Q&A with the Yankees David Robertson

David Robertson has been an amazing part of the NY Yankees bullpen, often called the "magician or wizard" because of his ability to get in and out of trouble on the mound. I found David to be humble,caring, competitive, and very caring.David Robertson is currently a pitcher (#30) for the New York Yankees. He was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and is a 2004 graduate of Paul W. Bryant High School, where he played baseball and led the Stampede to the Class 6A state playoffs in the school's first year of existence. He attended the University of Alabama in 2005 and 2006 where he ranked among all-time school career leaders in strikeouts, appearances and saves.David was drafted by the Yankees out of the University of Alabama in the 17th round of 2006 Major League Baseball Draft and became the fifth former Alabama player to wear pinstripes. David and Erin Robertson have created a fund to help those affected by the devastating tornadoes that hit David's hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 27, 2011. David pledged $100 for every strikeout he recorded throughout the 2011 Season and ended the season with an incredible 100 strikeouts!

1. Please tell us about growing up in Alabama

‍I loved growing up in Alabama. I was always outdoors, either hunting or fishing or playing baseball and other sports. For me it was the perfect place to grow up.

‍2. The small differences between New York and Alabama :)

‍There are so many differences between New York and Alabama, it would be tough to find them all. I grew up in Tuscaloosa, which is a city in Alabama, but nothing like New York. I love both places, but for different reasons.

‍3. Was baseball always your first passion?

‍Baseball was always one of my passions, but I had several. I also loved tennis and was very good at it, but decided to give it up to pursue my dream of playing baseball.

4. The odds of one child making it to the big leagues is hard enough but your brother Connor played for The A's and Diamondbacks - how crazy is that?

‍It is crazy when you think about it. Connor and I are both very competitive athletes and we have a drive that never let's us give up. I think our ambition helped us to both succeed just as much as our talent did.

‍5. Tell us about The Tide and your time there

‍I only played at Alabama for 2 years before I signed with the Yankees, but it was a great experience. I grew up in Tuscaloosa, so I was happy to attend the university there and play for my home town team.

‍6. When did you start to think there was a chance you could actually play pro ball?

‍I've always played my hardest and felt like if I never gave up I would succeed. I also didn't focus too much on the professional side of baseball. I knew I wanted to be there some day, but I played each game and took it day by day. It wasn't until I was in the minors that I really set my focus into making a career out of baseball.

7. Where were you when you heard you were drafted by the NY Yankees? (17th round)

‍I was at home in Tuscaloosa. I wasn't sure if I would be drafted at all seeing I was only a sophomore and didn't have intentions on signing. Most teams were aware of that and decided not to waste a draft pick on me. The Yankees picked me in the 17th round as a draft and follow and after seeing me play in the Cape Cod league that summer they decided to give me a large enough signing bonus to make it worth leaving college and start my professional baseball career.

‍8. First impression putting on that uniform and stepping onto the greatest baseball field in the world?

‍It was a whirlwind experience. Everything seemed to happen so fast. I was only in the minors for just over a season before I got called up to the big leagues. My first game was at the old Shea Stadium against the Mets and I was so nervous. Once I got back to Yankee Stadium, I was thrilled to be able to play there. To be on the same field as the greatest baseball players in history was such an honor. Looking back, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to play in the old Yankee Stadium before it was torn down and be a part of that historic ballpark.

9. You had one of the greatest seasons I have ever seen (from a relief pitcher) with over 100 strikeouts, AL leading 1.08 ERA, and the ability to get out of jams - what was the secret?

‍Really no secret. I've worked hard on my pitches and mechanics and feel as though each year I've been improving. I'm hoping to build on last year's success and hopefully help the team out again this year.

‍10. Do you enjoy wine? If so anything particular (Cab, Pinot etc)

‍Yes, I like lots of different wines. I definitely prefer red to white and I usually pick a Cabernet, but I enjoy most red wines.

‍11. Favorite restaurant in NYC?

‍Tough to pick one favorite because there are so many good ones. We like going to Rosa Mexicano, The Darby, Lavo, just to name a few.

‍12. Please tell us about the devastation you personally witnessed and how it drove you and Erin to start a foundation called High Socks for Hope?

‍It's really tough to see your home go through such devastation. I knew many people in town who lost their homes or had major damage, not to mention all the stores and restaurants that was destroyed. It was eerie and sad to drive down the roads that I knew so well and not

recognize anything. I knew right away that I wanted to do everything I could to help the situation. Being in the spotlight I have the power to use the media to reach out to so many people, to make them aware of the problem and see how together we can all help out. We have been successful so far raising over $250,000, but there is still a long way to go. Some of the families we are helping are still without homes and it's been almost a year. Knowing that there are still people struggling, and will be for years, Erin and I will not give up and will continue to do whatever we can so one day my town is back to what I remember it to be.

‍12. How can one get involved?

‍We are always actively accepting donations and sending them down to the people that need it most. People don't realize that it's almost been a year since tornadoes ravaged Tuscaloosa and so many people are still in need of so many things. We still have many families that are without homes and we are working hard to get them settled back into their normal lives. We accept both credit card and check on our website www.highsocksforhope.com

‍13. The Yankees made some terrific moves this offseason - what are you most looking forward to?

‍We really have a great group of guys this year. I'm looking forward to getting back to New York and hopefully getting another ring!