Skip to main content

PhoulBallz Interview: Clearwater 3b/OF Luke Williams

Williams with Lakewood in 2017, image- J. Floyd
You would have a hard time finding a player that had a hotter offensive month in June than Clearwater's Luke Williams.  In 24 games the 21-year-old right-hander posted a .333 average with six doubles, a triple, six home runs and 20 RBI.

The California native was the Phils' 3rd round draft selection in 2015.  Since then he's worked to improve and the time and patience has being paying off of late, as he has more than doubled his career home run total over the past month.  Also, as recently as June 3rd, his batting average dipped as low as .167, but has since shot up to .246 on the season in the Class A Advanced Florida State League.

Strictly a third baseman until this season, Williams has added to his versatility by playing some outfield (left and center), some first base and a game at second base.

Recently, I talked with Williams about his successful month of June.  Read ahead for that full interview. 


-Related to the improved output...What has been the biggest difference for you this month compared to the first two months of the season? 
I think the big thing for me is that I’m not missing fastballs. I’m not fouling off as many pitches and I’d say it’s a physical and mental adjustment. I’ve closed my stance a little bit and set my sights to right center field and I feel that is helping me stay on balls longer. 

-What feedback have you gotten from coaches either about your improvements or were there things they said that have helped you make the improvements?
(Hitting coach) John Mizerock has been great help to me all season. One things he’s got me doing every day is hitting off the fastball machine. That’s also been a huge help. But as for feedback, I haven’t really gotten much. I don’t think anyone wants to talk to me and mess me up. (laughs)
-Are your teammates enjoying your recent success?  Any feedback or excited ball busting from those guys?
We’ve been having a lot of success as a team as of late and we, as a team, have been having tons of fun! We are a really close group and are always messing around each other and keeping things loose. 

-When there were struggles to maintain decent numbers early in the season, was that discouraging?  Did you think you could turn things around as much as you have?

I’m not going to lie, it was tough. There were some really tough days. I got very frustrated at times. But I know what I’m capable of. I knew that if I came to the field everyday with the same attitude and work ethic, that I was going to get through it. And I’ve started to turn it around, but I’m not done.
-How do you feel about the new positions on defense?  Easy transition or still adapting?
It’s been a fun transition. I grew up playing all around the field so I’ve enjoyed the transition. It keeps things exciting. 

-What's the best thing about playing in Clearwater?
I’d have to say playing at all the (big league teams') spring training fields. They are all so nice and the clubhouses are all top notch.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Diekman a Late Addition to Mesa AFL Roster

On Wednesday, Phillies lefty pitching prospect Jacob Diekman made his Arizona Fall League debut. Diekman, who was drafted in the 30th round of the 2007 amateur draft, was assigned to Mesa late, in order to increase his 2010 innings total, according to Mesa hitting coach Mark Parent, who managed Diekman in Lakewood this past season. Diekman, 23, posted a 2-0 record with 1.90 ERA in 21 games with Class A Lakewood before being promoted to High-A Clearwater on June 24th. In 24 games with the Threshers, Diekman went 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA. Combined, Diekman tossed 55 2/3 innings and held opponents to a .187 batting average against at two levels in 2010. However, after not pitching in an official game since he threw a shutout inning to wrap up the Clearwater season on September 5th, Diekman was unable to record an out as all seven batters he faced reached base, six with hits, one on an error. Diekman was charged with 5 earned runs in the outing. Diekman had spent time at instructional ball from

2022 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #24 RHP Cristian Hernandez

Venezuelan born right-hander Cristian Hernandez has begun to earn recognition as one of the Phillies most promising pitching prospects. Signed as a 16-year-old in 2017 for a reported $120,000, Hernandez got his professional career started the following summer as a starter for the Phillies' Red Dominican Summer League club.  There, in 13 starts, Hernandez tallied a 2-3 record with 2.57 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP as well as a 7.0 K/9 mark. An injury sidelined Hernandez in 2019 and the 2020 season was cancelled due to the global pandemic. In 2021, Hernandez saw his first regular season action in the United States, starting his season in Florida Complex League.  After two appearances there, the six-foot-three 185-pounder was promoted to the Class A Clearwater Threshers.  In 20 combined outings (17 starts), Hernandez notched a 2-7 record with a 3.57 ERA, a .228 batting average against and an 11.2 K/9 mark. Projectability is something that baseball folks like about Hernandez.  His size, consistent

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle