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Frank Catalanotto was kind enough to take some time out of his day to answer a few questions.
One of the best off-the-field guys in the game, Frank Catalanotto spent 14 seasons in Major League baseball.
He was a 10th round selection of the Detroit Tigers in the 1992 draft, and spent three seasons in Motown as a big league player. Following Detroit, Catalanotto moved onto Texas, Toronto, back to Texas, Milwaukee and then finished his career in New York.
Never a big power hitter (84 HR in 1265 career games), Catalanotto made a living hitting singles, finding the gaps, drawing walks and just getting on base (career .802 OBP).
I had the chance to ask Mr. Catalanotto a few questions, and he gave some intriguing answers. Check out the interview!
1.) Being born in New York, were you a Yankees or Mets fan growing up? Which baseball player did you look up to as a kid?
FC: Growing up I was a Yankee fan. My dad took me to many games at Yankee stadium as a kid and I was a huge Don Mattingly fan.
2.) You were drafted out of high school in 1992 by the Tigers, but didn’t make it to the big leagues until 1997. How was your time as a minor leaguer? What was the best and worst part about playing in the minors?
FC: Going from Smithtown, NY as an 18 year old kid where my mom and dad did everything for me to being on my own in Bristol, VA having to fend for myself was tough. The minor leagues was not as luxurious as the scout that had drafted made it out to be. Once I got used to the lifestyle I was able enjoy it more but it wasn’t easy at all. The travel was probably the worst part about it. Most of the road trips were 10-15 hours long in buses that didn’t have AC. The best part about the minor leagues was the comradery with the guys. You couldn’t help but create great friendships being cramped in clubhouses and buses with the same guys for so long.
3.) A member of the Tigers from 1997-99, what was your best memory of playing your home games at Tiger Stadium? You doubled in the final game at the stadium; what does that hit mean to you?
FC: Playing in Tiger Stadium was great. I would often think about being in the same batter’s box as guys like Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle. With all the history that was there it was very special. I will never forget my first major league hit. It was an RBI single off of Rick Helling at Tiger Stadium.
4.) After playing with Detroit, you played with Texas, Toronto, Milwaukee and New York, what was your favorite stop along the way? Why?
FC: My favorite stop during my big league career was probably in Texas. The fans were great, the organization was outstanding and that is where my career really took off. The Ballpark in Arlington was such a great place to hit and has always been my favorite ballpark.
5.) You played 12 seasons and 1163 games in the American League, and just 102 games in the National League; other than the DH rule, what was the greatest difference in the way the game was played?
FC: I really didn’t see that much of a difference from the AL to the NL. The only thing that stood out was that in the NL they liked to play small ball more. More bunting, stealing and hit and running. In the AL it seemed like you were always waiting for the big three run homer.
6.) 14 MLB seasons in the book, you are now retied; what has the retired life brought to you? Do you stay involved in baseball? Do you have a favorite team or player to follow now?
FC: I am now at home spending time with my wife and four girls. I am launching a vitamin and sport supplement company within the next two months, helping coach the Italian National Team and running summer baseball camps on Long Island. I don’t watch a lot of baseball but when I do I like watching Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.
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