B.J. Guinn more than just a utility player
Despite the lack of public praise and awards, there is nothing more valuable or underrated in baseball than a utility player (a player who can play several different positions). This is the case of Lake Elsinore Storm utility man, B.J. Guinn. Whether it's being called on to play a different position, pinch run, hit or spot start, Guinn is always up for the challenge and has succeeded thus far in his young career.
"The biggest challenge I say is mentally trying to stay ready at any moment and any point during the game." Said Guinn. "Be ready to play second base, be ready to play short or third. For example be ready to come in and do a job in late innings when you have been sitting the whole game. That's probably the most challenging thing is just keeping that focus that it takes to get a job done in which more than then likely the game will be on the line."
Guinn grew up in Berkeley, California and attended Berkeley High School where he starred in baseball as well as basketball for the Yellowjackets .
"I love basketball playing back in the day especially in High School; it was always great enjoyment to play hoops." Said Guinn. "I met a lot of cool people, some I still talk to today. It was a big school. I enjoyed high school in general; it was a really good time in my life."
After graduating high school, Guinn was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 10th round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft. With numerous options to choose from Guinn decided to take the college route, he was offered scholarships throughout the Pac-10.
"I was a Pac 10 guy so I pretty much just focused on the Pac 10 schools." Said Guinn. "UCLA was a big one, Stanford as well and of course Cal. My parents both went to the University of California, Berkeley so I figured why not continue that family legacy and follow their path."
Guinn comes from a solid baseball background, The son of Brian Guinn, Sr., a former Cal standout (1981-83) and professional baseball player with the Oakland A's, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox organizations has helped B.J. develop into the player as well as the person he is today.
"When I'm with my Dad, he is still my Dad." Said Guinn. "Playing baseball growing up he was my coach but it makes it that much more fun that we can joke around and then be serious because he knows when to be encouraging and when to be instructive. I really enjoy my time with him."
Like Guinn's father, his mother, Wendy Driver was also an athlete at Cal starring in tennis for the Golden Bears in the mid-1980s.
"My parents are great role models." Said Guinn. "They raised me and taught me everything I know. They raised me as a person as well as an athlete. Your parents are pretty much who you are; they teach you what their parents taught them and its just past down from the generations. I am very blessed to have my parents."
Following his time at Cal, Guinn was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft; his dream of becoming a professional baseball player was now a reality.
"Once I was considered being drafted in high school, that's when I thought I had a real shot at this." Said Guinn. "When your playing growing up you don't get caught up in the business side of things you just want to play. Once that hits you the dream becomes a reality and you see new things and opportunities and it's really exciting."
Now three levels away from the Major Leagues, Guinn is thankful for his opportunity with the Storm.
"I enjoy Lake Elsinore a lot the fans are awesome and the atmosphere is really lively." Said Guinn. Everyone just really enjoys baseball and wants to have a good time. It's still California so I appreciate that a lot too."
Since getting a chance to play almost everyday, Guinn has provided a spark for the offense hitting .353, 12 hits and six RBI and scoring five runs in your last eight starts.
"It feels good." Said Guinn about his hot streak of late. "One thing my Dad has taught me is that its peaks and valleys in this game. There will be times that you struggle and there will be times when you are doing well. You just have to take each one and keep a level head. Even when you struggle I have learned that no matter what things will get better if you want them to. You just have to stick with it no matter how frustrating it gets."
Being brought up by his inspiring parents, Guinn is keeping his focus on improving everyday as a player and ultimately playing major league ball just like his father did years before him.
"My goals for the season are just to better myself as a player." Said Guinn. "Whether it's each position, as a hitter, come out better this year and come out better each day than I was yesterday. I'm trying to make the most out of each day and at the end of the day I can look in the mirror and say yes I did what I needed to do and I feel like I improved myself and I am moving closer and closer to a goal and a dream and keep my focus on the light at the end of the tunnel."