Q&A with Chase McDonald

A leading run-producer on the club this season, Chase McDonald has been a force in the middle of the JetHawks lineup as the team's active home run leader. McDonald was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, where he also attended college at Division-I East Carolina University. The slugging first baseman reflects on his decision to sign with the Astros, his experiences in last year's championship run and his favorite spare-time activity in the Antelope Valley.

Lancaster JetHawks: You were drafted by the Astros as a junior at East Carolina. How difficult of a decision was it to leave school a year early?

Chase McDonald: It was tough. I was pretty close to my teammates, and since (Greenville) is my hometown, it was really tough to leave. But I'm glad I made the decision, and it's worked out well so far. I get texts, emails and phone calls all the time from friends and family back home, telling me how proud they are of me and how much they support me.

LJ: With this being your third year in the organization, how have you grown as a ballplayer?

CM: I feel that I'm maturing at the plate and on defense, as well. I feel relaxed and I try to just let baseball come to me.

LJ: You split your time between first base and designated hitter. What are some differences between the two in terms of preparation?

CM: When you're playing first base or any position in the field, it tends to make hitting and staying focused on the game a lot easier. DH isn't as easy as some make it out to be, but it can be hard to stay locked in on the game the whole time while you're sitting in the dugout during the majority of the game and only going out for at-bats. It wears on you sometimes, especially if you're not having success that day, but you have to be tough and keep going.

LJ: Has moving up through the system with so many of the same teammates made adjusting to new levels easier?

CM: Yeah, you get pretty comfortable when you get to play with a lot of the same guys every single year. It really helps out, especially if you have a down day, they're there to pick you up. You get to know each other inside and out by the time you get to the point where we are in our careers.

LJ: What's one unique or memorable experience you can remember from your time as a professional so far?

CM: Last year, I hit my first career walk-off home run. It was a pretty awesome experience. I had never hit one in college or anywhere before. But I did it last year in Quad Cities, and it was a good adrenaline rush and a lot of fun. Also, last year with the JetHawks, I came up just before the playoffs. I had never won any sort of championship before, and being up here for those two weeks and being able to win a championship was awesome. It was a fun thing to be a part of.

LJ: Off the field, what is one thing you enjoy about Lancaster?

CM: I really like the fans here, and all the people in the booster club are really nice. But most of our off days consist of playing golf out at Rancho Vista Golf Course (in Palmdale). We pretty much have the same small group that goes out each time, so I'm not sure what all the other guys on the team have. I do know when Jack Mayfield was here, he was pretty good at golf. But It's a good way to get your mind off baseball for a bit.

LJ: What is one goal you've set for yourself the rest of the way this season?

CM: Hopefully helping us win another championship. We're going after a playoff berth right now, and winning it all last year really set a fire in me. The atmosphere and all that goes on after winning that championship is like no other, and it's a good time. It's something I always want to experience.