Back to Roster

Minor Has Major League Dreams

When he is on the mound, opposing hitters know that he is coming right at them. And that’s just what Fresno State and Cotuit Kettler right-handed pitcher Zack Minor does and does well.

When things get tough, he wants the ball. This spring he pitched a Tuesday game against Sacramento State going eight innings for the win. Then when the team needed him for a tough matchup against TCU at the end of the week he took the ball on short rest and notched another win for Fresno State.

He is a student of the game, dedicated to his craft and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed, but is also able to enjoy the game and have fun.

What kind of a pitcher are you?

I like to think that I’m a power pitcher. My two best pitches are my fastball and slider. I can throw both hard and for strikes.

How many different pitches do you throw?

Four. I have a fastball, slider, split finger and circle change. My slider is my out pitch. I can throw in with any count for a strike.

How fast do you throw?

My fastball is around 92 mph.

How tough are the hitters in the Cape League?

They are the best from their respective colleges. But, with a wooden bat in their hands you can make a mistake once in a while and not get hurt.

In your opinion, what does it take to be a big league pitcher?

I think it takes an equal amount of physical and mental toughness. You have to put everything into achieving your goals. You have to make sacrifices and be dedicated.

How do you prepare yourself mentally before going into a game?

I like to take about an hour before I get to the field and relax and think about the game. If we have charts, I like to go over them.

Who was your sports hero when you were young?

I’m from the San Francisco Bay area. I liked (San Francisco 49ers quarterback) Joe Montana. He was a leader. In the fourth if your down, you know he can bring you back.

Should Major League Baseball raise the pitchers mound and if so how would it effect the game?

I think it would even out the playing field. Right now the hitter have an advantage.

How do you pitch differently to a batter with a wooden bat?

I like to go inside a lot more. The hitters are a little bit slower turning on an inside pitch. I also like to throw more fastballs. Even if you make a mistake, they aren’t going to hit it out.

What is your impression of the Cape League?

The level of competition is greater here than in other leagues. I played in the Northwoods League last summer for the Brainard Mighty Gulls. There you might have three or four good hitters on every team there, compared to nine here.

Who has taught you the most about baseball?

My brother Tom. He was an All American at Fresno State from 1991 through 1994 and was a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization for three years.

What is the toughest situation that you have found yourself in on the mound and how did you get out of it?

The bases loaded and no outs. It happened to me twice this year at Fresno State. Both times I got out of it without giving up any runs. I a situation like that you have to bare down to get the job done.

Is baseball still a game for you, or has it become something else?

It’s still a game. I still like to go out and have fun. Right now I’m really enjoying it.

As a pitcher, do you think you should be in the batting line-up?

I think the Designated Hitter Rule is a good idea. Pitching is tough enough on its own. But, I think it would be fun to hit.

What are your baseball career plans?

I will be eligible for the draft next year. I would like to get drafted and play pro ball.