Justin Henry is having a great offensive season, currently well above .300, and was named Player of the Week once. (Photo/Chuck Welch/2010)

Being selected in the 9th round of the 2007 draft, outfielder Justin Henry is in the midst of his fifth season in the Detroit Tigers organization.

His first two professional seasons were a huge success, a combined 725 at-bats lead to an average near .320 with 77 RBIs and 41 stolen bases. His 2011 campaign has also been successful, currently Henry is hitting at a .313 clip to go with 45 RBIs and 20 stolen bases at Double-A Erie.

I was honored with the opportunity to ask this great outfielder a few questions about his young life and his current baseball career. Growing up in Texas and Mississippi, learn about his favorite pro teams, also read up on what he had to say about being named Eastern League Player of the Week earlier this year, all after the jump!

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1. Being born in Mississippi, and growing up there in the late 80s and early 90s, which sport did you favor as a child? Did you have a favorite sports team and/or player?

JH: I was actually born in Houston, TX and moved to Mississippi when I was 6 years old so naturally my favorite teams were the Astros, Oilers, and Rockets.  As a child my favorite sport would probably depend on what time of the year it was.  I played and loved baseball, football, and basketball.  It was probably high school when I started to realize baseball was my favorite.  My favorite player growing up was Craig Biggio.

2. What was it like to be drafted by a big league ball club in 2007? Describe your expeirience.

JH: Being drafted in 2007 was definitely a dream come true.  I was playing for Ole Miss at the time and we were in the Super Regionals in Tempe, AZ.  So I was actually sleeping when I got the call that the Tigers had selected me in the 9th Round.  It was actually somewhat of a relief for the process to be over.  I was excited and anxious to start my pro career

3. You have played at every level in the Tigers organization, including Oneonta; which has been your favorite stop along the way?

JH: My favorite stops in the Tigers organization would definitely have to be West Michigan and Toledo.  The fans make those two places the best.  Its a good feeling to play in front of a packed stadium on a regular basis.

4. With the exception of your first season when you played in just 67 games, 2011 has been your best offensive season; tell us what is making you a better hitter.

JH: This year I feel I have been successful because I have just focused on doing what I do well.  I’m a line drive hitter who works counts and gets on base and I have stayed with that consistently this year instead of maybe trying to do to much.  I’m just working to my strengths and it has helped me have a good season so far.

5. Described your reaction to the news of being named the Eastern League Player of the Week earlier this season.

JH: I was very surprised when I heard I was named Eastern League player of the week.  I honestly had never really kept up with who was being named player of the week, but anytime you are recognized for performing well it is a good feeling.

6. What are some future baseball goals of yours?

JH: My future baseball goal is simple and that is to play in the big leagues.  That is what I have wanted to do since I was a little kid, and as long as I am playing that will be the goal I’m striving for.