HogNation: Did you know about the Hogs in the Minors website before you received this letter/survey? If so, how?
Jarrett Gardner: Yes, my family is a devout follower of the teams that I have been a part of. They still check the website for updates.
HN: What was your favorite game as a Razorback and why?
JG: Against Auburn in our last home game of 2002. We had to win to go to the SEC Tournament. I threw a complete game for the win.
HN: What was it like being a Razorback?
JG: It was educational. I learned what it was like to be a part of an elite Division-I program.
HN: Do you still follow the Hogs?
JG: Yes.
HN: What is the best thing about playing in the minor leagues?
JG: Probably getting to see the different ballparks on the east coast. It is also fun playing with and against the minorities such as Hispanics and Japanese. They have some really good ballplayers here.
HN: The worst thing?
JG: Definitely the pay. Although we find some way to stay afloat.
HN: Was it difficult to adjust to wooden bats?
JG: From a pitching stand point...NO! I love to throw inside, and with the wooden bats, it allows you to pound the zone on the inner half of the plate.
HN: Have you played with or against any other former Hogs? If so who? What was it like?
JG: I have played against Scott Roehl when he was in Mahoning Valley. I don't think either one of us pitched in the entire series!
HN: What did you think of Razorback fans? How do fans in the minor leagues compare?
JG: Razorback fans are the best. The fans we have here "booed" us in our first home game when we were losing. We only draw about 500 fans a game. It is very disappointing.
HN: Where are the best and worst places you've played games in the minor leagues? Why?
JG: The best would have to be in Trenton, NJ, home of the Double-A Yankees. My first start in Double-A was an eye opener as I gave up three runs in the first inning. I settled down and pulled out the win in five innings of work.
The worst place is Oneonta, NY. Words can't describe the horror!
HN: Do you keep up with any of your former Hog teammates?
JG: Actually, Scott Roehl is in my wedding on September 10th!
HN: How does each level (College, A, AA, etc) compare competitively?
JG: College is equivalent to Double-A. There are great athletes that swing the bat well. "A" ball just has a lot of free-swingers that try to hit homeruns every pitch. "AA" is very patient, but they have very good approaches at the plate.
Date: 08-20-04