Catching up with Robert Kral
The New Jersey native, Robert Kral of the Lake Elsinore Storm has been given a rare opportunity to be a 2013 All-Star despite coming into the season as a back-up catcher. Growing up playing baseball with a close group and being humbled by his supportive family he's been able to defy the odds and take the Minor Leagues by storm.
Kral shares that he enjoyed his childhood in suburbia (Randolph, New Jersey) with a team he had literally grown up with on the field. Starting off playing with the Little League All-Stars to eventually playing for Randolph High School. "I had a blast; It was a great group of guys that I played with from nine-year-old Little League All-Stars all the way through the years." Said Kral. "We really weren't the best team but our chemistry was unbeatable."
When being recruited for college Kral solely looked into east coast schools including Tulane and Coastal Carolina but eventually decided to become a Charleston Cougar in South Carolina. "I was fortunate enough to get a visit from College of Charleston (SC). I fell in love with the city, the coaching staff and just the whole setup there. Still to this day I go back at least two-three times a year. I would love to get a place there one day." Admits Kral.
In Kral's sophomore season he experienced a minor setback in his young career having to get shoulder surgery after red shirting his freshman year. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 16th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft although excited about the opportunity was unable to reach an agreement with the organization and decided to go back to school. In 2011 the San Diego Padres selected Kral in the 10th round of the draft and was given the call that changed his career while beachside with teammates and cronies.
Playing throughout the country Kral raves about southern California. "From all the places I have been to I have never been to Eugene or Fort Wayne but I have been to San Antonio, Tucson and here (Lake Elsinore). I love playing here, " says Kral, "just the atmosphere, the field, the area, the whole set up I love it. It's probably been the best experience I have had in my career. Nothing against San Antonio or Tucson but it's been great here with the Storm."
"It's a fun league, obviously it's a hitters' league. It's good because of the different levels and there is so many things going on." Said Kral. "In the Cal league everyone has a pretty good fan base people are really into it, it's just a really good time. The travel is not bad at all, it's definitely a perk." In addition to professional comradery Kral also equipped during Spring Training. Coming into last season having to play catch up briefly following college he took advantage of the off-season to better prepare for the 2013 campaign with the Lake Elsinore Storm. "From what I saw last year at each level gave me better preparation coming into this season."
Living in California has also been somewhat of a challenge for Kral having the luxury of growing up so closely to his friends and more importantly family back in the garden state of New Jersey. "Being away from them (Kral's friends and family) is definitely tougher, my whole family is basically in that town where I lived. I really miss all my friends back home but this is an experience of a lifetime. I definitely have a lot of great guys on this team and we have a great relationship so that makes it easier being away from home."
Kral has had the exclusive privilege to be mentored by 2002 World Series Champion catcher for the Los Angeles Angels and current Lake Elsinore Storm manager, Shawn Wooten. "The knowledge he has given me just day-in and day-out; anything from mechanical work to hitting and catching even to the mental aspect of the game he has been a huge help to my career." Said Kral.
The Storm backstop has immense faith and pride in the current talent thus far and continues to train and execute accordingly. "The team is so much better than how we're playing, we're finding a way to lose instead finding a way to win. Some aspect of the game will go wrong, I think its just a snowball effect right now because it's not like we have bad chemistry, bad players, bad talent or bad coaching. It is a good team and I think it's just a matter of time before we could come back. Obviously we have struggled in the first half but we still have the second half and I have all the confidence in the world in this team. It's a good group of guys and I definitely believe we can make a good run at this, no question." Kral explains the San Diego Padres affiliates' weak start and firmly believes in turning the season around.