This week's Mudhen is starting pitcher, Mike Bergman.
Ask the Hens: Mike, as a longtime fan, it's an honor and a pleasure to be able to conduct this interview. Let's get the ball rolling.
Ask the Hens: While you're known primarily as a pitcher, your hitting has really taken off the past couple of weeks. How do you explain the sudden success at the plate?
Mike: I've always said that the only way to become a better hitter is to see more pitches, and that's what I've been doing. When you see more pitches you learn the strike zone, and when you learn the strike zone better you find yourself getting better pitches to hit.
Ask the Hens: What's the biggest difference you've noticed between the CVBL and the college game?
Mike: In college we relied primarily on bunting runners over, where here on the Mudhens we can sit back and wait for a Mike Bordeau or Dave Davidson to hit the big three run homerun.
Ask the Hens: You're considered somewhat of a piller of the community. Do you feel extra pressure to perform due to your local legend status, as opposed to say a Dan Hoffman who's somewhat of an unknown quantity?
Mike: Believe me, the last thing I want to do is let down my fans and this community. I think Dan feels pressure also, just not the same pressure. He is new to the area and has to make a name for himself. There can be more pressure there than being a local player and he has done a terrific job thus far.
Ask the Hens: Despite an obvious abundance of talent, the 'Hens have had a very inconsistent season. What do you think it will take to stabilize the team's play?
Mike: I think it's just a matter of having all the right guys there and in the lineup. The week we swept Altona we had all of our guys there which gives us more depth for late inning moves.
Ask the Hens: You're considered somewhat of a throwback due to your willingness to work into high pitch counts. How do you keep yourself able to withstand these long outings, and do you think they will take a toll on your body down the road?
Mike: I've never felt pitch count was a justifiable reason to take a pitcher out. Between start workouts are very important. I believe that if I keep up with my running regime my body will be able to withstand most injuries.
Ask the Hens: OK, let's not mince words. Considering the whole package: talent, teamwork, will, do you honestly think this Mudhens team can take the CVBL title? Mike: I think we have as good a shot as any. This team has a lot of heart and I would definitely not count us out.
Ask the Hens: Spoken like a true Mudhen. Mike, thank you for your time, and good luck with the balance of the season.
DAN HOFFMAN