Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Byron Buxton says he's excited and feels good, enjoying this All-Star moment with family close to home.
- Home Run Derby allowed him to step out of his box and showcase himself, making the performance extra special back home.
- He hit five in a row during the bonus round, crediting simple pregame BP and the competitive vibe with guys back home.
- Receiving a towel and Gatorade from his son was a dream come true; his children's smiles made the moment unforgettable.
ATLANTA (WSAV) — Ahead of the 95th MLB All-Star game, WSAV spoke one-on-one with Byron Buxton inside the American League locker room at Truist Park.
Joey Lamar: I’m joined by Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Congrats on making the All-Star Game. Now that this moment is just, you know, a few minutes away, how are you feeling?
Byron Buxton: I feel good. I’m glad to be here. Second All-Star Game. Family’s here a little closer to home. It’s exciting.
JL: Walk us through last night. The Home Run Derby. I know you had a lot of hype leading up to that moment, but what was it like actually stepping out there and then having a performance like you did?
BB: Glad to step out of that little box I was in to show the world a little bit of who I am. So to be able to do it back home made it a little bit more special.
JL: Now, in that first round, in the bonus, round five in a row, six overall, I mean, what was it like to hit five out in a row? Like, that’s a pretty amazing moment.
BB: Oh, yeah, I guess. I mean, we kind of do a little bit mess around in BP back home, so just trying to keep it simple. I think about the guys back home and the competition we have amongst ourselves sometimes.
JL: You talked about how special the moment would be when you got to get a towel and a Gatorade bottle from your son. Like, what was it like actually living that moment?
BB: Oh, it’s definitely a dream come true. Obviously, them telling me that as a parent, you want to make their dreams come true and to be able to mark one those off the bucket list for them is something that I really can’t put into words. Their face, their smile, how happy they were that’s all that really matters to me.
JL: Is there anything else that would make this All-Star experience any more memorable? Is a one more thing you want to do for them.
BB: I mean, know I’m here. They’re here. Just enjoy the moment, take it in because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I won’t be here again to play playing another All-Star Game in Atlanta, so make the most of it.
Read the full article on the original site
