Getting to Know Outfielder Destin Hood

April 29, 2010

Destin Hood leads the South Atlantic League with a .392 average and has hit in 18 of 20 games this season, including the only home run by a Suns player at Municipal Stadium. We had a chat with Destin about the season thus far and his life off the field:

You are the top hitter in the SAL, what has been the key to your success?
It's been staying calm at the plate and trusting my hands. I come into work early and do the same work everyday to stay consistent.

This is your first year with a full season affiliate, how has it been different than when you need to wait until June to play games?
It is good to get the season started right away rather than wait and see where you are going, the best thing is to get out there playing and keep it consistent. I like the flow of how I'm doing right now and hopefully I can keep it going throughout the whole season.

You've played right and left field a decent number of times, is there one you prefer?
I like right field better because I think my reads are better, but I have to learn how to play everywhere, so it comes with the territory.

What has Tony Tarasco been teaching you while you have been here?
Making sure I have the same focus at the plate as well as being sure I don't get too big at the plate. He makes sure I have the same plan every time I go to the plate.

At the plate, do you try to pull for power or just to make contact when you swing?
I just try to square it; I don't try to do anything with the ball wherever it is pitched. I do try to do too much or anything extra with the baseball.

When you were signed by the Nationals, you were set to be a football player at Alabama. Do you miss playing football at all?
Not really, I had played baseball longer and I knew it was going to be a means to an end at some point. I played football because I could and a lot of guys around were good too. It was fun while it lasted, but I wanted to get my MLB career started.

What are some things you do in your spare time?
Relax and take care of my little girl and watch my girlfriend, just basically hang out. I'm a pretty chill dude, so just hang out most of the time.

Do you have a favorite baseball player?
Not necessarily, I like to watch a lot of guys play. You can throw guys out there, I just like to watch the game of baseball, not anyone in particular.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.