Don Ford
January 9, 2005
Mabry in the Ford Spot Light
with Don Ford
John Mabry was kind enough to sit down for an interview after signing autographs Sunday at John A. Logan College, in Carterville, Illinois. Here’s what the Cardinals slugger had to say…
Ford: John, 2004 was a banner year for your career as well as the St. Louis Cardinals organization. What are some of your favorite memories from the 2004 season?
Mabry: Going to the Playoffs and going to the World Series. When you step onto the field that’s what you’ve got to do- You’ve got to go out there and win. To be a part of that was just a phenomenal feeling.
Ford: You have played with six teams in your eleven year big league career. How does the Cardinals organization and the Cardinals fans compare with those in other cities?
Mabry: It’s one of the best, the fans are very knowledgeable, they understand the game. They come out whether you win or lose and support you- it’s fun to be a part of that.
Ford: Last Season we saw you play first base, third base, right field, left field. Now with Mike Matheny gone is there any chance you will be used as a backup at the catcher position?
Mabry: No, I don’t think so unless there is an emergency. The only reason we tried that last year was because Mike got hurt and we were short a catcher. So they just put me back there and started working out in case of an emergency.
Ford: Of all the positions that you play, where are you the most comfortable?
Mabry: I would probably say on the right side of the field, either right field or first base. It’s just natural for me because those are the positions that I grew up playing. It’s more natural still- the ball curves differently on the left side of the field. I’m still getting used to it.
Ford: You batted .296 last season, that’s 25 points higher than your career average. What was the key to you success last season?
Mabry: Repetitions and playing time. Getting out there on a semi-daily basis, just getting the at-bats and the repetitions helped me a great deal.
Ford: What can fans expect to see from the 2005 edition of the St. Louis Cardinals?
Mabry: Hopefully the same excitement, the same hard nosed playing style we had last year, just a fun team to watch. A lot different aspects- Power, Speed, Pitching. We have a lot of great players just having fun playing.
