Phillies catching prospect Herbert Iser recenty had his first full minor league season put on hold due to the global pandemic. The 22-year-old backstop was drafted in the 23rd round last year out of Dallas Baptist.
After making his pro debut, Iser notched a .221 average with a pair of homers and nine RBI in 37 combined games in the Gulf Coast League and with short-season Class A Williamsport.
Recently, I talked with Iser about how he's dealing with the baseball hiatus. Read ahead for that interview.
-How is the time off from the sport impacting your training or lifestyle?
It’s pretty crazy because it’s supposed to be my first full season, but I’m doing in home training, run and throw in a park near my home and hitting beans (laughs).
- Can you describe what it was like getting the news that baseball would be halted completely? Had you reached Clearwater and how long had you been there?
It was pretty surreal. It’s crazy how you think just because it’s baseball this can’t reach us, but it’s a global thing, so we just have to deal with it, follow orders and hope for the best. And I was in Clearwater since 26th or 27th.
-What is the hardest or worst part of this hiatus?
Just being away from your teammates, coaches, and staff. We spent an entire offseason apart and just got back being around eachother and then get sent home pretty quick there after.
-Are you in touch with any of your Phils or college teammates and is everyone itching to get back to the field?
For sure. I talk to teammates everyday or every other day. We all want to play as soon as possible. It’s our job and we have waited months to finally compete and this happens.
-Have you been racing through any TV shows while on hiatus and is there anything you would recommend on TV (or video games or books) to others as a good way to pass time?
I've been playing plenty of MLB The Show. And the only show I really got into was Ozark on Netflix.
-Are you a pro wrestling fan at all...if so, what did you think of Wrestlemania?
I was when I was younger, don’t follow it as much anymore.
-I am sure you still have friends in college that should be playing ball. What are your feelings for the guys that should be in this year's draft class with them not getting their full college season to show what they can do?
It’s tough for them and I feel for them. It’s hard preparing for months on end for it to be taken away in moments. I know plenty of teammates that had a good chance at the draft so hopefully it all works out for the better, whichever way It goes.
Comments