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| Baron Radcliff, image- Jay Floyd |
The son of former pro baseball player Vic Radcliff and D1 basketball standout Nikki Keyton Radcliff, Baron was the Phillies' 5th round draft selection out of Georgia Tech in 2020.
Listed at six-feet-four, 228 pounds Radcliff projects as a power hitter and at the plate he resembles a familiar Phillies slugger, namely Ryan Howard.
Recently, I spoke with Baron about his approach at the dish, his offensive battles, learning from his parents, hobbies and plenty more. Read ahead for excerpts from that interview and visit my page on Patreon to support my work and access the complete version of this piece along with so much more exclusive content.
- Your pose when you step to the plate, how often do you hear about who that reminds people of?
I hear it all the time, being that I was drafted by the Phillies and Ryan Howard is a Philly legend. It was something I added to my pre-pitch in college as a way to be relaxed during that small window that pitchers get their signs from the catcher.
- The first time I saw you play I thought to myself that I couldn't wait to ask you about it. Was it something you witnessed and thought it would work for you, or was it just added without that?
I got it directly from the man himself! I always liked the way it looked, so when I added it to my own repertoire, I was like, "Yep, this fits me.
- Sweet!! Have you ever had the chance to speak with him? I know certain players are around spring training and camps, but I don't think I have heard of him being one of those guys.
I wish, but no I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to him. Definitely something I want to do in the future.
- With two athletes for parents, are they helpful with your approach or mindsets as you competed in college and professionally?
My parents have always helped me with trying to keep the right competitive mindset. I’ve struggled a lot with self-confidence here and there as far as overthinking, so they’ve done a lot to combat that.
- The self-doubt you mentioned...are there specific tricks you can share to help turn things around? Any frame of mind adjustments that could be used by others?
For me, it’s just been remembering how far I’ve come, and how I used to pray to be in the position I am now so just to take advantage of the opportunity. Also, trying to remember that at the end of the day it’s a game, and is meant to be fun.
A reminder that you can view the complete version of this interview and access loads of other exclusive content on Patreon.
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