IronBirds Q&A: C Sam Kimmel

Sam Kimmel is in his first professional baseball season with the .

The West Palm Beach, FL native is excited to be apart of the Orioles organization after being drafted in the 18th round out of Stetson University.

In 11 games entering Monday, Kimmel was 8-for-42 with a double and five RBIs.

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Patch was able to catch up with the 6-foot, 185-pound Kimmel at last month:

PATCH: Did you play any other positions growing up or have you always been a catcher?
KIMMEL: I have only been a catcher for about a year-and-a-half now.

PATCH: What position did you play before that?
KIMMEL: Shortstop.

PATCH: Which position do you prefer?
KIMMMEL: Catcher.

PATCH: Do you miss home or ever get homesick?
KIMMEL: Not really, I just want to play baseball so I really don't care where I live.

PATCH: Tell us about your background as a player.
KIMMEL: I played two years in junior college at Indian River State in Ft. Pierce, FL, and then last year was my first year at Stetson University in DeLand, FL near Daytona.

PATCH: How does compare to other stadiums you have played in?
KIMMEL: This is probably one of the nicest stadiums that I have ever played in, especially for the minor leagues. Everything is really nice.

PATCH: How did you find out that you were drafted?
KIMMEL: Actually, they called me the second day of the draft and asked me if I would sign and at first with the amount of money they were offering, I said no. The next day I gave it some thought and then decided to sign with them. I didn't even know they officially drafted me until my friend called and said that the Orioles had picked me, so I looked on the computer and then a couple minutes later they called and told me the news. They even paid for my last year of school which was great.

PATCH: What are some goals for yourself this year and long-term?
KIMMEL: Just to do well and get moved up. 

PATCH: What was your favorite team growing up?
KIMMEL: My favorite team is the Orioles now.

PATCH: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before the games?
KIMMEL: Not that I can really think of. Sometimes when I'm not doing that well I have a horseshoe and I will sprinkle that over me.

PATCH: What does a host family usually provide for you?
KIMMEL: It depends. The two host families that I have stayed with over the summer provide a place to stay and cook your meals for you. They are always nice and pretty helpful.

PATCH: Who is your biggest inspiration?
KIMMEL: I guess just seeing big leaguers playing on television and wanting to be like them. or Derek Jeter would be my role models.

PATCH: Are the veterans treating you and the other newcomers well?
KIMMEL: Yes, so far they are really nice they're. They are probably just letting us get settled in before they start playing practical jokes.  

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