Feature Interview with Aussie prospect Josh Spence - Part One

In June 2010, Geelong born Josh Spence was picked up as a 9th round draft pick by the San Diego Padres. Spence has a lot of experience playing baseball in the College system, and went to the College World Series. He battled some issues with an inflamed nerve in his elbow last year, and while he didn’t require surgery, he did take some time off. Spence has won quite a few accolades through the College system. He found Arizona State University’s program on the internet and flew to the States to take part in a baseball camp - this led to him being put into a junior college, where he was dominant. Over 2007 and 2008 he pitched in 27 games in junior college (starting 33), with an ERA of 1.40. He struck out 327 hitters over 270 innings, and had a remarkable WHIP of 0.88. 

In 2009 he moved to Arizona State and again put up some serious numbers, although had a few obstacles to overcome. He was struck in the face by a line drive, and also suffered a finger injury. In the end he compiled a 10-1 record over 18 appearances, with an ERA of 2.37. He went on to pick up a win in the College Word Series, striking out 16 hitters over 14 innings of work. He earned a lot of respect in Arizona, with Arizona State coach Pat Murphy noting ‘The most important thing about Spence is that in my 22 years in Division I baseball, he's possibly the most special kid I've ever been around’. ‘He's delightful, sensitive, caring, an extraordinary teammate and he comes over and plays with my son. It just seems like sometimes this kid is too good to be true. He's the type of guy I'm going to get emotional about when he finally leaves campus.’

After signing with the Padres in mid-2010, Spence appeared in 10 games through Rookie ball up to Class A. He compiled a record of 2-2, an ERA of 3.00 and struck out 42 hitters in 24 innings while walking just 7(!).

Josh is an avid user of both Twitter and Facebook, and actively takes the time to interact with fans over the internet. Recently he was kind enough to answer a few questions for OzMLBplayers.

OZMLBPLAYERS: 

Josh, you have a lot of experience playing baseball in the College system, and you went to the College World Series. Most Aussie baseball fans probably don't know a whole lot about College baseball. How would you describe it?

JOSH SPENCE: 

It’s very unfortunate that the baseball community in Australia is unaware of the world of college athletics, in particular baseball. It is a massive industry that has an incredible following not only by its alumni, but people who are passionate about their sport. I feel that people in Australia not only do not understand the jump from baseball back home (playing 2-3 times a week) to playing professionally (playing everyday); but also that what they're about to enter is a business. College baseball is the perfect stepping stone, not only to mature as an adult - both on and off the field - but to get used to being away from home and living in America.

I always thought that the best players just go ahead and play professionally as soon as they get their opportunity, but what I've come to realize is that’s not the case at all. In fact it’s the opposite; the player should go when they're ready. I feel people in Australia need to give college baseball a closer look. Now I understand not everyone has the luxury to enter professional baseball when they're ready because there isn't much of an audience – either scouts, or media coverage - in Australia. That’s the beautiful thing about college baseball, not only is your game under constant scrutiny, but you get a few more years to grow into the player you want to be. I could have signed as a young 17 year old who pitched once a week in his local state competition, but I signed as an experienced 22 year old who knew his strengths and weakness, had proven success against the same players who I will ultimately play through the ranks of professional baseball. And, I now have a college degree to fall back on in case baseball doesn't work out.

I’m very thankful that I took the college route and have been blessed to play at two very prestigious programs. I can’t help feel that college baseball is looked down upon in Australia, but its perception over here in the States couldn't be greater. After I turned down the draft for the first time, a scout came up to me and said ‘you can’t make the majors in a [Arizona State University] Sun Devil uniform’. What he forgot to mention is that only 1% of people who sign professional contracts actually make it to the major leagues.

I’m not trying to talk anyone out of signing [directly] but you need to be prepared when you enter pro-ball. So the best way to describe College is that it’s a place that will allow you to grow. For me it was more than getting my degree and playing baseball at a very high level; I learnt time management, how to budget and what I need to do to play baseball every day. I made contacts all over America and have talked baseball with people who I never thought I’d meet. I've seen a lot of America and have been very fortunate to play on some big stages in my collegiate career. I wouldn't have had these opportunities if I didn't take the leap of faith and go to college.

OZMLBPLAYERS:

Tell us about the season in a college program. How long is the season? Do you spend a lot of time on the road?

JOSH SPENCE:

The season is around 56 games and depending on where you're geographically located this could mean 15-20 games on the road or 30+ games away from home.

Being in Arizona (around the nice weather) we didn't need to travel much. I played two years at Central Arizona Community College (CAC) and two years at Arizona State (although my last year i didn't pitch due to injury). At CAC it is a state wide conference but we did play teams outside Arizona - but they would come to us to play. At Arizona State we played in the PAC10 (PAC meaning Pacific) and we played teams all up the West coast from California, Washington and even Oregon. At ASU we would fly to all our away games stay in big hotels and get treated like superstars, only to wind up back in class on Monday feeling like a regular Joe. We would pull more than 3,000 people every game and when playoffs came around those home crowds would get to around 5,000.  

When you're playing bad it feels like a long season but when you're on fire it couldn't be going any quicker. At CAC you're playing in a smaller conference with very little following, however I wouldn't have had an opportunity to play at ASU if I didn't go there first.

OZMLBPLAYERS: 

Do college players build much a profile or fanbase?

JOSH SPENCE:

Most players are busy with school and honestly don't feel the necessity to be public figures in the community, but in my case I wanted to keep all my windows open and was highly involved in little league baseball camps. I was also involved in a few other things, including Sparky's Tour - Sparky is ASU's mascot and his tour involved talking with high school students about going to college

Tune in to OzMLBplayers.com for the second instalment in Josh's interview