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Q&A with A’s rookie Tyson Ross

on April 8, 2010

The Oakland Athletics season opening series is almost through and we’ve seen the good and the bad. (After suffering a 5-3 loss in the first game, and a 2-1 win Tuesday, the A’s broke the tie in the series with a 6-5 win last night.) OaklandNorth had an opportunity to speak to rookie pitcher Tyson Ross about the series, the look-ahead, and what it means to put on the A’s jersey.

OaklandNorth: What were the highlights of the last couple games?

Tyson Ross: Probably getting my name called lining up on the third baseline. It’s always been a dream of mine to play for the A’s. Also seeing [Mark] Ellis have that walk-off hit [Tuesday] night to get us the first win for the season.

ON: What have you been working on in the offseason?

TR: I’m always working on my fastball command and finishing hitters. It’s something I’m going to be working on throughout my career. I worked really hard on strength and conditioning. I was working out 4 days a week. I’m a tall lean guy and wasn’t strong enough to go through a full season.

ON: What does the team need to focus on this season?

TR: If everyone goes out there and plays solid baseball. We need to get outside of who we are. Everyone’s here for a reason and you have to play your game. It’ll be a team effort

ON: What’s the most important game of the season?

TR: Whichever time I get to pitch for the first time. [Ross pitched Wednesday night for the first time.]

ON: What does the coach say to you before a game?

TR: The pitching coach tells us, “Don’t worry about anything just play your game.” And that’s all you can do. If you focus on the exterior factors you’re not going to be able to focus. You have to keep it simple as possible.

ON: Which will be the most challenging games this season?

TR: Anyone in the AL West is going to be a big game. It’s going to be a tight race this year and I’m looking forward to it. Games in Boston and New York will be exciting for me because I’ve never been in those stadiums.

ON: What does the opening series mean for the team?

TR: It’s just the first step down a long road. These are just the first four games out of 162. Of course we’re going to try to come out of the gates strong.

*Note: Tyson Ross, in his first MLB appearance contributed to the 6-5 win last night against the Mariners, striking out two batters and allowing only one hit.

2 Comments

  1. Andy K on April 8, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Nice to have you on the team. Always nice when a local guy gets to play for the local team. Was at the game last night, and it was great to see you get in, and work it! Go A’s!



  2. Tom on April 9, 2010 at 1:04 am

    I’m surprised that this article doesn’t mention that Tyson is from Oakland. Its really amazing to see him pitching for the A’s. I used to be a pitcher on the same team as him at Bishop O’Dowd high school in the East Oakland hills. You can see the high school from the Oakland Colisuem. Small world. Its always amazing when someone actually from Oakland plays for an Oakland team.



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Oakland North is an online news service produced by students at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and covering Oakland, California. Our goals are to improve local coverage, innovate with digital media, and listen to you–about the issues that concern you and the reporting you’d like to see in your community. Please send news tips to: oaklandnorthstaff@gmail.com.

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