Q&A With Beamer Weems

Beamer Weems: Bio and Q&A

Beamer Weems, or William Thomas Weems, was born in 1987 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The nickname "Beamer" came from his mother, who combined his dad's first name, Billy and nickname "Weemer." He attended college at Baylor before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the eighth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. Over the course of his minor league tenure, Beamer has proven himself to be one of the best shortstops in the league, earning the rating of Best Defensive Infielder in the San Diego Padres' system for three years running. Tucson Padres assistant Cole Greenman sat down with Beamer to get to know the man behind the glove:

Q: What Major League shortstops influenced you growing up and made you want to play the position?

A: I always watched Cal Ripken play. Replays of Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel, people like that, they just kind of trained me to try to be as good as I can at the position. When I was about 10 or 12, I really started trying to take defense seriously.

Q: What has been the key to your improved hitting so far this season?

A: You just have to figure out how they're pitching at the AAA level; they pitch a little different. I have to try to be more consistent and not giving away at-bats and that's the main thing. Also, just trying to learn my right-hand swing since I gave up switch-hitting last year.

Q: What has been the key to staying focused and rebounding after dealing with various injuries over the years?

A: You just got to know it's a long season and when you're trying to make a career out of it one setback-or a couple in my case-you just can't give up. It's been my goal ever since I can remember, so I've just gotta keep my head forward and not get down.

Q: If you could go hunting with any pro ball player, who would it be?

A: It would probably have to be some of the Buck Commanders, like Chipper Jones and Adam LaRoche and those guys. They have their own hunting show, so I think it'd be a lot of fun to go with that group of guys.

Q: Are you the author of the posts on the twitter feed @NOTbeamerweems?

A: It's not me. I've never put anything on there. Last year a couple of the guys thought it would be funny to make one up. I don't even know how to check it or anything. The pictures are me, but it's definitely not me on there writing. I'm not gonna say who it is, but there's a few guys that write on there-it's pretty funny though.