Kyle Hollander signed with the Yankees after not being drafted this past year. He transferred from Oklahoma State to play his final year in Louisville and reached the Division I College World Series with the team. On the night of July 3, Kyle had his pro debut. It was one inning of shutout work. The following conversation took place after the game.
Kyle Hollander signed with the Yankees after not being drafted this past year. He transferred from Oklahoma State to play his final year in Louisville and reached the Division I College World Series with the team. On the night of July 3, Kyle got his first major league action. It was one inning of shutout work. The following conversation took place after the game.
Q: After being signed about a week ago, how did it feel to finally get out there on the mound?
A: It was fun to finally get out there. I have thrown at all since the College World Series, so it was just nice to finally get out there.
Q: How does it feel being in New York compared to your year in Louisville?
A: New York is a lot of fun. I came here three times this year for series. I really enjoy the town—it’s a place I thought some time I might want to live and it’s nice to get a chance to be around the people and see what it’s like. I really like it here.
Q: So, did you feel rusty at all tonight?
A: Not really. I did throw a few bull pen sessions on the side. But I was a little nervous. They didn’t really give me much time to warm up so I just had to jump out there and get after it.
Q: Tell me about the nervousness you felt.
A: Well I was nervous at first but it’s kind of one of those moments where you have to let it all go and let it hang I guess.
Q: Have you spoken to the manager about where you fit in on this team?
A: No I mean that’s their job to decide. I don’t really feel like I have much input in that department.
Q: Growing up—who was your favorite player?
A: Growing up, my favorite player was definitely Nolan Ryan. And, I just won’t comment on my favorite team.
Q: Do you miss Oklahoma and Kentucky?
A: Not really. College is fun and I miss seeing a lot of my buddies and everything, but other than that, I think I’m alright.
Q: How is it here with Isaiah Howes (teammate from Louisville)?
A: It’s great. It’s good to have someone that I’ve actually known playing with me. I mean, it’s someone I can talk to. And he kind of lets me know when I do something wrong since he’s been here a little longer than me. It’s nice to have someone to tell me how things are done around here so I can prevent getting on anyone’s bad side.
Q: So the transition was easier for you.
A: Yeah, I mean it was nice to have someone here that I already knew.
Q: What moment did you realize, I’m really here, I’m really in the big leagues?
A: I think the first time I put on the uniform here a couple nights ago. I walked in the stadium and there were people here and I was like wow! It’s a big stadium and people actually come to these games.
Q: What are you looking to do here?
A: I’ve always been a reliever. I like being a reliever, so hopefully I’ll stick around long enough for them to let me be one.
Q: At Lousiville, did you ever close?
A: Yes. I closed the first few games of the year and then I had an injury setback. I was out for a couple of weeks and a kid stepped in and did a great job all year so they had me doing some middle relief stuff and I was O. K. with that.
Q: What was your role at Eisenhower High School in Oklahoma?
A: I started a lot, but I couldn’t play much senior year because I got hurt. So I started the first two games and had to sit out for the rest of the year.
Q: It seems you have a history of injuries. Are you worried about that affecting you here?
A: No, they were injuries that just happened. Like, the thing that set me out for a few weeks this past year was no big deal really. I had a little problem under my arm. It was kind of a freak accident but no big deal.
Q: With Peterson out, do you think you could find yourself closing?
A: Oh I don’t know about that. I mean he’s obviously established himself where he’s at and I mean I hope he hurries up and gets back and joins the team. I’m sure for him to take on that role he’s kind of got to be a strong guy to have in there. So no, I’m just happy to be here and I hope that I can help out.
