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10 Questions Jeremy Hefner

10 Questions with Jeremy Hefner

7/24/2020 11:30:00 AM

Join ORU Athletics every Friday in a weekly series featuring interviews with coaches, staff members and former student-athletes.
 
10 Questions with Jeremy Hefner, Pitching Coach for New York Mets (former ORU Baseball student-athlete):
 
  1. How excited are you to get the Major League season rolling later this month?
I think the time with family during the quarantine was really nice. I haven't been in Oklahoma during spring time in quite some time. So, it was nice to see the green grass and flowers blooming. However, I did miss the game and being with the team. There has been a lot of work by many different people to pull this season off. It will be great to see all that work displayed on the field.
 
  1. What will be different about handling the pitching staff since they didn't get the usual preseason work?
Our guys did a tremendous job of keeping themselves safe during the quarantine, while at the same time, working on things to make themselves better. We didn't get the normal ramp-up of a Spring Training but most of the guys will be full go once games start.
 
  1. Are you satisfied with the COVID precautions taken by Major League Baseball?
I can't speak for all 30 clubs, but the Mets have done a tremendous job setting up protocols to keep us safe at the field and away from the field.
 
  1. What are the chances this season goes the distance and a World Series champion is crowned?
Really tough to answer that question. Our environment is ever changing with new information presented every day. So, many different inputs that could create speed bumps to completing the season. I think taking it day-by-day and making sure everyone is safe is our focus right now.
 
  1. The MLB season will be a sprint, not a marathon. How critical is every game to the players?
Even though the number of games is different, the way we go about it hasn't changed. You can't look too far in front or worry too much about what's happened in the past. Pitch-by-pitch focus will put us in a good position to achieve our goals
 
  1. How will not having active minor league games affect Major League rosters?
It certainly affects who you can call up and also shrinks depth. This season has presented a number of challenges and that one is no different. As much as we like to prepare, sometimes we just have to react. Uncomfortable position to be in, but it's the hand we are dealt
 
  1. As a former ORU baseball player, how much do empathize with the college season getting cancelled this past March?
I tried to put myself in the shoes of all those high school and college players that lost a season. As I look back at my life thus far, being on the field with my teammates and friends were some of my fondest memories. So, for that to be taken away is heartbreaking. Hopefully there is minimal collateral damage
 
  1. What are your fondest memories as a player at ORU?
I think playing the games was great and we had some memorable games. But I think the thing that will stick with me forever was the process that led to our success/failures. Being concerned with the path that led to the result and keeping the result in its proper place. Careful to not let it, either positive or negative, derail what we set out to do. All the while being able to grind with people you really care about was such a great time. Taught me how to be a good husband, father, and now, coach
 
  1. What is something that people don't know about you but should?
Tough one. I'm a simple guy so what you see is what you get
 
  1. When things get tough, what Bible verse do you go to for encouragement?
Romans 12:3 helps me stay grounded both personally and professionally. Paul reminds us that self-awareness is something that we all struggle with sometimes. Either thinking too high or too low at times. So, I ask God to give me the wisdom to listen first and speak up only when necessary. Always looking to learn and not be the expert in the room
 
10 Questions with....
March 27, 2020 – Mike Carter
April 3, 2020 – Ryan Bush
April 10, 2020 – Mark Milner
April 17, 2020 – Joe Dial
April 24, 2020 – Lance Watson
May 1, 2020 – Roger Bush
May 8, 2020 – Ashtin Meerpohl
May 15, 2020 – Tim Johnson
May 22, 2020 – Adam Hildebrandt
May 29, 2020 – Paul Mills
June 5, 2020 – Scott Williams
June 12, 2020 – Steve Upshaw
June 19, 2020 – Misti Cussen
June 26, 2020 – Frank Craig III
July 10, 2020 – Michael Rogers
July 17, 2020 – Jordan Romano
 
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