LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Wyatt Hoffman is enjoying the baseball life as a member of the Lake Elsinore Storm. He is primarily an infielder, but recently caught the attention of baseball fans when he caught a fly ball while cartwheeling over a small wall.
CBS 8's John Howard sat down and talked to Wyatt Hoffman about his baseball career and the influence of his dad, Hall of Famer and former Padre, Trevor Hoffman.
John: Wyatt, let's start off with what caught our attention. Tell us about that catch.
Wyatt: I'll give you guys a little story. I was a little skeptical going into it because I haven't played too much outfield, so getting comfortable with the wall is definitely new thing for me. Earlier in that game, there was a home run hit, and you just saw me just run straight at the wall. I didn't care, though I was running through that wall no matter what, just because I was so frustrated from practice. So the ninth inning rolls around, I said, I'm not slowing down. I'm just going for it. I got to catch the ball. We're in the ninth inning. It's a crucial moment. So yeah, it was just, it was amazing.
John: Three years into your professional career, are you happy with where you're at in the path to getting there?
Wyatt: Of course, I'm just grateful for the opportunity, grateful that I can wear a jersey still every day. I'm very grateful for where I'm at right now. And I can't ask for a better team than what I have right now. And yeah, teammates here and the coach and staff are perfect.
John: Your dad obviously was an experienced player. What were the best pieces of advice that you've gotten from him, that you're applying now that you're in professional baseball?
Wyatt: Probably just, the tough times won't last forever. Definitely just keep your mind strong and don't read into the numbers too much. Don't read into where you're at too much and just constantly trying to get better every day.
John: Did he give you any advice I'm putting up with media guys like me?
Wyatt: Nah, you guys are always good.
John: He always gave us that impression. Now, I know your dad played infield in his younger years. Any thought of you switching to pitcher?
Wyatt: Hey, I got four innings this year. I gave up a walk-off homer, but it's all good.
John: Did you have to face the media after the walk-off homer?
Wyatt: I didn't. So that was a good thing. Just my teammates.
John: Did you have a goal as to when you might go to double A, triple A, even the big leagues?
Wyatt: Obviously, I have a goal to develop and proceed higher. Honestly, whatever the organization wants me to do, I'll do. If they want me to stay and help these guys win a championship down here this year, that's what I'll be happy to do.
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