Interview: Chris Sweeney

A 24 year-old native of Escondido, California - Chris Sweeney of the Saarlouis Hornets is enjoying life in Germany.

A big San Diego Padres fan who lives 20 minutes from Petco Park, the former Chico State standout favorite MLB players includes Manny Ramirez and Derrek Lee.

Sweeney has been teeing off against Bundesliga pitching with a lofty .510 (25-for-49) mark with seven homers and 24 RBI’s. He is also 2-2 on the mound with 24 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched.

This is the first in a series of interviews with American Imports playing and coaching baseball in Europe.

TT: Are you a player/coach or just a player?

CS: “Actually, my original contract was to be the head coach, first baseman and closer. However, I found it a little difficult for the team to play at a high level with a player/coach so the club just hired a full time coach and I can focus on playing.”

TT: Are you actively involved in coaching younger club players?

CS: “Yes. As part of my deal I have to help train the younger players. It’s fun because they just go out there and have a great time and it reminds me of how fun the game can be.”

TT: What has been your biggest adjustment to playing in the bundesliga?

CS: “The biggest adjustment for me playing in the Bundesliga has definitely been the level of commitment that we get from some of the players. Now, of course, that’s not how it is for everyone. But I just don’t think it’s too much to ask players to train every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.”

TT: How would you rate your performance so far?

CS: “I think that I had a really good first half. I feel like I am swinging the bat well however, pitching-wise, I think I could definitely be better. I had not pitched since having Tommy John Surgery in May of 2002 so sometimes I leave the ball up a bit.”

TT: What are your team goals for this season?

CS: “This year is by far the best team the Hornets have ever put on the baseball field. Last year was the first year they made the playoffs. This season our goal is to get a good seed for the playoffs and take care of Regensburg in the finals.”

TT: What are your living arrangements?

CS: “When I first came over and was the head coach I got my own single bedroom apartment. Now that the new coach is living there I moved in with one of my teammates who has a nice place about a 10 minute bike ride into town, to the field, or to the gym.”

TT: Are you eating lots of pasta like most Americans who play in Europe?

CS: “At home I’ve been eating alot of pasta but when I go out to eat I get a lot of Schnitzel and Pork. They don’t really have too much steak or chicken out here.

TT: How do you spend your free time away from the baseball field?

CS: “I already had the chance to visit Paris and I went with some of the basketball girls to Holland which was really fun. I also have plans to visit Trier, which is the oldest city in Germany, Munich for Octoberfest, and Paderborn in Northern Germany to visit an ex-teamate. I plan to visit the Zoo in Frankfurt which I heard is really cool. I love the San Diego Zoo so I want to see how this one compares.”

TT: What has been your biggest adjustment living in Germany?

CS: “So far the biggest adjustment for me has definitely been the language barrier. Sometimes it is hard to go shopping or to order food at a restaurant.”

TT: What are your future goals in regards to baseball?

CS: “I would like to play at a higher level and, hopefully, if I keep playing well out here maybe I can score an independent contract in the states for next year. I would love to play in the Golden Coast League because I could play against the Chico Outlaws, which is where I went to school last year, and my family and friends could come watch me play.”

TT: Would you consider returning to Germany in 2008?

CS: “I would definitely consider it. Of course, I am going to do what is best for my baseball career but this place is awesome and loads of fun.”