Exclusive Q&A: Slade Heathcott Talks Tough Childhood, Injuries and Rejoining the Yankees

February 27, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder

Slade Heathcott

(92) catches a fly ball during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

From the promise of being a first round draft pick to the uncertainty of being without a contract, New York Yankees outfielder Slade Heathcott has been through a roller coaster ride the past few months.

Now, he enters spring training hoping to capitalize on a second chance. The Texas native is all too familiar of being in dire situations, only to come out a better man. A tough childhood filled with an troubled father made Heathcott a man before he was legally allowed to drink or watch rated-R movies. Likewise, using the god-given talent which put the moniker ‘five-tool talent’ on him is still a goal for him as he looks to avoid the disabled list and make his newborn child proud of their father.

More from New York Yankees

In this exclusive Q&A, Heathcott discusses his tough childhood, being a first round draft pick, interaction with Derek Jeter, avoiding injuries, becoming a father and so much more.

CTTP: How big was baseball during your childhood days and did you have a favorite team?

Heathcott: “I followed players more than teams. I used to like Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr. and guys of that sort.”

CTTP: Did you try to emulate any players when you were younger?

Heathcott: ” I guess, if anyone, Griffey is who I tried to be like.”

CTTP: Your life struggles have been well documented, is there anything you’ve learned from having to grow up at such a young age?

Heathcott: ” It has taken me longer than I would like to admit but I have learned about responsibility. I am really working on being responsible and being a positive influence to all those around me instead of being a negative one like in the past. We all go through things in life to make us better and more prepared. ”

CTTP: Do you think you would still be here, playing professional baseball if you didn’t go through all of those tough times?

Heathcott: “I have no idea to be honest, all I know is where I am now mentally and physically. I am ready to treat the game and guys I play with and against with respect.”

CTTP: Have you gone out and talked to the youth about your difficult times and if so, what is the biggest piece of advice you can give them?

Heathcott: “I really enjoy speaking to young teens, I know I have been there and can relate. I was once the kid that wanted so bad to fit in that I would do anything to be a part of the group. In a very very short sentence I would tell them to not be blinded by momentary happiness. Don’t do anything that doesn’t bring you closer to where you want to be in life.”

CTTP: Somebody who is well known in speaking to the youth and setting a positive example is Derek Jeter. How much interaction did you have with the former Yankee captain and did he offer you any advice?

Heathcott: “Derek is the prime example of how to go through life as a public figure. He was and is a great role model and hero to kids and adults alike throughout the world. I am very blessed to have seen him go about his day and how he handled himself in situations that arose.”

CTTP: Back to your baseball career, you were a first-round draft pick in 2009, what was going through your mind the moment you found out you were drafted by the Yankees?

Heathcott: “Is this real? It was a large step closer to fulfilling my dream and, on top of that, for one of the largest sports franchises in the world.”

CTTP: Your hard style of play has garnered praise and criticism, what would you say to the critics who say you should “tone it down?”

Heathcott: “One of the best lessons I have learned in life is that we all have our opinions. Whether it’s that you like pepperoni pizza or ham and pineapple on your pizza. We all can have our own opinions. I play the game hard because I believe people all over the world work their butt off to make ends meet I don’t think I should be an exception. On that note all my injuries have come from things I could not control. Since 2009,not once have they come from playing the game too hard. I haven’t been injured in a game to this point in my professional career.”

CTTP: In playing with such a fierce attitude, you’ve accumulated various injuries, do you ever see yourself realistically being able to tone down your style of play?

Heathcott: “There isn’t a need to tone it down, maybe be smart but I think I have that under control. Injuries are a part of the game and that has been my road until now. That is all in the past, I am here and I am in the best shape of my life both mentally and physically ready to play the game I love for as long as I possibly can.”

CTTP: What is the most devastating injury you’ve suffered?

Heathcott: “All of my injuries have been a blow at the time they occurred but what I have learned is that I have grown up after each one of them. The way I view life has completely changed and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I love this game and I love life more than I ever have before. I am thankful for that.”

CTTP: Injuries aside, what do you think is the best skill you can offer on a baseball field?

Heathcott: “I want to be a leader, I don’t know If that is my best but that is what I want to be. For the kids that are watching at home to the people I am around everyday. I want to make a difference in the world we live in, even if that’s just one or two people.”

CTTP: “To this point, your best full season came in 2013 for AA Trenton. What did you do in that season that allowed you to post the best season of your minor league career?

Heathcott: “I played more than 60 games. I just haven’t played while being healthy. This year, I am healthy and ready to go.”

CTTP: This offseason, you were non-tendered a contract and thus became a free agent. How big was the fear that this might be the end of the road for your stint with the Yankees?

Heathcott: ” In my life I have had so many things work out for the best not only for me but for those around me. Everything happens for a reason and works out in the end, that is what I believe.”

CTTP: You did eventually re-sign with the Yankees and given an invitation to spring training. What are you planning to do this spring to help bring yourself back to prominence?

Heathcott: “Just play the game of baseball that I love and show everyone around me respect. I’m going to work hard, work smart, and be the best teammate I can be day in and day out.”

CTTP: You recently became a father, how do you think having a child will impact your life?

Heathcott: “My life completely changed immediately, it’s an amazing feeling to be a father. It’s so new though that I don’t know how it will change my game yet.”

CTTP: Final question, you’re still just 24-years-old and possess a wealth of potential, what is your ultimate goal for not just this season, but for the rest of your professional baseball career?

Heathcott: ” I want what everyone else here in this game wants, to make a career playing the game that I love.”

Next: Brewers' Offseason Quiet Yet Productive

More from Call to the Pen