Beyond Left Field with Norm: Cody Decker

Cody Decker is a top prospect in the Padres organization. Cody also played for Israel in the WBC qualifier. 

Cody, thanks for taking the time. Please tell us more about yourself.

Cody Decker, born in Santa Monica, CA, January 17th, 1987. I’m a Capricorn. I’m told I have dark, soothing features. Strong jaw line. I watch movies, read comic books, and joust on occasions. Not professionally, just during rain delays.

What was up with the scouting report of you being at 240 lbs? Did that get resolved?

It was resolved by me losing 25 pounds of that mythological weight. What was up with it? I don’t know. He probably didn’t like my Doobie Brothers tweet that week.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Playing baseball.

What was your experience playing for Team Israel in the WBC qualifier? 

Best experience of my baseball life. Great players, great coaching staff. A lot of support. I think we all still want another crack at that tournament. Getting knocked out of a double elimination tournament by only losing one game in extra innings would leave a bad taste in any athletes mouth.

Who were your influences growing up?

Personal influences: Reggie Smith, me mum: Terri Decker, and Batman.

Professional Influences: Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Nomar Garciaparra, Shawn Green, Paul Lo Duca, and Batman.

Shawn Green is one of my favorite players. What was it like having him as a teammate and hitting coach?

A dream come true. One of the best baseball guys and all around guys I’ve ever met. Being a Jewish kid from LA that grew up loving the Dodgers, if you would have told me when I was 13 that Shawn Green is going behind me for 3 games, I’d have called you a liar. Then we could have dueled. Like in Tombstone.

What advice would you give to younger players?

Hit the ball somewhere. Preferably where no one is standing. Try to line outs to the catcher. And work hard.

What did Israel’s performance in the qualifier mean to you and the country?

Meant a lot to so many people. A lot of Jewish pride that I’m sure we get to put out there like that. It was special. I just hope it gets more people in Israel interested in the game.

Where do you see baseball in Israel in 2017? Do they qualify for the WBC?

I see people just getting more and more excited about the game over there. I’ve received so many messages from people that were proud of us.  I think we do qualify, and I want to be on the field when it happens.

Who is the best player you have played with or seen?

Can I say me? No? Alright, favorite teammate I’ve ever had is Nate Freiman. Special ball player and a special guy.

Give me your top 5 songs of all time.

We Built This City on Rock and Roll… 5 times…

Cody, thanks for taking the time to chat with us.

No problem.