Eric Hosmer is a power-hitting first baseman from American Heritage High School in Florida. With a sweet swing from the left side and huge raw power, Hosmer has drawn comparisons to Casey Kotchman and will be a surefire first rounder this June. One look at any of his numerous home runs on display at YouTube and you’ll know why…
Eric was gracious enough to answer some questions for StopTheWave via e-mail. Here is what he had to say…
First off, start by telling everyone where you grew up, how you became interested in baseball and a little about your prep baseball career.
I was born in Miami, Florida. I became interested in baseball by watching my older brother’s team, the Diamond Kings, play. My dad was the coach, so he would always let me practice with them.
You’re ranked as one of the top prep talents in the county this year. How is your season going and what are you doing to keep your focus?
The main thing I focus on is my work ethic. I wake up every mourning, have a protein shake before school then lift weights at 9:45. Having my older brother and father as coaches at my high school has been the biggest help on staying focused and not worrying about who is on the other side of the fence.
For someone who hasn’t seen you play, tell us about yourself. What kind of approach do you have at the plate? How would you rate your fielding and baserunning? Is there a Major Leaguer that you would compare yourself to>
Well, I’m 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, so I'm not hard to miss! As for my approach at the plate, I like to be aggressive. I see limited pitches in high school, so I know I have to attack the good ones early. Luckily, having one of the best hitters in the country, Adrian Nieto, hitting behind me it helps out a TON! I also take a lot of pride in my glove. I won the Rawlings Gold Glove award as a junior and haven't made an error since sophomore year.
You’ve had quite a prestigious prep career. What is the most memorable moment you’ve had on the diamond?
The most memorable moment I have ever had on the diamond was getting the final out in the Connie Mack National Championship game and jumping on the dog pile when we won the game.
You’ve, no doubt, hit a lot of home runs. Do any stand out for any reason? Any favorites?
The most memorable one would have to be my only walk-off homer, which was in a regional tournament at Georgia Tech.
Do you have a favorite MLB team?
New York Yankees
Who is your favorite pro baseball player? Is there a player that you try and model your game after?
Big Papi (David Ortiz), because he has a blast when he plays the game. He doesn’t look at the game as a business, it’s what he loves to do.
What player have you played with or against that makes you say, "That guy is going places!"?
I work out with Chris Marrero a lot and just watching him hit batting practice is truly amazing. I try to take after him because he has such a great work ethic. He’s, by far, the best hitter I’ve seen at his age.
On a related note, who is the best pitcher you've faced?
Walker Kelly from Texas. He is NASTY!
What are your goals for the rest of the season? Are there any aspects of your game you’re working on?
I want to win a state championship and I’m always working on getting better, in all aspects of my game.
We’ve now heard about Eric Hosmer, the ballplayer, but tell us about Eric Hosmer, the person. What do you like to do when you’re not playing baseball? What is something unique about you?
Eric Hosmer outside of baseball is a really lucky person. I have, by far, the greatest family anyone could ask for. Everything I accomplish in baseball and life, I truly owe it all to them. My mother works at my school to pay my tuition. Seeing her working there as I walk through the halls, it makes me realize how lucky I really am. I think my mother is the greatest person ever — she would do anything for me. My father risks his life everyday for my family as a firefighter. He has coached me since I was 5 years old. The thing I respect most about my father is that he understands everything going on now with the draft and never once has he put any type of pressure on me. My father is also a great coach who could easily be coaching at a D-I college. And my brother…wow! Words can’t describe him. He could easily be a Major League hitting coach. I can truly say my brother and I have never gotten in one fight. We are the same person trapped in different bodies. If I didn’t have my brother, I would be nowhere near the hitter I am today. My brother is my idol.
Favorite Movie? Music group/artist? TV show? Food?
“Wedding Crashers,” rap music, “Entourage” and any type of Italian food.