Long Island native Danny Barnes was back in New York this week as the Blue Jays reliever came to the Bronx to pitch against the Yankees.
Barnes, who has a 0.77 ERA in 12 appearances this season, played his high school ball at Manhasset Secondary School, where he went 8-1 with an ERA of 0.80 as a senior. In 2010, the Blue Jays drafted Barnes out of Princeton. He pitched 12 games for the 2016 Blue Jays team that made the playoffs, and pitched in 60 games last year, going 3-6 with a 3.55 ERA.
Barnes spoke with NY Sports Day on Sunday.
NYSD: Have any family at the game today?
DB: A lot, yeah.
NYSD: You grew up as a Yankee fan. Did you ever go to the old stadium?
DB: Yeah, a bunch.
NYSD: Did you have a favorite moment?
DB: I remember when they won the ’96 World Series. I wasn’t there for it but I remember watching it on TV. That was my first baseball memory.
NYSD: Was there a certain pitcher you tried to model yourself after?
DB: I always admired Roger Clemens, his competitiveness and stuff. And Mariano Rivera, obviously, he was so good and always cool under pressure.
NYSD: What is it like actually being on the mound here?
DB: The first time was pretty special. Now it’s just like any other game, just focused on trying to win.
NYSD: Why do you think you guys have been able to start off so strong this year?
DB: Our offense has been great. Guys have really been swinging it well. That’s putting us in good spots to lock down wins.