Draft 13 – Q and A – SS – Riley Unroe – Desert Ridger H.S. (AR)

Mack - Morning folks. We're talking today with the pride of Desert Ridge H.S. in Arizona and who is projected to be one of the top shortstops drafted in the 2013 MLB draft next June, Riley Unroe. Morning Riley. Thanks for being here.

Riley – Hi, Mack. Thanks for having me.

Mack – Riley, I’m going to ask you the same question I ask most of the guys here. Take us back to that first day someone put either a ball, glove, or bat in your hands and take us through the steps that got you to where you are today.

Riley - I was born into baseball, when I say that, I mean my dad was playing as a pro at the time. Starting my life I traveled the country and will always remember my mom and I playing baseball with a little rubber blue ball and a big red plastic bat in the hotel rooms. We have a video of my grandparents, my mother and I in my grandparents basement playing baseball, and my left leg was in a cast. I don’t remember much at such a young age but my parents have always told me "that even at 2 years old and with a broken leg, we could not keep you away from playing the game." that pretty much set the tone for the rest of my life. Nothing will stop me from playing the game I love so much. My parents and family have been a huge part in my success. They give up so much time and money for me to do what I need to do to live my dream of playing in the major leagues. Tthey understand what it takes and support me no matter what. Every year I make a list of goals, just little ones to help motivate me to reach my ultimate goal.

Mack – Your father (Tim Unroe) played mostly third and first base while you’ve become a shortstop. Is this something you naturally developed into or did a coach influence that decision not to follow in your father’s footsteps?

Riley - My father played shortstop in college, but after he was drafted he became a first and third baseman mostly. My Dad has been my coach ever since little league and started me at short stop when I first began playing in an organized baseball league. He has always influenced me not just to do what he has done, but to go above and beyond his accomplishments.

Mack – A delicate question (if you don’t want to answer, that’s fine, let me know and we’ll take it out of the interview)… it must be hard on Coach Herrera having such a presence as your father around at practices and games. Does everyone come out of the  scrum in one piece?