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Follow Friday Q&A with Tanner O'Tremba

Nov 6, 2020

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This is the 13th installment of the Arizona Baseball 2020 Follow Friday series, in which we highlight each member of the incoming 2020 class of student-athletes looking to make their mark at Hi Corbett Field. Get to know our newest Wildcats with the below Q&A, and when you're done be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected.

This week's feature focuses on incoming sophomore Tanner O'Tremba, an outfielder who most recently played at Texas Tech University.

Previous editions of Follow Friday: Jacob Berry  |  Kyle Casper  |  Chase Davis  |  Riley Cooper  |  Daniel Susac  |  TJ Nichols  |  Austin Smith  |  TJ Curd  |  Ryan Kysar  |  Chase Silseth  |  Jack Grant  |  Mason Millett
 

Q: What made you choose Arizona?
A: Everyone just seemed very team-oriented, and that was the first thing I got from coach Johnson and all the guys on the team. That was huge because I think that's really important. Also the coaches interest in developing players and not just having talent. Definitely player development and a team-oriented culture were the two big reasons.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in your first year at Arizona?
A: I would say just becoming closer with my teammates, that's really important to me. Then just bettering myself in any way I can that will help our team out. Taking every day step-by-step and ultimately competing in Omaha.

Q: What achievement from your baseball career so far are you most proud of?
A: My freshman year of college I got the opportunity to go to Omaha and that was a pretty exciting achievement. Just going there and seeing what it's like was invaluable experience. You see everything that it takes and I definitely see no reasons why this team can't accomplish that. We're on the right track, we're definitely in that category.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: My ability to make adjustments and be coachable. I think a lot of times baseball isn't something you can just show up and do correctly consistently. So being able to make adjustments and learn from the people around you is huge. A lot of people might know certain things that I don't, so whether that's a teammate, a coach, or a spectator, being able to learn and grow in this game is an important part of it.

Q: Who influenced you to get into baseball?
A: Definitely my parents and my older brother. When I was younger my dad coached my older brother's team and I always wanted to be like my brother. Also, my parents really supported me growing up in whatever I wanted to do and baseball was definitely that. Those were both huge factors in wanting to play baseball.

Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you most want to play?
A: I would have to say basketball; I think basketball is just something that a lot of people love to go outside and do. When I was younger I would always shoot hoops outside at my house for hours. I'm probably too short for basketball, but I think it's a really fun sport.

Q: If you could have one MLB player's skill, what would it be?
A: Mookie Betts' baseball IQ. He's an extremely talented player, but a lot of people forget or overlook the smart plays he makes and why he's able to make those plays and compete on certain pitches. He's an extremely smart baseball player, which definitely helps his game and his talent shine, they mesh well.

Q: If you could face one Major League Baseball player right now, who would it be and why?
A: Trevor Bauer, I just really like how competitive he is. There's no secrets with him, it's just 100% I'm coming at you and you're going to have to hit it. He's not afraid of anyone, which is awesome, and I think you'd equally have to take that approach to the plate against him. I really enjoy watching him pitch and the presence he brings on the mound. I might be able to get one of his fastballs, but that's about it.

Q: What are some of your non-baseball hobbies you enjoy spending free time on?
A: I love to be on the lake, that's one of my favorite things. To be on a boat or jet skis, I think that is so much fun. I also like to go into the mountains; I'm from Colorado so anytime I can get up into the mountains, I love to do that with my family.

Q: What does your pregame/gameday routine look like?
A: I really like to wake up early on game days and get going; I always eat breakfast first thing in the morning. I'm also really big into the mental side of things, so I like to visualize or meditate a little bit. Sometimes I'll do yoga with that too, stretch and stuff. Just getting my mind and my body ready for a game is important. I started doing yoga in high school, about my sophomore or junior year. We had someone who would come in and work with us on it and I got really into it. Yoga really helps me with breathing during games and being calm in big moments. If my parents or my family was in town then I would always want to see them for a little while before the game. Just anything to get me in the most relaxed, calm mood is big for me. 
Quick Hits:
Favorite baseball player: Matt Kemp
Favorite MLB team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite baseball movie: The Sandlot
Favorite gameday snack: Bacon and eggs
Favorite TV show: The Blacklist
Favorite movie: Shooter