Sports

CINCINNATI — Aaron Cook said the best advice he ever received about pitching was to not let anyone know what he is thinking.

But Saturday, July 26, the day after he earned his 13th win of the season, the Hamilton native sat down for a few minutes to share a few thoughts with the JournalNews.

Q What do you remember most about growing up in Hamilton?

A Well, I just moved to Harrison (from Hamilton), but I have a lot of memories. Playing baseball for the West Side Little league and winning a state championship in high school.

Q Aside from visiting family, what one thing must you do when you get a chance to come home during the season?

A Really just try to straighten things up around the house. But I do try to go to LaRosa's and Skyline Chili. Oh yeah, gotta go to Richards (Pizza), too. I think I'll go there tonight.

Q Why do you think you've been so successful this season?

A My teammates have picked me up big. They've been scoring runs and playing great defense, but also I've been healthy, and that helps me to execute my pitches better.

Q So how is your health?

A It's good. I'm completely healthy, and that has been the key to my success this year. It has given me the confidence to go out and pitch every day.

Q Besides your parents, who had the most influence on you?

A My parents had a lot of influence on me, but I spent a lot of time with Curtus Moak (a Hamilton native and former minor-league pitcher, including time with the Dayton Dragons). We kept each other grounded, and we still talk all the time. He's coming out to Denver to visit soon.

Q Whom was your hero growing up?

A Pete Rose and Barry Larkin. I wore No. 11 all through Little League and high school. (Larkin) was my favorite after Rose was done playing. He had a great arm, and even though I wanted to be a pitcher, I liked shortstop too. I just loved watching him play because he played hard all the time.

Q What do you do between innings in the dugout?

A I'm very outgoing and light-hearted in the dugout. I talk with my catcher and just try to relax and not stress too much about anything.

Q Do you have any superstitions on days you pitch?

A I try not to be superstitious. Routines can change depending on where you are, but the one thing I do is I step on the line every time I go out to the mound. I'm not sure when it started, but I remember seeing guys jump over the line, so it's just my way of being different.

Q Last year, you made some donations to the West Side Little League All-Stars. How important is it for you to give back to your community?

A I sent them some shirts, hats and baseballs just to encourage them and let them know I was paying attention. It's very important to me, because your roots are who you are and where you come from. I'm sure there will be more donations in the future.

Q What is your fondest memory of playing Little League?

A I always remember playing against the (West Side) American League All-Stars and losing to them by one run, and then they made it all the way to Williamsport (Pa.)

Q What was it like to pitch three scoreless innings in the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium?

A It was incredible. Just being in Yankee Stadium for the last All-Star there ever, but to pitch three scoreless innings, it's just something I'll never forget.

Q Besides baseball, what are you passionate about?

A Hunting and fishing. I did a lot of fishing at the (Great Miami) river, or we'd sneak into some ponds. I just started hunting about six years ago, but I love it.

Q Who is the toughest batter you've ever faced?

A Barry Bonds. He ended up only getting one home run off me, but I never struck him out, and that was something I wanted to do.

Q Where do you want be five years from now?

A Still playing baseball. I hope I'm healthy enough to still be playing.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.