20 questions with Tony Pena Jr.

MiLB.com: Sometimes you're referred to as "TJ," sometimes "Tony." What does the TJ stand for?

Tony Pena: It stands for Tony, Jr. because growing up when I was around my dad, he was Tony so people just made me TJ.

MiLB.com: Your father is former Major Leaguer Tony Pena, what was it like growing up with such a well-known father?

TP: It didn't really sink in until I was about 14 or 15. That's really when I became aware of my surroundings, I always traveled with my dad but it hit me when I was about that age.

MiLB.com: When did you decide to follow in his footsteps into professional baseball?

TP: It was always a dream to play but I never really had a lot of time to play. I would get to practice on the field with my dad, but I never had the chance to play regularly.

MiLB.com: What did your parents think when you told them you wanted to go pro?

TP: My dad would be home in the Dominican Republic during the offseasons. When I told them, they were nervous to let me go out alone, my dad especially because he thought it would be tough because I had a big-league dad.

MiLB.com: Despite your parents' nerves, you pursued baseball. Do you ever regret the decision?

TP: I don't have any real regrets because my dad always supported my choices. He wanted me to go to college but I wanted to focus on ball so he sort of just stepped aside and let me figure things out.

MiLB.com: How do you deal with knowing you could spend your entire career in the Minors without ever making an impact in the Major Leagues?

TP: I tell myself I'm here because I want to play baseball and I want to get to the Majors. To play is to have a real love for the game, that's what I remind myself when I have doubts.

MiLB.com: After you were drafted as a free agent, you came to America by yourself. What was that transition like?

TP: It was a new start, almost like a new life. In high school I was near my parents and family, then all of a sudden I'm by myself in a new place. It was a new learning experience.

MiLB.com: What have you noticed about the game as you move up the rungs of the Minors?

TP: The game's the same. It's the experience that changes. There are quicker, smarter pitchers. Defenses don't make as many mistakes, and hitters are more disciplined as you go up levels.

MiLB.com: What's the best baseball advice you've gotten and who did it come from?

TP: My dad (laughs). He told me to have fun because it's only a game. We talk every day, actually I talk to my whole family every day, so it's nice. My little brother is in baseball, too, so it's easy for my dad.

MiLB.com: Do you enjoy being in the public eye or do you stay away from it?

TP: I'm a little more shy but I used to see my dad in that environment so it's not too big of a surprise. A lot of fans have high expectations of me because of my dad, but he can't be there throwing the balls or hitting for me. That's a little hard to deal with sometimes.

MiLB.com: What advice are you giving to young guys trying to break into professional baseball?

TP: I tell them to love baseball because it's an everyday thing. It's rough mentally and physically, so you have to be ready for that.

MiLB.com: What are your pet peeves?

TP: (Laughs) I'm not that much of a hassle. There's not a lot that bothers me. I'm pretty laid back.

MiLB.com: Who are your biggest baseball influences?

TP: Well, besides my dad, it would be Omar Vizquel. I saw him play shortstop when my dad was with the Cardinals, and I'd see him diving for balls and it just made me want to play shortstop.

MiLB.com: What are some of the weird superstitions you have or have seen?

TP: I've seen a lot of weird ones, but I don't really have any. Guys who don't sit down between innings is an interesting one.

MiLB.com: Who would you most be flattered to hear yourself compared to?

TP: I don't like to compare myself, but if I had a career like Omar Vizquel that would be great (laughs).

MiLB.com: What's the best part about the Minors?

TP: It's great for fans. They get to see a lot of players before they make it big, leaving them the chance to really talk to these players. It's a lot tougher once the guys are in the big leagues for fans to talk to them.

MiLB.com: What's the worst part about the Minors?

TP: Sometimes you have to get up at 3:00 a.m. to make a flight and play the same day. That's one, for sure.

MiLB.com: What's your favorite ballpark -- Minor League and Major League -- you've played in?

TP: Myrtle Beach has a great stadium (Coastal Federal Field), so does Staten Island (Richmond County Bank Ballpark). I've played in Milwaukee's (Miller) Park. Also, Turner Stadium is awesome.

MiLB.com: What's your favorite Minor League promotion?

TP: The dizzy bat races.