Wade Gaynor is from a (really) small town of Hawesville, Kentucky, how did he fare? He'll tell you all about it.

The Tigers drafted third baseman, Wade Gaynor, in the third round in the 2009 MLB draft, and what a great player they got.

He has a low career average of .249 in three minor league seasons, but he hit a nice .286 with 80 RBIs last season with the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps.

It was truly a pleasure asking Wade a few questions, as his love for his hometown, his organization and the game he plays really shown through.

Read what he had to say after the jump!

1. You are from the town of Hawesville, Kentucky, which has a population under 1000 (according to Wikipedia). What did you do as a kid? What teams or player did you cheer for growing up in Kentucky?

WG: I am very proud to be from Hawesville (it’s even smaller than it sounds). I’m often asked what a kid in a small Kentucky town does with all his time. Truth be told, there’s not a lot going on, but when you grow up there you don’t know differently. I come from a huge family and we all live within a couple miles of one another. Sports have always been a hobby of mine.  I spent most nights in our yard hitting, throwing and fielding with my dad when he got off work. When I wasn’t playing baseball, basketball or football, I was usually running around the woods or fishing with my cousins. Hawesville sits along the Ohio River, and some of my best memories and biggest catches are from sitting out all night on my papaw’s boat. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up. The community and my family are so supportive and have made me who I am today.

My favorite team growing up was always the Cincinnati Reds and, of course, UK basketball.

2. What was the greatest thing about being selected in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft?

WG: The greatest thing about being drafted in the 3rd round of the draft was seeing 16 years of work payoff. I was able to be with my family on draft day and will never forget seeing my name called.

3. In your third year of professional ball, you have played in each of the Tigers Single-A locations, which stop has been your favorite?

WG: I’ve had the chance to play at three totally different home ballparks in the past three years. They each have their positives but because of the large crowds and community support, West Michigan has the edge.  That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy being part of the last team in Oneonta (and playing in an old nostalgic stadium) and Lakeland has been great so far; but playing in front of thousands of people every night is tough to beat.

4. In 2010, you hit .286 with 80 RBIs, what was the key to your success last year?

WG: I think the key to my success in West Michigan had a lot to do with getting into a good hitting position. When I get into a good hitting position, I square the ball up more consistently and that’s what I’m working on now.

5. What are your future baseball goals? When do you see yourself being Major League ready?

WG: My goals haven’t changed since I was a kid in Hawesville; I want to have a career in the major leagues.  I don’t care what position or what role, but that’s my goal.  I don’t really have a timetable for when I will be “Major League ready,” but everyday I try to get a little better and an edge in some aspect of the game. It’s easy to start to think about what the future may or may not hold, but all I can control is today.