The Next One- Trevor Gretzky

The son of the most famous hockey player to ever lace a pair of skates is about to embark on a baseball career with the Chicago Cubs attempting to make “Gretzky” a household name but only this time playing America’s favorite past-time. Trevor Gretzky was drafted in the 7th round, 219th overall in the 2011 amateur baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs.  The sweet swinging lefty played first base for the Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California where he posted a .393 batting average and an OPS of 1.043 in his senior year. Gretzky wore the infamous #99 during his senior baseball year and was also a quarterback for the Oaks Christian football team.

Leading up to the draft there was speculation that Gretzky may attend San Diego State University on a baseball scholarship under the tutelage of head coach and Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. However Gretzky elected for the MLB draft and is currently playing in extended spring training for the Cubs in Arizona rehabbing from shoulder surgery this past off-season. Gretzky is still unaware where he will be assigned after spring training concludes but one thing is for sure he will be doing it with a work ethic second to none.

Trevor Gretzky Interview:

1. How tough of a decision was it to fore-go an education at San Diego State University and their esteem baseball program for the MLB draft and a chance to play professional baseball?

It was a very hard decision. San Diego State is a great university. Tony Gwynn is one of the greatest hitters ever and It would have been huge for me to learn from him, but I feel like I made the right decision in beginning my professional career.

2. You were drafted in the 7^th round of the amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs? Leading up to the draft did you know the Cubs were going to draft you and secondly were the Toronto Blue Jays ever in contact with you prior to the draft?

Going into the draft I did not really know what to expect, but I had met with most of the teams during my senior season, the blue jays being one of them. I am happy things worked out the way they did and to be given this opportunity to play in the cubs organization.

3. You wore the #99 during your time at Oaks Christian High School. Do you have any intention of keeping that number in the minors or will you be sporting a new one?

Ya I wore 99 in high school and id like to wear it, but it doesn’t really matter right now, my focus is just to play baseball and work hard like everybody else.

4. You are currently rehabbing your shoulder after surgery in the Chicago Cubs extended spring training in Arizona, do you figure to be assigned to the short season with the Boise Hawks in June?

I don’t know what their plans are for me yet, I am just trying to get healthy right now and get at bats. Weather I start in the AZL or Boise I am going to work hard and go from there.

5.  For people who have never seen you play, what type of player can they expect from Trevor Gretzky and what MLB player do you model yourself after?

Growing up my dad always talked to me about Pete Rose and how he was Charlie hustle, he told me if you work hard and play the game hard good things will happen.

6. What has been your biggest baseball related accomplishment to date?

Probably getting drafted, but that’s just the beginning. I know I now have a ways to go to get where I want to be.

7. Having been exposed to a life of hockey, how accomplished of a hockey player were you and was baseball always the obvious choice for you?

I stopped playing hockey when I was pretty young, but I knew that I always loved baseball. First game I remember going to was at Yankee stadium and I just remember how awesome i thought it was.

8. How often are you able to make it back to Brantford to see your grandfather Walter and do you have any special memories of visiting Canada?

I’ve not been to Brantford in a couple years, but i see my grandpa Walter a couple times a year. Ya seeing my dad light the torch at the Vancouver Olympics was pretty special for me and my family.

9. I have seen some recent NHL playoff tweets from you, who do you want to win the Stanley Cup and do you get to attend many NHL games?

I’m down here in arizona and been around the coyotes so long because of my dad so its pretty exciting to see them do well, but I am just a fan of the game.

10. Are you a superstitious person, any funny pre-game rituals or meals?

Haha, No I’m not superstitious at all, just a little snack before a game then ready to go.

One thing is for certain there can never be too many ”Gretzky’s” involved in professional sports with the class, dignity and talent that they possess, it wont be long before Trevor is blasting baseballs over the right field wall at Wrigley Field. My only regret is that the hometown Blue Jays didn’t draft him and bring him north of the border so Canadians once again could be dazzled by a Gretzky.

I hope you enjoyed the interview on Trevor Gretzky and once again feel free to comment or email at baseballhotcorner@hotmail.com or follow me on twitter @MLBHotCorner