Catching up with Rob Gilliam

Docking with the Ports sits down with Rob Gilliam as he discusses the season in Stockton and what his off-season consists of.

Stockton Ports: How was your experience in Stockton this season?

Rob Gilliam: It was great! I had a really good time.

SP: Do you have a favorite Ports memory?

RG: I really had fun making ice cream floats for the fans [on Root Beer Float Day], and obviously the spray in the locker room after the Division Championship Series win!
SP: Who were you closest with on the team?

RG: It’d be impossible to name just one person, we had the closest knit team I’ve ever played on, and everyone on the team became really good friends with one another.

SP: Who was the funniest guy on the team this season?

RG: Hands down, [pitcher] Connor Hoehn!!!

SP: What was it like claiming the California Northern Division Championship Title?

RG: It was a blast! The locker room after was the craziest moment I’ve ever had in baseball.

SP: Any weird pre-game rituals?

RG: I drink a few energy drinks, but that’s about it.

SP: Will you keep in touch with any of your Ports teammates in the off-season?

RG: Yes, definitely. Hopefully I’ll be able to hang out with a few this off-season.

SP: Ports jersey theme nights – This year you all wore five different jerseys. If you could come up with any specialty jersey to wear, what would it be?

RG: A’s, duh!
SP: What was the highlight of your 2011 season?

RG: Winning the Northern Division Series.

SP: What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

RG: Getting back out on the field and playing in front of fans again.
SP: What will you do to get ready for next season in the off-season?

RG: Follow the off-season workout program the A’s have for us, and try to make some physical gains.
SP: Are there areas where you want to improve for next year?

RG: All year I struggled with my change-up, but I made some strides at instructs, and I hope to build off that.

SP: Were you expected to be drafted when you were in 2009 or did it come as a surprise?

RG: I thought I had a chance, and was really happy when I was drafted.
SP: If you weren’t a pitcher, what position would you want to play?

RG: Shortstop, what else?

SP: Favorite baseball player of all time?

RG: Nolan Ryan
SP: Finish this sentence – I can’t live without…

RG: Mexican food.
SP: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

RG: I really dislike pickles.
SP: Favorite restaurant in Stockton?

RG: Green Frog.
SP: What is your favorite thing to do in the off-season?

RG: Hang out with my family and friends!

SP: Any big plans for the off-season?

RG: Nope!
SP: Did you think St. Louis was going to win the World Series? Did you watch?

RG: Never would have thought St. Louis would pull it out, until the win in game 6. That was unbelievable!
SP: If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

RG: Spontaneous, fun, yes-man.
SP: One food that you can’t live without?

RG: Macaroni & Cheese.
SP: You were born in Virginia, and live in North Carolina. What’s the biggest difference between the east and west coast?

RG: The biggest and most noticeable difference has to be the humidity.  The east coast is really humid during the summer, but that didn’t seem to be an issue in Stockton.
SP: What did you study in college at Greensboro?

RG: Political Science.

SP: Your birthday is coming up at the end of November. Any big plans?

RG: Nope, no big plans, if anyone would like to take me on vacation they’re more than welcome!