We would like to thank Jerome Alviso
very much for taking the time out of his busy off season schedule to
do this interview. This was done in exchange for the posting of his
baseball camp on our site. We are happy to say that the camp was a
success despite a few set backs.
1) How much of your fathers
baseball experience in the Philadelphia Phillies' system from 1967-69 help
you in your baseball career so far? What kind of role does your family
play in your baseball career?
Jerome: My father has a played a
crucial role in my development both as a baseball player and as a
person. His experience as a professional helped him to guide me in
the right direction and understand the commitment level necessary to play
at that level. My family is very important to my survival as a minor
league baseball player. My wife, Barbie, and I are apart for a
significant amount of time throughout the baseball season and her support
allows me to compete at my best each and every night. My mother,
Joan, has scarified tremendously to assist me in every way possible,
between her and my dad("Jumbo") they put me through Junior College by
working extra and making sacrifices. I owe a lot of what I've
accomplished to my parents, but I understand that I've become
who I am because of their guidance and constant
support.
2) What is your earliest ! baseball memory
and first
professional baseball game? Any favorite players as a
kid?
Jerome: My earliest baseball memories are those of my family
traveling around the S.F. Bay area to watch my dad play on his weekend
semi-pro baseball teams. My father played for many different
teams and we met and interacted with many interesting and diverse
teammates. My brother, Jason(29), and I would always tag
along and have our own baseball games going on beyond the outfield
fences. My mom and sister, Jenet(33), would occasionally make
it a family trip to the ballpark for a weekend doubleheader. I have
no true recollection of a "favorite "player.
3) As a boy in Livermore, CA. what opportunities did
you have to play organized baseball?
Jerome: I played
in the normal little league setting, until I was 15 when a league outside
the area contacted me to play for them( Castro Valley Babe Ruth).
The team I played for advanced to the Western Regionals and I began
to realize that baseball could take me places that I'd only dreamed
of. My dad started a Senior Babe Ruth team in Livermore(16-18Yr.
olds), and I continued to play on that team, and we continued to make it
into tournaments throughout the state and western United
States.
4) Where did you play high
school baseball at and what are your fondest memories? What position
did you mainly play in high school and what was you senior year like
(stats)?
Jerome: I attended Granada High School,
where I played both football and basketball along with baseball, but
I did not excel at any single sport. I actually sat on the bench for
the 1st third of my junior year until and injury forced me into the lineup
at 2nd base, but as bad as it sounds, I actually was the player that the
DH hit for in the line-up- A pretty low point in my career, but at least I
was in the line-up!! During the final third of the season, I was
inserted into the offensive part of the line-up and actually put up good
enough numbers to make it as an Honorable Mention All-League player.
My senior year was very average, I did much better as a relief pitcher
than that of an offensive player. I played mostly shortstop, but
made the All-League on the 1st team as a Utility player (a tag which I
have not been able to get rid of??).
5) How and where did you
showcase your baseball
talent...
a) while in high
school?
b) while in junior college?
Jerome: While playing at Canada
J.C.(Redwood City, CA.), I enjoyed my first real success as
a developing baseball player. My Head Coach(Mike Garcia) taught
me a lot about overcoming adversities and being a mentally tough
player. I became a "player" during my 2 years at Canada,
and began to draw some mild interest both from colleges and the
professional scouts. Mind you I attended junior college because I
wanted to prepare myself to go on to a university to attain a college
degree and maybe walk-on at the school I chose to do this
at.
c) while in Div. I
college?
Jerome: At Cal State Fullerton I once again faced adversity coming into a
program which had just won a National Championship the year before I
transferred in(1995). My sophomore season at Canada had been such a
success that I expected it to only g! et easier, unfortunately that isn't
how it works. I found myself competing to play at a position
which I was not recruited to come in and play(2nd base). I
spent quite a few games on the bench watching the action, but once again I
learned more small things to make me better and earned my spot back in the
line-up. My senior year went a little better, I was back at
shortstop and felt as confident as ever. Then I got hit by the
injury bug, a sprained knee ligament. This sidelined me for about 2
weeks, but it again put my focus back on what was important, the HARD
WORK! I finished my senior season by playing the best offense I ever
could have dreamed of in the Big West Tournament( I think that I had
a 5 hit game and a 6 hit game during the 6 games of the tournament- I was
unconscious).
6) In 1995, after you were
voted a junior college All-American, what was your experience like being
invited to the U.S. Olympic baseball
trials?
Jerome: I really enjoyed the opportunity to
try out for our country's Olympic team. the competition at these
events is tremendous and gave me a chance to meet a great deal of talented
players from all across the nation, many of which I still have
relationships with today.
7) What was your college
experience at Cal. State Fullerton like in comparison to pro
ball?
Jerome: Cal State Fullerton produces
many major and minor league players for a very good reason- the treat
their baseball very seriously, as it is in pro ball. The same can be
said for many other college programs, but I have been able to
point out numerous things that I was exposed to prior to signing
a professional contract that high school kids or players from other
colleges don't get the chance to learn at that level, because I chose to
go to Cal State ! Fullerton. I credit a lot of what I know about why
the game is played the way it is to both of my great head coaches at Cal
State Fullerton(1996-Augie Garrido & 1997-George Horton).
8) What did it feel like
before, during and after being selected in the 17th round of the 1997 June
draft?
Jerome: I didn't know what to expect
from the 1997 draft, I knew that I had a good year and that scouts had
contacted me, but there was no certainty. I remember having a
post-season meeting with coach Horton and letting him know that I would
not pursue baseball past college if I went undrafted. Fortunately, I
didn't have to make that decision and I was excited to finally see what
the professional side of baseball was all about. I was very happy
for my parents especially my father after I was notified by my
scout(Abe Flores). I just felt like "WE had finally done
it!!"
9) I heard somewhere you pitched an
inning for Salem, retiring the side. Tell
us about that experience.
Jerome: I have actually pitched an
inning each of the past two seasons for Salem. I had an opportunity
to pitch to a college teammate of mine the 1st year and i still let him
know to the day that I got him out(even though he led the Southern League
in RBI's this past season). This past year's appearance was more
interesting because I actually recorded my 1st strikeout, but the whole
thing is just a fun way of putting a blowout game in the books without
wasting an extra pitcher.
10) I know you have played
several position in your minor league career. What is your most
favorite? Also, tell us about your hitting streaks in the 2000
season.
Jerome: I actually enjoy the idea of
going to the ballpark not knowing exactly what position I might
play. I am also a versatile offensive player so I have hit in every
slot in the line-up except clean up. I've played every position in a
game except centerfield and catcher( although I've had to catch in the
bullpen on numerous occasions because of injuries). Hitting streaks
are great, they give you a reason to focus on every at bat, and when you
think about it, every day could be the start of a hitting streak- so you
better get that hit you need. It all starts with one...(Joe
did)
11) Finally, Jerome, what is
something you want people to know about you outside of
baseball?
Jerome: The only interesting thing that
I do is substitute teach during my off- season, and I find it very
enjoyable to try and assist in the development our youth. With kids
anything is possible, you just have to make them believe it to be
true.
