On the third day of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft, the Minnesota Twins selected right-handed pitcher Seth Pinkerton of the University of Hartford baseball team. Working 35 innings over 25 appearances as a junior in 2018, Pinkerton posted the third-best ERA (2.06) in the America East among pitchers who tossed 35 or more innings. In addition, he held opposing batters to a .187 average and finished the year with 33 strikeouts.
During his career, Pinkerton struck out 69 batters in 84.0 innings (59 appearances), posting a 3.86 ERA.
We are pleased that Seth was willing to take time to answer some questions for Talking Twins.
Darrell Yates (DY) What was your initial reaction when you heard that the Twins selected you in this year’s draft?
Seth Pinkerton (SP) I was in complete shock, jaw dropped. Then I turned to my father and said “I just got drafted by the Minnesota Twins!”
(DY) When did you start playing baseball? Was there someone who inspired you to play baseball?
(SP) Baseball runs through my family’s blood. Ever since the day I was born, I’ve always had a baseball around me. My late grandfather was a head coach, my father was my head coach in high school.
(DY) You’re a very talented baseball player. Which other sports are you interested in?
(SP) I love all sports. I love to compete. I played football, soccer, hockey and basketball in high school. I also would play volleyball with some friends whenever I came home from college on breaks.
(DY) Growing up, did you have a favorite team and/or player?
(SP) Growing up my grandfather Warren influenced me to be a Red Sox fan, especially after the 2004 World Series.
(DY) What MLB player, past or present, does your game resemble?
(SP) I’ve always tried to base my game on Pedro Martinez’s approach.
(DY) What was your favorite baseball moment?
(SP) My favorite baseball moment has to be winning the America East championship this past year at college. We did something that has never been done before in school history! Go Hawks!
(DY) At what point in your life did you realize that baseball could turn into a professional career?
(SP) I would have to say this past summer playing with the Plymouth Pilgrims in the NECBL. The GM of the team hinted to me that some people were watching me and to keep up the good work.
(DY) What areas would you like to improve on as you begin your journey to the Big Leagues?
(SP) I would like to improve on all areas of my game. If I were to narrow it down to one, it would be the command of all my pitches.
(DY) What is your favorite baseball movie?
(SP) The Sandlot
(DY) What goals have you set for yourself?
(SP) Goal is to get better every day and become the best teammate and player I can be.
I really want to thank Seth Pinkerton for taking the time to answer a few questions for Talking Twins. This young man has the right attitude, the confidence and the ability to successfully climb through the Twins’ organization. It’s a long journey, but he’s going to be fun to watch.
Go Twins! ...
Senior Hunter Lee of the High Point University baseball team was drafted on the final day of the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday, chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round (814th overall). As a second baseman, Lee enjoyed a tremendous senior season, hitting a team-best .338 in 56 games (55 starts) en route to being named first team All-Big South for the first time in his career.
We are pleased that Hunter was willing to take time to answer some questions for Talking Twins.
Darrell Yates (DY) Who were you with when you found out the Twins drafted you?
Hunter Lee (HL) I was with my family, my grandma and uncle as well as my girlfriend were also in attendance.
(DY) When did you start playing baseball? Was there someone who inspired you to play ball?
(HL) I was 3 years-old when I started playing baseball. Nobody really inspired me but my dad was always there to support me and help me get better.
(DY) You're a very talented baseball player. Which other sports are you interested in?
(HL) I love to golf, I used to play competitive tournaments when I was younger.
(DY) Growing up, did you have a favorite team and/or player?
(HL) My favorite player was Derek Jeter and I naturally cheered for the Yankees.
(DY) What MLB player, past or present, does your game resemble?
(HL) Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia and David Eckstein would be the three players I most resemble.
(DY) What was your favorite baseball moment?
(HL) Winning the high school district championship, making the conference championship this past year and obviously getting drafted by the Twins.
(DY) At what point in your life did you realize that baseball could turn into a professional career?
(HL) It has always been my dream to play pro ball, but when I realized I could turn it into a reality was senior year of high school.
(DY) What areas would you like to improve on as you begin your journey to the Big Leagues?
(HL) I would like improve on my speed.
(DY) What is your favorite baseball movie?
(HL) The Sandlot and The Rookie.
(DY) What goals have you set for yourself?
(HL) My goal is to make it to the Show, and to help the Twins win a World Series.
I really want to thank Hunter Lee for taking the time to answer a few questions for Talking Twins. After speaking with him, I’ve come to the conclusion that this young man has the right attitude, the confidence and the ability to successfully climb through the Twins’ organization. It's a long journey, but he's going to be fun to watch.
Go Twins! ...
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