This weekend the Review had the privilege of talking with Cody Puckett about a few subjects that were close to his heart, as well as what he used as determination to get to the MLB.

How old were you when you first started playing baseball, and when did you decide it was something that you were passionate about?

Cody Puckett: “Honestly I can't remember when I first started playing baseball. I do know, though, that as soon as I was old enough to play tee ball I started. I honestly probably started throwing a ball around as soon as I could walk. There was just something about baseball that I loved from the start. I remember after tee ball games, if we lost I'd be so mad I would almost be crying while the other kids were just happy to be going to Dairy Queen after. That's just kind of me though. If I'm going to do anything, I'm going to be passionate and competitive about it.”

Who have been your greatest influences, and why?

CP: “One of my greatest influences would have to be my mother. Not so much from an athletic standpoint, but just from a work ethic perspective. Watching her work her regular job, then get off and go clean houses for extra money to take care of me while I was in middle and high school kind of stuck with me. It pushed me to work even harder at what I was doing in every aspect of life. I would also have to say Gregg Tubbs was a pretty big influence for me. I sometimes had doubts if I could ever play professional baseball just because I was from the middle of nowhere and people don't usually get any love from here. I kind of just kept in the back of my mind that if Gregg could do it, I had a chance.”

Have you had any serious injuries during your career that held you back? What kept you pushing to get back to the game?

CP: “The only half way serious injury I had was two summers ago when I had a hairline fracture in my elbow from pitching. Luckily it wasn't that serious and wasn't a long recovery, but my love for the game, and having to watch my teammates compete every day knowing I couldn't do anything, pushed me to get back as fast as possible.”

Have there been any other adversities that you have had to face?

CP: “I've faced several adversities during my lifetime that I've had to overcome. I'm not going to get into detail about that, but I honestly wouldn't change it. The adversity that I faced shaped me into the person I am today and made me tougher. It really pushed me in athletics because I saw it as a way to escape some things I didn't want to deal with. I think adversity develops character, and character is essential to success in anything in life that you do. That same adversity I faced as a kid growing up still drives me today. I just want to show people you're not confined to the circumstances you come from. You have control over your future, and anything is possible with a little determination.”

In baseball, who is your favorite player, why?

CP: My favorite player would have to be Madison Bumgarner. Throughout the regular season he is always a top 20 pitcher in the league, but when it comes to the postseason he's arguably one of the best pitchers to ever play the game. When the lights are the brightest, he rises to the occasion. I think that says the most about who you are. Not only as a baseball player, but as a competitor and a person. I think he's without a doubt the toughest pitcher in the MLB right now.”

If you had one thing you could say to the young people of DeKalb County who have a dream to play baseball, or to reach any goal, what would it be?

CP: “I would tell them not to get caught up in talk of small-minded people. People always told me I was crazy, and I had no chance of playing pro baseball. I was told I had no chance of playing Division 1 baseball. I would tell them to take that negativity, and bottle it up deep down inside them, and use it as motivation. It really doesn't matter if other people believe in you. It really only matters if you believe in you, and I think that's why I had success.”

We want to follow your career. When can we expect to get an update from you on your journey?

CP: “It shouldn't be long. I am in minicamp right now in Arizona for five days, but after that I should start rookie ball out here, or in Vermont. You should be able to get some updates once that starts.”

How awesome was the guy that kept stats for you during your high school career? I think that guy was me! Cheap plug, I know!

CP: (Laughs) “He was a great dude, and always made me laugh. I really enjoyed being around him!”

Thank you, Cody. That means a lot to me. It was certainly a privilege to watch you grow into the man you are today. I look forward, as does the rest of DeKalb County, to seeing you pitch your first Major League game! You will do great things!