season. He hit .307 for Double-A Reading, while adding 14 home runs. He also shined in the Arizona Fall League, and when it was all said and done, Baseball America placed Donald 4th on their Phillies prospect list, after he was outside the top ten a year ago. Donald took a few minutes to talk with BlueClaws Blog last week. Here is part one of our interview.
Question: You obviously took a big step forward in 2008. What was the thing you worked hardest on leading up to last season?
Jason Donald: I don’t think there was one specific thing. I try to work on all facets of my game. I’m never satisfied with what I do offensively or defensively or mentally. Each year the goal is to become more consistent and be a better player than you were the year before. The big thing is working on consistency on an everyday basis, having a solid approach and sticking with that gameplan.
Q: Were you pleased with your season?
JD: Yes. I was thrilled with some of the opportunities I got. It really was the best baseball year of my life. I got to experience so many neat things, like Yankee Stadium, the Olympics, everything. There wasn’t one thing that wasn’t special to me. It was such a fun year.
Q: What was the Olympic experience like?
JD: Well, it was an honor to even be considered. I felt lucky, but to go, it’s something I never expected my whole entire life. Even as a kid, going to the Olympics never crossed my mind. It was something special to me and meant a whole lot to me because so few people get the opportunity. You have to see the Olympics in person to really appreciate it.
Q: What stood out about the Olympics?
JD: The two things. First, the Opening Ceremonies, knowing that there’s milliosn of people back in the US watching you. You’re a representation of your city, your state, and your country. That really hit home to me. Also, when we received our bronze medal. Those were two things I’ll never forget.
Q: Were you able to absorb the Olympic culture?
JD: I was able to for the most part. We did get to interact with other people. I went to the gymnastics to check that out, but that was really the only thing I had time for. It’s just amazing to be a spectator at something, since you’re so used to competing and preparing yourself to play.
JD (cdt): I did get to do the sightseeing…Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, you’re around so many differnet cultures all the time, you’re going to get out what you put in. I definately tried to talk to people from other countries and get pictures with different athletes, just to soak it all in before we started playing.
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