AquaSox in the Off-Season: Kalian Sams
Signed as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2006 by the Mariners, Kalian played for the Dutch pro league in 2006 hitting .341. He also played for the Dutch team in the European Series vs. Italy. In 2010 Kalian split time between Clinton and Everett, and hit 20 HRs with 58 RBIs.
AquaSox: What are you up to in the off-season?
Kalian Sams: I've been spending time with my family and my friends...just hanging out for the first couple weeks. Now I'm on a pretty tight schedule getting ready for next season!
AquaSox: Do you have an off-season job?
Kalian Sams: I teach kids baseball over here in the Netherlands, it's an amazing off-season job, I enjoy it a lot and the kids are awesome!
AquaSox: What is your daily routine like in the off-season?
Kalian Sams: Monday through Friday Roger Bernadina (Washington Nationals) and I work with personal trainer Hans Kroon, who is the best personal trainer out of the Netherlands.
Next to a killer workout, I have four baseball workouts, two with my Dutch club Neptunus on Friday and Sunday, and two with the Dutch national team on Wednesday and Saturday.
AquaSox: What did you miss most when you were away during the season?
Kalian Sams: My family, my girlfriend, my friends, my mom's cooking and my city! (The Hague)
AquaSox: What non-baseball activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
Kalian Sams: I started playing PS3 not that long ago, and I must say it's addicting...Call Of Duty Black Ops
AquaSox: We heard a rumor that you're working on some new dance moves this off-season... what's the story?
Kalian: I've been taking salsa lessons with my girlfriend...She loves salsa, and wanted to learn it so bad so I decided to step up and be her salsa partner! Believe it or not, big guys know how to move!
AquaSox: How is baseball going for you?
Kalian Sams: It's been going real good, didn't really take long before I had my swing back...right now I'm working to improve my game in all categories. I think I'll head back (to Peoria, AZ) in the beginning of March.
AquaSox: What opposing player impressed you the most last year? Why?
Kalian:There was this one submarine pitcher in the Midwest League, I don't remember his name but he played for Kane County. I couldn't pick up the ball out of his hand. I remember one day in Clinton he was pitching and I had 2 strikes on me, and the third pitch hit me right in my knee...I was in pain but a little happy at the same time, because that would've been a strike out for sure hahaha.
AquaSox: What are your goals for 2011?
Kalian: My goal is to have a real good year. Staying healthy throughout the whole season and to get better every day. And most important to have fun while doing it!
AquaSox: What is your plan post-baseball?
Kalian: Don't have a post-baseball plan, I'm never gonna quit playing the game! Haha, I'm just joking... I think I'll go back to school and become a lawyer.
AquaSox:: What did you enjoy about your time in Everett?
Kalian: Wow, a lot of things to be honest! Of course playing baseball in Everett with all our fans cheering us on! My trips with my friend Samantha to Seattle, spending time with my host family and their grandkids Desiree and Yasmin (miss you guys), and Jim and Kathy's post dinner cooking!
AquaSox: Do you keep in touch with any of your AquaSox teammates?
Kalian: I don't have a lot of contact with a lot of the guys since I life in Never-everland! I emailed with Billy Marcoe and Robby Anston a couple times, and talked with James Jones awhile ago, I couldn't stop laughing during that conversation. That guy is hilarious!
AquaSox: If you weren't a baseball player, what would your career be?
Kalian: I would be a football player or a K-1 Fighter.
Favorite Restaurant in Seattle: I don't really have a favorite one in Seattle, but like Steven Baron I think I have to go with the Japanese restaurant across the street from the stadium
Best Minor League Stadium: Dayton Dragons (Midwest League)
Best Minor League City: Vancouver (Canada)
Favorite MLB team: L.A.Dodgers just because I like their uniforms ;)
Favorite Current/All Time MLB player: Ken Griffey Jr.
Best Moment in Everett: Winning the Championship and the celebration afterwards!
Click Here for Kalian's Statistics
Click Here to Watch Kalian's Meet Your AquaSox Video