Interview with 2013 Draft Pick Rob Kaminsky

Rob Kaminsky recently joined Redbird Rants for an interview. The St. Louis Cardinals selected him with the 28th overall pick during the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft this past summer. Jun 12, 2013; Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA; American Family Insurance ALL-USA Baseball Team selection Rob Kaminsky poses during a photo shoot at Neil Vill Memorial Field. Image Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Solzman: Thanks for joining Redbird Rants and congrats on being drafted by the Cardinals. How are things treating you during the offseason?

Rob Kaminsky: No problem, thanks for having me. Things are going great, season ended up going really well. Learned alot and picked alot of peoples brains.

Daniel Solzman: Can you talk about how it felt to get the call saying you would be selected by the Cardinals with the 28th pick of the first round?

Rob Kaminsky: It was surreal. Just to have the honor of getting drafted and it be to a team with such an incredible history made it even more special for my family and I.

Daniel Solzman: Prior to the draft, what did you do to take your mind off of things?

Rob Kaminsky: I was excited and anxious for the day, not nervous believe it or not. My parents were more nervous then me, but we all just hung out and tried to act like it was a normal day.

Daniel Solzman: What are your thoughts when you look at the Cardinals and their pitching of late?

Rob Kaminsky: It truly is incredible.. The way they handle pitching, especially young pitching is awesome to watch, and even better to be a part of.

Daniel Solzman: How did Coach Salvano and Coach Bob Muggeo prepare you for the next level?

Rob Kaminsky: I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff then I had in high school. All three of my coaches prepared me for the next level. Coach Salvano, Coach Muggeo and Coach Cieslak.

Daniel Solzman: What was the transition to the minors like down in Jupiter and how does it compare to life in New Jersey?

Rob Kaminsky: Florida and Jersey are much different, in many aspects off the field. But once you step onto the field, the mound is still 60″6 and the bases are 90″ so not much different baseball wise.

Daniel Solzman: The Hall of Famers always stop by during Spring Training. Is there anyone in particular that you are looking forward to meeting?

Rob Kaminsky: I am just fired up to be a part of this organization and spring training is going to be an awesome experience and I cant wait.

Daniel Solzman: When did you decide to start the Strike Out Challenge to help kids with cancer?

Rob Kaminsky: This was the single most important thing of my 4 years at St. Joes. I decided to do it after I visited a children’s hospital in San Diego the summer before my senior year. The visit put a lot of things into prospective for me and ultimately changed my life.

Daniel Solzman: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Rob Kaminsky: As a pitcher I always enjoyed watching Gio Gonzalez, another guy i liked watching was Grady Sizemore. I feel both those guys leave it all out there on the field.

Daniel Solzman: Have you found it crazy to be named in the same sentence as the great Sandy Koufax?
Actually, I do find it crazy. He is one of the greatest pitchers of all time.. To be put in the same breath as him is crazy.

Daniel Solzman: How tough of a decision did you have choosing between the Cardinals and playing for North Carolina?

Rob Kaminsky: It was tough, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, especially it being with the Cardinals. I couldn’t pass it up. Education is big in my family, but professional baseball might be one of the only things surpassing a college degree at this point in my life.

Daniel Solzman: Bruce Springsteen or Bon Jovi?

Rob Kaminsky: The Boss. 100 %.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us and best of luck. Any final words for the best fans in baseball?

Rob Kaminsky: Thanks for all the support and I can’t wait to help the Cards win in the future! You guys are the best.