Off-Season Update: Zach Hedges
Zach Hedges (@Zhedges12) was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 26th round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. The right-handed pitcher spent the entire 2015 season with South Bend, starting in 23 games, amassing an 8-8 record with a 4.16 ERA, striking out 80 and walking 36. We spoke to Zach earlier this month about the 2015 season and what he has been doing since then.
After the season ended, where was the first place you traveled to?
The first two weeks of the off-season I spent at home catching up with friends and family, and it was great seeing them all. I then headed off for a two-week trip in Europe. The first eight days were spent backpacking from town to town in Tuscany, Italy, and the last few days were spent in Zurich, Switzerland and Munich, Germany, where we went to Oktoberfest.
What are some of your favorite off-season activities?
This off-season was a little different than the one before because I was able to do a little bit of traveling and visiting some family and friends. I like to stay active and spend most of my time outside with friends, so whether that's hiking in the local mountains or going to the beach, since we don't have winters in So-Cal, I'm always outside and with friends.
Do you have a favorite moment or event you attended this off-season?
It would be between Oktoberfest in Germany, or attending the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Sydney Harbor in Sydney, Australia. Both were a blast to be at so I can't pick just one.
Do you still keep in touch with some of your teammates from 2015?
You try and keep in touch when you can, but there are not a lot of guys that live near me. I'll text and catch up with some of the guys a few times in the months back home.
Do you have a regular workout routine to prepare for the 2016 season? Is there one particular part of your game you have been working on?
Yes, I try to stick to a good routine of lifting and running for the first few months. Having a set schedule always helps me stay focused while I'm at home, so I know what I have coming my way. My goals for this off-season were to work on gaining strength and flexibility.
What was your favorite part about the 2015 season? Are there any moments that stand out to you personally or a team moment?
It's hard to beat the season opener for us when we walked off against Bowling Green at home or when Erick Leal threw nine hitless innings. But some of the best moments came on the off-days we had in the last month of the season. A bunch of the guys and I would barbeque and eat all day. It was quite the feast.
How often did your family get to watch or hear you play? Did they ever get to visit during the season?
It was so awesome for my family and friends to be able to watch us play and hear the game on milb.tv this season. They felt like they were able to be there and keep up for most of the season. Most of my family was able to come out for a visit, which was so great. They got to see where I was at and what a regular day for me was like.
What was your walk-up music for 2015 and why?
Well this season I chose the song Centuries by Fall Out Boy. Now I can't say I'm an avid follower of them and their music, but I loved how it pumped me up for games and the words got me excited to play.
What is/are your goal(s) for the 2016 season?
My goal, wherever I play, is to win a Championship, plain and simple.
Is there anything you want to tell the fans of the Cubs Organization?
I can honestly say that the fans of the Cubs Organization are the most devout and true fans. I appreciated all their support this year in our first season at South Bend. Even though it was our first year there, it felt like home. So thank you for your support and love to the Cubs Organization.