Cardinals draft pick Andrew Sohn talks to Redbird Rants

Andrew Sohn, a sixth round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Western Michigan, spoke to Redbird Rants in an interview this past Sunday.

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Daniel Solzman: Andrew, for joining Redbird Rants today. How are things treating you up in Michigan today?

Andrew Sohn: They’re going well. It’s a beautiful day. I’m just getting packed and stuff ready to ready to leave tomorrow for State College, Pennsylvania so it’s going pretty well right now.

Daniel Solzman: Can you describe what it felt like when you found out you were drafted by the Cardinals in the sixth round?

Andrew Sohn: Yeah. It was just amazing. It was awesome. I didn’t really expect—I was expecting to get a phone call like before they drafted or something and I never got that. I saw I got picked and saw my name and was like “Wait, are you sure that’s me?” I feel like they should have called me before but I guess that’s how it works where they call you after. I saw it on the computer. I went crazy. My whole family was there. A lot of friends and everything. It was just an awesome feeling especially getting drafted by one of if not the best organization in baseball.

Daniel Solzman: When did you first learn that the Cardinals were interested in drafting you?

Andrew Sohn: Throughout the season, Jason Bryans was the area scout for me. I’m up here in Michigan. He showed some interest and he was talking to my adviser and stuff. He told me that the Cardinals liked me a lot and what I brought to the table. Just throughout the year, I could tell they were on me.

Daniel Solzman: What’s the reaction been like on Twitter and social media since the Cardinals drafted you?

Andrew Sohn: My phone’s been blowing up. Like Twitter—it’s going crazy. All my friends and family showing me so much love and that. Even people down in St. Louis started following me, commenting, and congratulating me and everything.
Social media has been an awesome. Seeing what people have to say and all the praise I got for getting drafted.

Daniel Solzman: What did you do during the last week to take your mind off the draft?

Andrew Sohn: It was just working out really. Just working out. I was pretty sure I was going to get drafted, not sure when but I was working out and staying in shape. Actually, the day of the draft, I washed my car (inaudible). Doing stuff to stay busy and not sitting there thinking about it because that will stress you out.

Daniel Solzman: How has Western Michigan coach Billy Gernon helped get you ready for the next level?

Andrew Sohn: He’s definitely matured me. That’s not just as a baseball player but person also—to go about things, responsibility, all that kind of stuff. Baseball sense, he knows a ton about the game. Since I was a freshman, he taught me a tremendous amount on the fielding side of it at shortstop and also at the plate. He’s been an awesome help. It was awesome having him as a coach.

Daniel Solzman: Is there a shortstop that you model your game after?

Andrew Sohn: (Laughs) Yeah, I always liked Derek Jeter. I like to model a little after him. He’s a Kalamazoo guy and that’s why I went to college in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan. He’s from right around there. I always loved him.
He’s the guy everyone wants to be like.

Daniel Solzman: Seeing as how the Cardinals have been developing their prospects of late, are you looking forward to working with the coaches and veterans during Spring Training next year?

Andrew Sohn: Yes, I have and I can’t wait to get there. Everything I’ve heard—my hitting coach here, my advisor, just people I’ve talked to have said that the Cardinals organization develops their players the right way. They give them time to develop and the coaches are just great at working with the players and everything. I’m really excited to get started and get down there and improve and hopefully make the majors some day.

Daniel Solzman: The Hall of Famers always make a visit in Jupiter during Spring Training. Is there anyone in particular that you are really looking forward to meeting?

Andrew Sohn: Ozzie. Probably him.

Daniel Solzman: What is something that you like to do for fun when you are not playing baseball?

Andrew Sohn: Fish and golf are probably the two best things that I most like to do. I enjoy those a great deal.

Daniel Solzman: What is something that Cardinals fans should know about you?

Andrew Sohn: I’m a hard worker. I compete. I’m a funny guy. I don’t know—just expect a lot out of me.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us and best of luck as your make your way up through the organization. Any words for the best fans in baseball?

Andrew Sohn: Thank you so much for bringing me into your organization and your city. I’m going to enjoy it—every second of it, and I hope to make you guys proud.