HogNation: Did you know about the HogNation website before you received this letter/survey? If so, how?
Daryl Maday: Yes, I heard about it while at Arkansas and visit it every once and awhile to see how other former Hogs are doing and where they are.
HN: What was your favorite game as a Razorback and why?
DM: Many would say the Brady Toops game - which was great. But one of my favs was at home vs. TN on Sunday. We were down and Parker hit a ball off the batters eye off their stud closer Sean Watson and we ended up winning the game off Craig Gentry's walk off HR!
HN: What was it like being a Razorback?
DM: Very different! Coming from WI it was definitely a culture shock! I loved it though, the fans are enthusiastic about their sports. Made for a great atmosphere. Wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else. Really enjoyed my time in Fayetteville.
HN: Do you still follow the Hogs?
DM: Yes, I sent Todd Butler before the Supers telling them to give 'em hell in Tallahassee.
HN: What is the best thing about playing in the minor leagues?
DM: The chance to be a major leaguer! It's hard being away from friends and loved ones but when I'm frustrated with "life on the road" I take a deep breath, look around and tell myself "Hey, you're playing baseball for a living!!"
HN: The worst thing?
DM: Same old cliches - Bus rides, low pay, sometimes no fans, but I think the worst is the sacrifices you have to make while playing. Being away from family and maintaining relationships is tough for a lot of guys.
HN: Was it difficult to adjust to wooden bats?
DM: Coming from a pitcher, I love wood bats! I don't miss the "Ting" of a metal bat one bit!
HN: Have you played with or against any other former Hogs? If so who? What was it like?
DM: I've played against Danny Hamblin, Brian Walker, Duke Welker and with Brock Bond. I really enjoy seeing guys I played with. Even if I'm facing them I still wish them nothing but success and hope to play with and against all of them in the big leagues some day!
HN: What did you think of Razorback fans? How do fans in the minor leagues compare?
DM: Razorback fans were great but also harsh at times! My college career was nothing spectacular and some fans were pretty judgmental but you'll get that anywhere! I loved playing at Baum!! Minor league fans come out to enjoy everything that comes with a game not always caring if the team wins or loses, but can still be pretty electrifying.
HN: Where are the best and worst places you've played games in the minor leagues? Why?
DM: Do this by category...
| Best | Worst | |
| Stadium | Akron Aeros | Yakima |
| Playing Surface | Charleston Riverdogs | Visalia |
| Mound | Trenton Thunder | Visalia |
| Atmosphere | Reading Phillies | Norwich (for AA) |
HN: Do you keep up with any of your former Hog teammates?
DM: Online I'll check up on stats of guys I know. I talk to Nick Schmidt all the time. We were road roommates at AR and became pretty close. I was in his wedding and consider him a really good friend.
HN: How does each level (College, A, AA, etc) compare competitively?
DM: College and minors is different in many ways. College is focused on winning and minors is focused more on development. I'd say the SEC compares to A ball. But it's still hard to compare. Each team collectively has better players per team than a college team, so I'll stick with A ball. Now if only I pitched at Arkansas like I did in A ball!!!
Date: 08-25-09