"Where Are They Now?" Featuring Victor Robles

Your first taste of professional baseball came in the Dominican Summer League at age 17. You first played in the States a year later, first for the Gulf Coast Nats and then here in Auburn. At age 18, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make to feel comfortable in this environment?
Victor: I felt that at age 18, I knew and everybody knew that I could hit the fastball. But I knew I had to make an adjustment when it came to hitting the breaking ball. I made it a priority at that time, and all the staff around me was able to help me out. That was the biggest adjustment that I had to make.


 
Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to playing baseball, and do you model your game after anyone?
Victor: Even I don't play the same position as him, a player that has inspired me a lot is David Ortiz because of how passionate he is in between the lines and when he plays the game. He's also a very humble guy off the field. On and off the field, he's inspired me a lot and the way I model myself.


 
Let's talk about your time in Auburn. Do you have a favorite memory that you had at Falcon Park or with the Auburn Doubledays?
Victor: When I first got called up, I played my first two games at Auburn and then went on my first road trip against Vermont. I almost hit for the cycle in that one game and in my last at-bat I was just missing the double. On my last hit, I connected on it so hard that I wasn't able to get to second. But it was a good moment because I felt a lot of joy in that game while I was playing. It meant a lot to him.


 
You've had some excellent coaches and mentors in your journey through the minors. Who do you think has helped you the most get you where you are today?
Victor: I can't actually pick a coach because it has to be a group work, it has to be a combination. First I want to thank God, but they've all been able to help me with my hitting and outfield abilities. The hitting coach focuses on my approach and I've had one at every level and then our outfield instructor is the one that takes care of my defense and my baserunning as well. They have all added a little something so it would be tough for me to pick only one individual. I've been very grateful for everything that they've done for me and they have all helped me out a lot.


 
What was that moment like when you received word that you were called up to the Majors?
Victor: It was very impressive. It happened here in Florida, when Doug Harris (Assistant General Manager & Vice President of Player Personnel) was giving me the news over the phone I was pretty much in shock. No words would come out of me. All the staff members that saw me receive the news were like, 'Victor? Are you okay? Say something! Are you happy?' I was just really shocked, it's what every athlete dreams of. They all want to get to the last level. They all want to reach that last test. It was very impressive, I had no words when they gave me the news.


 
Any favorite moments in the Big Leagues? Was there maybe a player that stuck out to you?
Victor: Actually one of my favorite moments was when we were in the postseason and I had just come into the game to pinch run. Then Harper hit that home run, and while I was running the bases it almost felt like he was me. I felt a part of it. It was like we're so close to advancing to the next round so it was just a really cool experience to be a part of that. It's like the switch actually flipped and I felt like our chance was going to be very good and just living that moment was great.
Two teammates that stuck out to me were Ryan Zimmerman and Daniel Murphy because, despite the talent that those two players have, the high-caliber players that they are, well known players. It really impressed me how humble they were to the clubhouse. They almost behaved like they were rookies in the sense that they were very quiet like a rookie is, they were keeping to themselves, there was nothing about them that you would expect from certain high-caliber talent. That really impressed me a lot, how humble they were. And how they played on the field, how they handled themselves in the clubhouse - they were leaders. I wish in the future I can be as humble as they are and be the type of players that they are in the way they handle themselves in the clubhouse. That's something that really calls my attention.


 
What are some of the goals that you've set for yourself this year? Anything personal? Anything baseball related?
Victor: In regards to baseball, I just want to finish my rehab, get better, and get back to action. Get back to the Big Leagues and make the postseason to hopefully win that championship this year. In a personal perspective, I just want my family to continue being proud of me.


 
Is there any message you'd like to send back to your fans in Auburn?
Victor: I want to thank all the fans for the support that they gave me while I was there. I felt really comfortable playing over there in that community. In the name of God, the Auburn Doubledays aren't far from becoming a championship team in the future. All they have to do is believe it and it will happen.


 
We would like to thank the Washington Nationals organization and JJ Estevez for their continued support of the Doubledays and giving their efforts to make this interview possible.