by Rob Fee
If you’re an Oakland A’s fan the name Sean Doolittle is quickly becoming spoken more and more frequently. For the rest of the baseball world, they’ll be on board soon enough. The rookie pitcher is plowing through batters and well on his way to a successful career. I sat down with Sean recently to discuss a number of subjects. Unfortunately, none of them were his socks.
1. Who were your favorite athletes when you were growing up?
Hmm, good question Bob. I got really caught up in that run the Cubs made in ’93 behind Henry Rowengartner, so he was probably one of my favorites. I had posters of him all over my room. I wanted to have a fastball just like his. I still do! We’ll probably never see that kind of heat again. Being from the Northeast, I was also really into hockey, and Charlie Conway was probably my favorite player. He was such a leader on the ice, he didn’t have the best slap shot and he wasn’t always the best player on the ice, but he just knew how to win and I admired that. Cal Ripken, Jr. was one of my favorites too.
2. I’ve heard that sometimes a catcher will walk to the pitching mound because they have a secret they’d like to share. Is this true?
Great question Ron. Yes and no. Sometimes the catcher will come out to remind the pitcher about the scouting report or to correct an issue he may be noticing with the pitcher’s mechanics. Other reasons the catcher may come out: he farted, he likes the song that’s playing on the PA system so he calls time to hear more of it, the umpire farted, he wants to discuss post-game dinner plans, the batter farted, or to change up the signs so the other team can’t pick up on them.
3. Was was your first car you got when you got your license?
It was a 1998 Ford Explorer. It was a total beater, it had 150K miles on it and the paint was rusting off in some spots and the bumper was dented. But, I had a really awesome stereo system installed which immediately made me like the 16th or 17th coolest kid in my school. Lots of memories in that car.
4. As a pitcher, how would you have struck out Air Bud in Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch?
Oh Rod come on, that’s easy. I’d use a Chuckit!™ He’s a good fastball hitter, but with a Chuckit!™ I can throw my fastball in the low 120s, and even he’s not THAT good. (Also, full disclosure: I am endorsed by Chuckit!™)
5. Besides 8 Mile, what are your five favorite movies of all time?
Easy. Days Of Thunder, Tropic Thunder, Thunder In Paradise, Thunderball, and A Sound of Thunder. I’m also really stoked for Thunder Run even though it’s not due out until 2015.
6. Some people have mentioned that you look a little like Macklemore. Have you ever popped some tags or gone thrift shoppin’?
I mean yea, it was this one time in college, but I mean, who hasn’t?!
7. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard a fan yell at your during a game?
Robbie, you wouldn’t believe some of the things that get yelled at us. Heckling is a lost art. A lot of fans try to make jokes about my last name, but they always use points for lack of creativity. “Hey Dr. Doolittle, can you tell me what my dog is saying right now?” No, but if I had to guess he’d be apologizing for your stupidity and begging me to adopt him.
8. What songs are you willing to admit are on your iPod?
People still use iPods? And, if you’re trying to get me to throw myself under the bus for having some questionable music on my iPhone that’s not going to happen, Robin. I have an eclectic taste in music and I’m not ashamed of anything that’s on there. For example, “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen, and “Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks are all among my Most Played.
9. Would you ever consider growing a mullet and a sweet mustache like former Oakland A’s pitcher Dennis Eckersley? You would look something like this:
Come back next week, when we find out what Donald Trump would look like if he were a mango.
Well Randy, I have considered it, but then I grew an awesome ginger beard instead.
10. What’s your favorite thing about me?
Wow, Rick. You almost managed to make it through this entire interview without making it about yourself.
Oh brother, that dame’s got gams. And jokes. It’s a great combination.
Rob Fee is a writer and comedian best known for writing and telling jokes. You can follow him onTwitter @RobFee to read more of these jokes or go to Del Taco. He’s probably there.
This photo is clearly touched up–where’s all the bacon?
Rob asked ten weird questions of Melissa Stetten once he’d recovered from the night he partied with Epic Meal Time.
