Josh Naylor Q&A: The 'amazing' feeling of beginning a baseball career
MIAMI -- Josh Naylor made quite the impression during his introductory batting practice at Marlins Park last month.
Naylor, the 12th overall pick by Miami in this year's draft, belted several balls into the upper deck, wowing current major leaguers with his power. He was the highest-selected Canadian position player in major league history.
The 18-year-old first baseman from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has had quite the summer between signing a professional contract to attending prom. He is batting .344 (21 for 61) with four runs, one double, one triple, six strikeouts, four walks and seven RBI in 16 games (four as a designated hitter) for the Gulf Coast League Marlins in rookie ball.
FOX Sports Florida's Christina De Nicola caught up with Naylor when he and teammates within the organization visited Marlins Park during the last homestand.
FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: What's it like living in the United States?
JOSH NAYLOR: (laughs) It's not that different. I came here a lot to play baseball with my hometown team. It's not bad. I love it.
FSF: What's one of the perks? A little warmer.
NAYLOR: It's way hot down here. Sometimes when I'm swinging my hands get so sweaty that I feel like I'm going to lose the bat. You can't complain about heat.
FSF: What's been the biggest transition for you?
NAYLOR: Honestly, I don't know. Both of the teams I played on prepared me for what I've been doing and will continue to do. I feel good. Every day's a grind, but you got to get through it. It's the fun part. You get to be on the field every day.
FSF: You were out for a bit? With mono?
NAYLOR: About a week and a bit. I played through it for the first seven games and then I had to shut it down because I didn't feel too good. I was down for about a week or so.
FSF: You've done international baseball and stuff, but what's it like only having to focus on baseball now?
NAYLOR: Amazing. You're on the field every single day and you get to work on something new every single day and you get better every day. That's the whole thing about baseball. You just want to get better every single day and work your way to the top. It's great to be able to focus on baseball and that's it.
FSF: Any good advice you've gotten early on?
NAYLOR: Everyone really tells me just to work hard, stay humble. When you're struggling, the hits will come. It's all part of baseball. Failure, adversity. Just have fun while you're down here.
FSF: What was your first at-bat like on July 3? Your first time on the field? How did it feel?
NAYLOR: It was pretty good. I faced a guy (Sandy Alcantara) throwing like 101. First one fouled back and I think I grounded out. And the second at-bat I got him. I got a single. It was pretty good. He was throwing pretty hard.
FSF: Is it still surreal? I know you led up to all of this wanting to be drafted and become a baseball player, but to actually be one now?
NAYLOR: It's amazing. I worked my whole life to be one. I just got to thank all my coaches and most importantly my parents and my family for helping me get to where I am today. And God for giving me the gifts I have. I'm just going to keep working hard.
FSF: Any goals that you have for the end of the season and heading into the spring?
NAYLOR: Just to get better every day, keep in shape and keep playing the game I'm playing and do my very best. That's the only thing you can control in life. You can't control how fast you get moved up or when they decide to do so. You've just got to keep working your hardest and do your best.
FSF: Has the organization told you specifically any expectations they have for you or things they want you to work on?
NAYLOR: No, they're just letting me play my game. I really like that. I'm just out there getting better and thankful for all the coaches I have. It's an amazing ride so far.
FSF: You're finally 18. You had prom. You got drafted. How was the summer like? It had to be a whirlwind.
NAYLOR: It was exciting. Had everything done after the draft. I got it all done, said my goodbyes to my family and close friends and all. Just starting my career, and this is what I've worked for and will continue to work for.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
