Catching Up With: Mario Hollands

One year ago, Mario Hollands was simply trying to leave a lasting impression.

Hollands entered 2014 as a non-roster invitee to Phillies camp. The 6'5" hurler, who pitched for the Threshers in 2012 and 2013, was in the midst of his first Major League spring training, a rather long-shot to grab a spot in the Philadelphia bullpen.

Hollands, though, was impressive in his nine outings. His successful spring certainly caught the attention of the Phillies' brass, catapulting the lefty straight to the big leagues.

Presently, Hollands is not taking anything for granted.

"Just going about my work and not expecting anything, kind of making myself work for it," Hollands says of his approach this spring.

"Nothing's really given to me."

Hollands gave the Phillies a solid option out of the bullpen during his rookie season in Philadelphia, making 50 appearances with a 4.40 ERA. He permitted only five earned runs at home, posting a sparkling 1.48 ERA at Citizens Bank Park.

The 26-year old credits veterans such as Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Jonathan Papelbon and the entire Phillies' pen for helping him find success in his rookie campaign.

"They all helped me out throughout the year in different aspects of life outside the field and the games," Hollands says. "Just the whole year they were all very helpful, and I probably wouldn't have been able to do it without their help."

Hollands' offseason was limited due to injury, after the lefty suffered a flexor strain in early September and missed the final month of the season.

"I wasn't able to pitch in winter ball this year because of my arm, but it was just a lot of rest," Hollands says.

"I didn't have to have surgery or anything. I started playing catch a little bit in November just to see how it was feeling, but it was really just a lot of rest and then I slowly started to get back into my throwing program after the doctor gave me the ok back in late November."

Yet, his offseason was certainly not uneventful.

"I got an associate's degree from a fashion school," he says.

Specifically, Hollands completed his Associate of Arts degree in merchandise marketing in December. He began the program with the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in the fall of 2013. Hollands had previously earned a degree in sociology while at the University of California-Santa Barbara.

"I always wanted to do it, I just didn't think I'd start it while I was still playing," Hollands says.

"I'm very happy I did do it, but it was pretty tough doing homework during the season in the minor leagues, and even parts of last year in the big leagues. But I'm glad it's over, and I'm very happy I have that under my belt along with my other degree."

Hollands won't stop there. He hopes to earn an internship in Philadelphia or his native California next offseason.

On the mound, Hollands is working this spring to maintain the mentality that helped punch his ticket to the Major Leagues.

"I kind of keep the same mindset as last year," he says.

"Trying to make the team, and not taking anything for granted."