Baby-Bombers.com Q&A With Mitch Hilligoss

After the 2007 Season, Baby-Bombers.com had the chance to talk with Prospect Mitch Hilligoss

By: Robert Pimpsner

January 8, 2008 – The Yankees drafted Mitch Hilligoss in the sixth round of the 2006 First Year Player Draft as a shortstop out of Purdue.  It did not take long as the versatile prospect made his professional debut with the Staten Island Yankees that summer.  Mitch helped lead the Baby Bombers to the NY-Penn League championship for the fourth time and in doing so earned spots on the American League Affiliates All-Star Team (winning the game’s MVP award) and the Post-Season Short Season All-Star Team.

                Mitch Followed up a great 2006 campaign with an even better 2007, after starting off slow the young infielder went on a South Atlantic League record setting 38-game hit streak, earning him a spot in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game as well as the All-Star Game MVP award for the second consecutive year.

Mitch, first I would like to thank you for participating in this Q&A session. 

How did it feel when you made your debut in 2006 with the Staten Island Yankees?

It was an exciting moment for me and for everyone on that team. We didn't really know what to expect with pro ball and many of us had never been to New York.
 

What was your favorite moment of that season?

Well, without question it was winning the NY Penn League. What a great time that was. Obviously, anytime we played Brooklyn it was a great atmosphere as well. The guys are something you will never forget either.

How did it feel when you won a championship in your first professional season?

Oh, there was a lot of emotion with that victory. Mostly because we won the championship. To do that right away is a great experience and something you won't ever forget. Obviously it was also the end of the year and that is the way you want to end and leave your teammates as well.
 

How did it feel to win the All-Star Game MVP award two seasons in a row on two levels?

It is a great honor just being elected to go to the All-Stars games because there are some unbelievable talents in both leagues. Good players get left off every year. As far as the MVP, that is probably more luck than anything, because it is not something you even think about going into the game. You just relax and try to enjoy the experience.

Do you feel that your time in Staten Island helped prepare you enough for the next level?

There is no doubt that my time in Staten Island has and will shape my baseball career. It was my first taste of pro ball, and you really learn how to play that style. The coaching staff, with Pitts, Hawkins, Chantres, and Mosquera really did a great job of making it fun and informational all at the same time.
 

What would you say is your best tool?

My best tool is probably being able to put the bat on the ball. It is funny though because it is also my weakness as well. I get myself out because at times I feel I can hit anything and get my self out.

What are your goals for the 2008 season?

Well, I haven't sat down and thought a whole lot about them yet, but i would like to start in Tampa and be able to move up to Trenton by the end of the year. There are specific areas I need to work on as well, defensively and offensively. As spring training approaches they will become more specific.

You have been immortalized in Minor League Baseball history for your South Atlantic League record 38-game hitting streak.  What was going through your mind during this period?

It was a very, very wild time to be honest. It got a lot of publicity. I had a lot of phone calls, interviews and things like that. My teammates were great about it and they kept me grounded and kept me going in a lot of ways. It is probably something I will cherish more in five years and even more when I hang them up hopefully after a long, successful major league career.

You played third and short for the Staten Island Yankees, which position would you like to stick to as you move up the ladder?

I don't think it really matters as long as I get there. I'm probably, if possible, going to break through as a utility guy. However, I'll be the first to tell you, my natural position is not shortstop. I'll probably share time between third and second. But who knows, I really have no preference.
 

Your name came up as a piece of the package for Johan Santana, how did it make you feel that the Yankees were contemplating trading you?

Its neat. It is weird to see your name in the same sentence let alone a potential trade with those guys. Obviously it is something I have no control over, so whatever happens you just got to go out and do your job the best you can.

I would like to thank you again for participating in this Q&A session with Baby-Bombers.com.  We wish you luck on your career and hope you have a successful 2008 season.