Q & A with Former Indian Jerad Eickhoff

Spokane, WA - Jerad Eickhoff didn't arrive in Spokane in 2011 with the same fanfare as heralded prospects like Rougned Odor, Zach Cone, or Jorge Alfaro, but in 2016 he's been the most valuable contributor from that team at the major league level. The right-handed pitcher from little known Olney Central College in Illinois - which has only produced one other big league player - was impressive in his time with the Indians, posting a 2.51 ERA and 18 strikeouts with just three walks in 14.1 innings.

Eickhoff was traded to the Phillies as part of the Cole Hamels deal in 2015 and rose quickly through Philadelphia's farm system, reaching the majors for the first time on August 21 of that year. He finished the season with a 3-3 record and 2.65 ERA in eight starts and has continued to be a valuable member of the Phillies' rotation in 2016. Since he moved to the National League, Eickhoff has had the unique opportunity to pitch against former teammate Kyle Hendricks, now a starter for the Chicago Cubs. The two have faced off twice thus far in 2016, with Hendricks winning the first and Eickhoff the second.

Jerad recently took time out of his schedule to talk with the Indians about his time in Spokane, the differences between life in the minors and majors, and the toughest big league hitter he's faced.

Spokane Indians (SI): What is your best memory from your time in Spokane?

Jerad Eickhoff (JE): One of my best off the field memories was getting to meet and stay with family hosts Jon and Betty White. They were really good to me, and I know Jon has already been missed and will be missed by a lot of people. My best on the field moment was witnessing Ruben Sierra Jr. hit a walk off home run to win a family a brand new vehicle [July 29, 2011 as part of Gus Johnson's Grand Slam F-150 Giveaway Night].

SI: What is it like to face off against your former teammate Kyle Hendricks?

JE: Facing Kyle was pretty surreal. Being that we started our careers in the same place in the lower minor leagues, only to be facing off against each other in the major leagues. It was a humbling moment looking back seeing how far we had both come.

SI: What other former Spokane Indians players should fans be keeping their eyes on?

JE: The former Indian to watch in my opinion is a guy you are already very familiar with. Rougned Odor has had a ton of success in the big leagues, but it's no surprise. He was one of the many guys I loved playing behind me at second base

SI: Favorite mascot OTTO, Doris or Recycle Man?

JE: My favorite mascot was Recycle Man.

SI: Toughest major league hitter you've faced?

JE: The toughest hitter I've faced in the majors is probably David Ortiz. I gave up his 497th career homer [laughs].

SI: What was the experience like being traded from Texas to Philadelphia in 2015?

JE: Being traded was a crazy experience, but it provided a great opportunity. Thankfully, the transition was made a lot easier being traded with 5 other guys [Alfaro, Nick Williams, Alec Asher, Jake Thompson, and Matt Harrison] who I either knew of in the system or was a teammate with.

SI: Biggest difference between life in the majors and minors?

JE: Some of the biggest differences between the minors and majors is the food and travel. Instead of the 10-12 hour bus rides at times, we are fortunate enough to get on a plane a travel city to city. The food in the clubhouse is much different as well; you name it, you'll more than likely find it in the lunch room.

SI: Anything else you'd like to tell the Spokane fans?

JE: I'll never forget my time playing in Spokane because the fans were incredible; by far the best in the Northwest League. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of great people in my time with Spokane.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class 'A' Affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Ticket Packages and Hospitality Areas for the 2016 Spokane Indians season are available now. For more information, please visit SpokaneIndians.com or call (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!