WEEK FIVE --
March 22nd, 2010
My last journal entry of spring training and as it winds down, there is still lots of time to get at-bats and work in behind the plate. This week, several players got sent down to minor league camp, including myself, as we continue to get our work in. We also had the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes booster club come out and cook a fantastic barbecue for us on Saturday.
Some people don't know what the host family and booster club actually do throughout the year for the players to help accommodate them. When i was at Rancho Cucamonga in 2008, we would have road trips early in the morning and they would be out there just as early, providing us with breakfast and snacks and drinks for the trip. They also helped make my family and friends who attended games feel comfortable watching the games. Playing in Cedar Rapids and Rancho, I really do appreciate all the host families that welcomed us players into their homes as treated us as one of theirs for the year.
During spring training, players start to ponder with what team they might end up with. From my past experiences, the best way to handle spring training's conclusion is to just keep playing and practicing hard and try not to worry about where you might end up. Right now, my goals are to keep improving everyday, stay healthy and to be ready for the upcoming season.
With this being my last journal, I would like to thank Chuck and the AngelsWin.com family for allowing me to write a blog throughout spring training. I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to read the blog, as well. Good luck to everyone and here's hoping for a healthy and great season!
Hank Conger
Five Questions for Hank Conger from AngelsWin.com members
Q: AngelsWin.com — Thank you for the journals, Hank. Do you and the two Korean pitchers communicate in English, Korean or a combination of both? What is your recipe for Kalbi?
A: Hank Conger — We communicate both in English and Korean. I usually like to talk to them in Korean, so that i can brush up on my Korean. And as far as the recipe for Kalbi, you'll have to ask my mom for that. LOL.
Q: AngelsWin.com — Hank, thanks a bunch for your journals; we've really enjoyed them. What is the downright funniest line, comment or joke told in camp by Mike Scioscia or any of the other players that you feel comfortable sharing? Names can be changed to protect the guilty, if necessary.
A: Hank Conger — My first camp, I got called out on my YouTube video, "Hank 4 Prez." It was a high school government project. One of the my buddies put it out and someone somehow found it.
Q: AngelsWin.com — From a fellow Huntington Beach High School alumnus (Sean Dodds). How important to you was the coaching at HBHS? How did it help prepare you for a pro career?
A: Hank Conger — The coaching at Huntington was huge for me. My coach, Benji Medure, taught me so much, both on and off the field. He always brought great energy to the field and helped me in every aspect of my game. For me, not only was he a great coach, he's a great friend and he knew how to separate them both.
Q: AngelsWin.com — Do you ever look at the guys ahead of you (Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli) and wonder if or when you will displace one of them? Taking the personalities and your relationship with both aside, when do you see yourself graduating to the (or a) Major League team; and do you ever think of the possibility of being traded?
A: Hank Conger — I never look at it that way. I try to always go into it worrying about improving myself and trying to find out what I need to do in order to make myself better. I feel that you should focus on things to make yourself better, instead of things that you cannot control, i.e. moving up, trades, etc.
Q: AngelsWin.com — What do you like to do for fun while you're in Tempe or on the road during the minor league season or at home?
A: Hank Conger — During spring training, the schedule is pretty rough, so whenever I have a chance I like to rest as much as possible. LOL. I like to catch up on movies, preferably comedies, and sitcoms. Some of the favorite ones are "Modern Family," "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Office." I also like to try and grab dinner with some of the teammates and talk about whatever.
Read Hank's WEEK ONE Journal here
Read Hank's WEEK TWO Journal here
Read Hank's WEEK THREE Journal here
Read Hank's WEEK FOUR Journal here
This concludes Hank Conger's spring training journals
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