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Haley Smilow of Baseball Youth interviews Curtis Granderson

By Sean Serritella on | From yankeesdaily.com

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A young lady named Haley Smilow had the opportunity to interview Curtis Granderson for Baseball Youth Magazine along with several other players. The article was just published in Nov/Dec issue.

Curtis Granderson Interview The PDF file.

Playing in his second season with the New York Yankees, Curtis Granderson proved why he is one of the best center fielders in baseball as he put up Most Valuable Player-type numbers in 2011.

The Chicago native set career highs in runs (136), home runs (41), RBIs (119) and walks (85). Granderson led the majors in runs, the American League in RBIs, and he even challenged Toronto’s Jose Bautista for the MLB home run crown.

While Granderson may be better known for his bat, speed, glove and overall athleticism, he excels even more off the field. He currently represented MLB at the White House in their anti-obesity effort, and he created the Grand Kids Foundation to focus on improving the educational experience for young boys and girls nationwide.

Ten-year-old Haley Smilow had a chance to sit down with Granderson before a game in July during her family’s baseball trip across the Midwest. Of course, the two talked baseball, but Haley also discovered the Yankees center fielder is a huge WWE fan along with being a published author and an all-around nice guy.

Let’s read on to see how the conversation went…

Haley: Do you have a favorite ballpark and why? Is there a ballpark where you feel you always play well other than Yankee Stadium?

Curtis: I like the Anaheim Angels stadium because it has good weather to play in, and the playing surface is well taken care of, making it a nice place to play ball. I also enjoy the Rally Monkey because he is fun to watch, but as a player, it means that the Angels are doing well. Other stadiums that I like to play in are Mariners Safeco Field and of course at home in Chicago at US Cellular Field and Wrigley.

Haley: Who has the best pizza in Chicago? What about New York? Do you like deep dish or thin crust pizza?

Curtis: My favorite pizzerias in Chicago are Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s and Gino’s and in New York, Artichoke Basille’s. Sometimes I like Domino’s thin crust pizza because I like my crust crunchy. If I am really hungry, I will order deep dish.

Haley: Coney Island Hot Dogs or Nathan’s Hot Dogs?

Curtis: Since I played in Detroit, I would have to say Coney Island Hot Dogs.

Haley: What is your favorite meal?

Curtis: I really love Thanksgiving dinner because you get to eat a little bit of everything, and you can go back over and over for more helpings.

Haley: My little brother is a fan of WWE, and I heard you are as well. Who are some of you favorite wrestlers?

Curtis: Of course, I like CM Punk because he is a great wrestler and from Chicago. John Cena is another favorite. I also like the Divas because they work hard and are as good as the guys.

Haley: In your book All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It, you share the lessons you learned growing up. What is one lesson you would tell Baseball Youth readers if they haven’t read the book?

Curtis: The selection of friends, good and bad, positive or negative, and the people you surround yourself with will shape your whole life.

Haley: I also know you are an ambassador for MLB and have traveled to England, Italy, South Africa, China and New Zealand. Is there any place you would really like to go and represent MLB?

Curtis: I have never been to South America so that would be amazing. I would also like to go to Japan and Australia. Those would be on my top three list.

Haley: Do you have any rituals or superstitions?

Curtis: I only chew sugar free bubble gum. (To Haley): Do you like gum? Make sure you take a hand full when you leave the dugout.

Haley: When you are on the road do you share rooms with your teammates?

Curtis: In the majors we get our own rooms. In the minors we share rooms. I used to share with Ryan Raburn, Joel Zumaya and David Espinosa.

Haley: AJ Burnett has created a celebration for a walk-off win, a pie in
the face. Have you ever gotten pied?

Curtis: No, I have not been pied. If I get pied it means we won, but I am
afraid it will burn. (The pies are shaving cream.)

Haley: Who is the biggest practical joker you have ever been with on a
team? Have you ever been the victim of a practical joke?

Curtis: Brandon Inge on the Tigers will do funny pranks, silly ones and even some gross ones. We had a little battle going when I played for Detroit. Once I opened his car and filled it with paper and construction tape making it a big mess inside the car and out. Jorge Posada is a real joker as well.

Haley: In 2007, you became just one of four players in MLB history to record 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season. What are some of your other accomplishments you are proud of?

Curtis: Graduating from University of Illinois-Chicago and that I am one of only 37 players with college degrees. (And) making it to the 2006 World Series.

Haley: Do you have any other favorite sports besides baseball?

Curtis: I like basketball, especially college ball. I also like hockey, football and bowling, and I used to run cross country.

Haley: Who would you consider your closest friends on the Yankees?

Curtis: Of course, I have a special bond with my fellow outfielders Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner. But I also like to hang out with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Russell Martin. We go out to dinner and movies together.

Check out Haley and her family’s travels around the country as they visit major league cities. Log on to Wix.com/Smilow/HomeField-Advantage to check out photos, read reviews and get food recommendations.