Beyond the Game with Carson Kelly: Building From Experience

By Josh:

1. In your senior year of high school you were rated as one of the top prospects in the nation for the MLB draft.  Did you feel any additional pressure to perform your senior year? How did you approach your final year in high school?

As I began my senior year I understood the situation that I was in and realized I needed to have a big year. Of course I felt the pressure but I knew that I needed to stay within myself. If I broke out of this I would not see the results I wanted. I approached my senior year as I had the previous years. Go out and be a contributor towards a winning program. Coming off a junior year state championship I knew we had a target on our back so I wanted to keep that target there.

2. What was the overall experience of playing for Team USA?  (What places did you play, which of your teammates most impressed you, and what was your favorite part of being on the team)

Life changing. Simple as that because of the opportunity to wear your country’s colors and represent against other countries. I was fortunate enough to play on the 16U team that went to Lagos de Moreno, Mexico and the 18U team, which traveled to Cartagena, Colombia. On both of those teams I became really close with each and every guy. Not only could they all play ball, but also the personality side really impressed me. Each guy was caring and we all became a family. I still catch up with those guys and I would say that was my favorite part of the USA experience. Building those relationships and coming together as one is something I will never forget.

3. You were a pretty strong commit to U of O.  What about the St. Louis Cardinals influenced you to go professional?

There were many contributing factors that ultimately made me go the professional route. The first was, the Cardinal Organization and how successful they have been over the years. Going back to the days when Hall of Famer Stan Musial was playing, Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith doing back-flips and Mark McGuire launching balls all over the place. The history is deep and I was really impressed by the organization and how they handle business on and off the field. The second is their focus towards winning and winning the right way. The University of Oregon is a tremendous school and I still keep in touch with them as well. They are on the rise so other teams better watch out!

4. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced playing professional baseball?

The speed of the game and the battle of playing every single day was the biggest challenge for me. Going from high school ball where we play every 3 days is a little bit of a change from every single day. The guys are stronger and faster so that took a little time to get used too.

5. Which individuals have had the biggest impact on you as a person and as a baseball player?

My dad would be the person who has kept me grounded and humble throughout my life and career. Although my mom and brother do the same, my dad really pushes me to be the best I can be. Whether it was in school or baseball he would always challenge me. I would find that as motivation to prove to him that I can do what he said. Even if I were to do it, he would say, “You can do better”. This really helped me and made me the person I am. I am very thankful to have him and the rest of my family in my life.

6. What have been your keys to success so far as a baseball player?

Work ethic, willingness to learn and understanding myself are the things that have made me successful so far in my career. Always trying to learn something to make myself better is key. Working hard, learning and understanding how to use that are the three things that have helped me.

7. How did you get involved with the FCA?

I first got into FCA through my dad. He was involved in FCA through his high school football and carried it onto me as I grew up. I have read the FCA Bible since I was a kid and it really helps me stay grounded.

8. What impact does faith have on you as a baseball player?

Faith is something that helps me stay true to who I am on and off the field.  It is a big part in my life and I believe has helped my baseball. The awesome part about that is I have met guys along my baseball career that have now become good friends. It is truly a blessing looking at where I am today. I know that God has a plan for me and I am going to continue to work and trust him for guidance.

9. Is there anything else you would like to mention?

To all the young kids out there, keep working, follow your dreams and have fun. Don’t let anything take you away from that.

Follow me @carskelly on twitter and www.facebook/carskelly

Check out my other beyond the game interviews: Marc Gallegos, Josh Parr, and Adam McConnell