Pirates DH Marcell Ozuna on hitting milestone homer, winning over fans
When Marcell Ozuna hit Robbie Ray’s 1-2 slider 365 ft to left discipline for his fourth dwelling run of the season within the second inning of a 5-2 loss on the San Francisco Giants on May 9, the Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter grew to become the 167th participant in MLB historical past with 300 homers.
The 35-year-old Ozuna hit 96 homers in 5 seasons with Miami, 52 in two seasons with St. Louis and 148 in six seasons with Atlanta. He signed a one-year $12 million free agent deal in February however drew boos early this season at PNC Park by batting .162 with a .467 OPS with 29 strikeouts in opposition to seven walks by way of April. Ozuna is batting .244 with a .819 OPS with two homers, six RBIs, 11 strikeouts and eight walks for the reason that begin of May.
Ozuna is one in all 15 lively gamers within the 300 homer membership, in addition to the fifteenth from the Dominican Republic to achieve the milestone. He is the fifth participant to hit his three hundredth homer in a Pirates uniform, becoming a member of Ralph Kiner, Willie Stargell, Jeromy Burnitz and Andrew McCutchen. Ozuna spoke with TribLive Pirates beat author Kevin Gorman concerning the accomplishment, mentoring Oneil Cruz and winning over Pirates fans at PNC Park.
What was it like so that you can attain that milestone together with your three hundredth dwelling run?
It’s massive. It’s wonderful, particularly with the profession I’ve. Being a part of the 300 Homer Club is implausible. I thank God for the chance to try this.
You entered the season with 296 homers. How a lot strain did you’re feeling such as you acquired nearer to 300?
I haven’t got that strain. Last yr, that was my strain. I believed I used to be going to complete with 25 or extra. God gave me the chance to do it now and to proceed it. Let’s get to 400!
The Pirates made a video of all 300 of your profession homers. How many did you watch?
I do know that they had all of them, so I used to be watching it and it was cool. I had a second the place I acquired all caught up and began hitting homers. I at all times refresh again, particularly to the fellows who’ve handed away or people who find themselves not in baseball anymore. It was wonderful.
Did it convey again recollections of a favourite Homer?
My favourite was in opposition to Tampa Bay. Blake Snell threw a changeup and I hit (a 468-foot homer) off the 2011 (AL) Wild Card banner in left discipline (at Tropicana Field) in 2017. That’s my favourite. I simply loved that homer.
Is it tough to hit a flag or the highest of the foul pole?
I did that one time, too, in opposition to Jerome Williams in 2015 (a 434-foot, two-run shot to left discipline in opposition to the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 20). I advised Oneil that I already did what you probably did. I did that 10 years in the past. To hit the pole is a fortunate factor. Never attempt it.
After enduring an April funk, you are hitting in May. Did you work some issues out?
I really feel rather a lot higher. I’m making an attempt to get my rhythm and get in assault mode somewhat bit extra. I really feel like it will be effective. Sometimes you battle on the plate. Right now, I really feel rather a lot higher. I’m seeing extra pitches.
How arduous was it to deal with that whereas enjoying for a brand new group?
It’s arduous as a result of the best way you grind each single day for a brand new group and with new teammates, it’s a must to adapt and modify to the brand new group. They at all times helped help me. I really feel blessed right here. I’ll by no means be mad at anybody on this room, particularly the coaches. They gave me the boldness to maintain grinding and put some balls in play.
How did you swing your approach out of that stoop?
In the spring, I began good however then I misplaced my timing. When the season began, it will get into your thoughts. You attempt to do effectively. Never quit. Never quit. You come on daily basis with the identical smile, similar positivity and provides my greatest to my teammates, particularly if I’m not hitting good. If they want recommendation, I give recommendation. That’s what I’ve been doing for a very long time at this stage.
What has it meant that Oneil offers you credit score for serving to him fulfill his potential?
The approach he is hitting, he is having a number of success. I really feel happy with him. He’s acquired a lot expertise. He has to discover the expertise that he has and be extra assured on the plate. Most of the time as a youthful man you attempt to do an excessive amount of, attempt to work tougher than ever. You simply must loosen up and go get your pitch or go get what they provide you.
What’s your favourite factor about enjoying at PNC Park?
This ballpark is likely one of the most stunning ballparks. I like to come back right here. I performed in opposition to McCutchen, (Starling) Marte, (Gregory) Polanco. I confronted AJ Burnett, Charlie Morton, Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, (Francisco) Liriano. I confronted so many good guys right here, particularly Steven Brault, once I was with the Marlins. I favored the group. I like their unis. I just like the teammates right here.
Do you’re feeling such as you’ve gained the fans over?
They had been at all times on my facet. Sometimes they boo as a result of they wish to see you go off. I deserved to be booed as a result of I did not do good. When I begin to do good, I do know they are going to be on my facet. I do not blame them.
