A Georgia Tech grad, Tony Plagman has flexed his muscles in the minor leagues, hitting 18 homers and driving in 97 during the 2011 season.

A former captain on the Georgia Tech baseball team, Tony Plagman had a successful collegiate career before being selected in the 9th round of the 2010 draft by Detroit.

The first words on his Georgia Tech bio page are “gritty competitor”, two words that aren’t truer and describe him perfectly. Tough off-season workouts led to an outstanding 2011 season, which ended with Plagman hitting 18 home runs, driving in 97 runners, mashing 32 doubles and four triples.

With runners in scoring position last season with Single-A Lakeland, his batting average raised 22 points and his OPS inflated by 68 points.

I got to ask Tony a handful of questions regarding his college years at Georgia Tech, his relationship with teammate Jeff Rowland, what’s difficult about professional pitchers, and more! Read it all after the jump!

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1. What was your favorite part about playing for Georgia Tech during your college years?

TP: My favorite part about playing for Georgia Tech were the relationships formed within the team. I have made a lot of good friends in pro ball, but being with the same guys for up to four years, going to the same classes and the field everyday is a different friendship that is formed.

2. What was it like to be drafted in 2010? How did you celebrate?

TP: It was a great feeling when I was drafted in 2010. We had just lost in regionals at Georgia Tech, so I was definitely upset about that. It didn’t take long to move on because the very next day I got the call that I had been selected. I celebrated with a great steak dinner with my family.

3. Since you and fellow Tigers-system outfielder, Jeff Rowland, played together at Georgia Tech, what kind of relationship do you two have (if any)? Any bragging that you were selected ten rounds before him?

TP: Jeff and I played together for 3 years at Tech and then our first half season after we were drafted so we definitely have a great friendship. We have been through a lot together so it is definitely nice having a friend chasing the same dream. I have never bragged about being selected higher, because I was a senior, he could brag about getting a bigger bonus!

4. With Lakeland in 2011, you led the team in homers, RBIs, intentional walks and placed second in doubles – what was the key to your success at the dish?

TP: There were a lot of factors that went into my year at Lakeland. After my first half season, I went into the off-season with a good understanding of professional ball. Hard work in the off-season with hitting and lifting was definitely a factor. Also, I had a lot of help while playing with Lakeland’s hitting coach, Larry Herndon. He always made himself available well before the games in order to get extra swings.

5. Are there any other teammates you have grown a strong relationship with? Any teammates you hang out with in the off-season?

TP: I have met a lot great guys in this organization and I’m excited to be back with them in Lakeland for Spring Training.

6. What is the hardest part about hitting professional pitching compared to college pitching? 

TP: Professional pitchers are the best of college pitching. Every professional pitcher knows what he is doing on the mound, and sometimes in college, you would see young guys that are raw but don’t fully understand what it takes to be a great pitcher. The wood bat also gives that professional pitcher an advantage verses the metal bats in college.

7. What are your future goals as a baseball player?

TP: My goals as a baseball player are to continue to get better and to have a long career in the major leagues.