Celebrity Interviews

Hunter Pence: 'I Go to the Field to Win'

On how the Astros will prevail over the Cubs:  To me, success is based on how the team's doing and we know we have a good team. We know where we're supposed to be in the race and in the playoffs, and, you know, we have to continue to play good baseball. We gotta find a way to get through this series with the Cubs . You know, once we get on track there, I think everything will feel a lot better for me.
On winning games and team success: That's why I love baseball—it's a team sport. I go to the field to win.  I come [to the field] everyday—I work hard because I want to win. I want to bring winning to Texas. I want to bring a playoff team into Houston. I am not happy with myself if we're not winning, if we're not in the playoffs. No matter what I do, if we're not winning the game (and we) make a good catch and win, then I couldn't be any happier.
On his goals prior to the 2005 MLB draft:  (Before the draft) my goal was to take each day to be whatever it took for my team to win—even in the minor leagues.  I've always taken the same approach. There's one thing in control everyday—to out hustle of the other team. I took (everyday) as "I'm not even going to worry about anything other than taking care of business today. I'm gonna play hard, and I'm gonna play to win."
On accepting failure during a game: I don't think anyone does (accept failure well). It's just one of those things you have to get used to because there's a lot of failure in the game of baseball. If you start accepting it, then that's when you fall off. I don't ever accept getting out or not getting the job done.  That's just me, that's just who I am!  I'm fiery, I love to compete!  I think I should hit every pitch and hit every pitcher. That's just how I feel at the plate.
On which pitcher causes him most trouble: Carlos Marmol. I get this question a lot. He's just really good with the Cubs. He's got one of the nastiest sliders (in the game), and he's got a crazy arm. It's fun at bat because he's so tough, but I think I've only gotten one hit off of him and it was early in the year. I don't do too well off of him.
On receiving news of the draft: It's your life-changing event and it's a big day. You look forward to it. I mean, you work your whole life for that moment and to me it couldn't have gone any better because I am very proud to be from Texas. (When) the Houston Astros selected me, I was just thrilled. (I was just) looking forward to taking the next step in my life and taking on a new challenge.
On past positions: I was actually really small growing up—a late bloomer so to speak. I was the little guy that was fast as a kid and I was the short stop. You know, I'd come in to pitch if we got into a jam where we couldn't walk somebody (because in Little League everyone walks everyone). One thing I was good at was that I could throw a strike, so they'd throw me in in those situations. I guess you could say I was the closer-up or the special reliever of my teams.  I was centerfield or short stop.
On the anticipation of getting the call: You really have no idea if you are ever going to get the call so I was unaware of any of that going on. I mean, I was so locked into the game and the team that I was on. I mean you dream and you hope. You're like "maybe someday they will (call)", but it's one of those things that is tough to believe until it happens. You just continue to enjoy where you're at, don't take the little things for granted, and get ready to win baseball games.
On team loyalties as a kid—Astros or Rangers: I was a Rangers fan—that's who I followed—but when Astros would make the playoffs or whatever… I've always rooted for Texas teams, no matter what sport. Even [with] colleges—UT is my main school, but I'll root for whoever is from Texas.
On whether or not he has always worn tall game-day sanitaries: Since I was about 12-years-old, I always liked to roll my pants up. It's more comfortable; it's old school; and I've always enjoyed the history of baseball.  I just liked how it's America's pastime. You know, all of the pictures and videos are really special to me.