20 questions with Yusuf Carter

MiLB.com: Your uncle is World Series hero Joe Carter. Has having that baseball connection helped you?

Yusuf Carter: He's my dad's brother, and it helped a lot as far as learning things about the business of baseball. He helped me a lot with everything, really, from playing, to the draft, to signing, to now working through the Minors.

MiLB.com: How was it when your uncle was drafted, knowing you would one day try to do the same?

YC: Well, I was really young at the time he was drafted, but he's been around a long time. He played 16 seasons, and there's a lot I could learn from him.

MiLB.com: Growing up, did people know who your uncle was?

YC: Usually, most people know I'm his nephew. All through high school it was an ongoing process that I had to deal with, but it's nice to know people are interested.

MiLB.com: You're originally from Brooklyn. How much of a New York guy are you?

YC: I'm a huge New York guy (laughs). There's a certain pride in being from New York, especially from Brooklyn.

MiLB.com: Are there any cool places you've traveled to outside of your baseball circuits?

YC: I haven't had the chance to go to many places yet, because baseball keeps me busy. But this offseason I'm planning a long, relaxing cruise somewhere.

MiLB.com: Will that be your first cruise?

YC: Yeah, it'll be my first time on a ship, but I'm really looking forward to it. I just hope I don't get seasick.

MiLB.com: Why a cruise? Why not just fly somewhere?

YC: A cruise lets you see a lot of places at once. You're on and off the ship, stopping at different places along the way. That way I can see more with one hit.

MiLB.com: What's your biggest pet peeve?

YC: Long lines (laughs). I'm not a big fan of wasting time in line.

MiLB.com: Describe the day you were drafted.

YC: I tried not to make a big deal about it. I was by myself and didn't listen to it or watch it on the computer. I got a call from my friend, and that's how I found out I'd been drafted (laughs).

MiLB.com: Growing up, who gave you more support in your baseball endeavors, your mom or your dad?

YC: I grew up with my mom, and she was the one taking me to games and sitting in the stands cheering me on, day in and day out.

MiLB.com: So are you a self-proclaimed 'mama's boy'?

YC: (Laughs) I love my mama. I'll tell that to anyone who asks.

MiLB.com: What do you miss the most, being away from home?

YC: The summers: Being there with my family, not having anything to do, just relaxing with loved ones.

MiLB.com: Who did you idolize as a child?

YC: Ken Griffey Jr., no doubt about it. He put that swagger in the game, he put that 'oomph' into hitting the home run, and now everyone does it.

MiLB.com: So what do you do after you hit a home run?

YC: It's ironic, because I loved Griffey's attitude after he hit one, but I don't really do a lot when I do. I'll do a light jog and save the handshakes for the dugout.

MiLB.com: How do you deal with being in the public eye?

YC: I'm laid back and outgoing at the same time. I don't run from the spotlight, but I'm not upset if I don't get it, either.

MiLB.com: You were drafted in 2003, 2004 and 2005. What made you wait?

YC: I was in high school the first time, and thought junior college would be a better move. In 2004, I was drafted a little lower than I would've liked, so I gave it another year so I could learn more with college ball. In 2005, things worked out, so I was glad I waited.

MiLB.com: This is your first full season. What has the experience been like?

YC: It's technically my first year, because I only played a few games of Rookie ball last year. It's been a great ride; lots of new places and faces, which is awesome (laughs).

MiLB.com: Now that the season's almost over, how have you changed since Opening Day?

YC: I've changed a lot, mentally. I gained toughness because of that everyday play. Playing in the heat made me focus and not let my body dictate how I would play. I can be more "mind over matter" now.

MiLB.com: What's your favorite dish to cook when you're away from home?

YC: (Laughs) I try to cook, but it usually ends with me making "Hamburger Helper," because it's the easiest thing for me to make. It's short, simple -- and there's always leftovers.

MiLB.com: If you could only play one game in the big leagues, where would you play?

YC: Game 7 of the World Series in Yankee Stadium as part of the Cubs.