Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony talks Kershaw, Drake Maye, baseball besties & MORE! | MLB Office Hours

This is Roman Anthony and this is MLB office hours. >> Oh, Roman Anthony. A monster shot. A no doubter from Roman Anthony. >> Got Roman Anthony in office hours. New York City headquarters visiting. What are you here for, Roman? Why are you in New York right now? >> Well, first and foremost to see you guys. Um, just visit this this awesome place. And then we have a like Italian Baseball Federation gala tonight that I’m heading to. So, um, just a quick day trip. I got here this morning. I’m heading out tomorrow morning. So, I try to get up here, you know, during the winter time when when the tree goes up and and try to see all the madness at least once a year. We came here as kids growing up and >> yeah, >> um, you know, my sister figure skated and so we used to love to come here and skate around and just see New York City. So, >> who’s the better athlete between the two of you guys? >> Me. >> Yeah. Okay. Have you been recognized in the streets of New York yet? >> Um, no. No, no, not yet. Maybe when I was here when we played the Yankees. Yeah. But um >> not today. >> Nice people out here. Great. They’re awesome. >> Very welcoming. I’m not asking you this question, but how often do people ask you what your Roman Empire is? >> So that was like a last year thing when I um I remember or maybe even my first year in 23 when I was uh going up to Boston um to get an award at the end of the year. I got asked that question by a ton of different people. I had no idea what it meant. And then I realized that it was like some sort of trend and then from there on out it became kind of like an ongoing joke. Um, still not really sure what it >> Do you do? You just make up a different thing every time you’re >> Yeah, I just kind of say the same thing every time. Actually, I don’t really know. I’m not sure. I’ll get I’ll get back to you on that next time. But, um, yeah, I’ve been asked that quite a few times now, so I should probably get an answer to that. >> We Somebody said it in the room, but I’m curious what kind of reaction this brings to you. What What’s the deal with you and ketchup? I just never really liked it. Um I think I said it on a on an interview one time and it didn’t really blow up then, but then it was on a it was on like a graphic I think in San Diego it was. >> Yeah. >> And then that’s when it really blew up and uh a lot of ketchup people up north. So um >> because your wording was very strong. Exterminated off the face of the earth. >> I’m not a ketchup guy at all. I don’t like the smell of it. I don’t like anything that >> you know. But um yeah, I caught some heat for that for sure. um more than I thought I would. But yeah, I’m a hot sauce guy and I’m not really picky. >> No. Like, do you have other food hot takes? >> Not really. I mean, I like pretty much >> It’s just ketchup. >> Drives you nuts. >> It’s really just ketchup. >> I remember like Corbin Carroll when we did this with him, he said he hates cheese, and that became like a big thing now people ask him about all the time. So, we’re probably going to make this worse for you. >> Um I gotta be honest. Um all right, we’re gonna do a couple quick hitters. In your mind, the best movie of all time is what? I’m a huge fan of the town. Uh I always say the town and in every interview I’ve done, I love the town. Um even before I was I was drafted and funny enough, when I first went to Fenway, my first thought was the town, not like anything else, right? But um >> Okay. >> I love the town. Um you know, the departed. Um >> now you’re just naming anything that has to do with Massachusetts. >> Yeah, pretty much. Um, so yeah, those those two are the first two probably that come to mind. >> A typical off day when you’re healthy now. What’s a typical off day like for you? >> Yeah, for me I like to just do everything early morning training wise. Um, you know, get in the gym and and you know, this off seasonason was a little different with um the rehab stuff earlier on, but then now um kind of just incorporating some things in to make sure that you know, we we stay healthy and continue to get stronger. and then uh do all my workout hitting early morning. Um and then just try to enjoy the rest of my day, go to the beach, go golf. Um now that I’m I’m cleared and healthy, I’ve been back on the golf course. Um kind of eased into it, but um love to golf. Love to go to the beach. How good are you at golf? Because Jackson Holiday has kind of trashed your game a little bit in the past. So I’m just >> No, he still trashes my game. I’m pretty terrible. I just like playing. I like going out. I’m I’m a good vibes guy on the course. I don’t really >> Everyone needs that. >> I play fast. I play bad fast. Um, >> bad fast. >> So, I just like getting out there. I enjoy being out on the course with with a good group of guys. >> That should be a t-shirt of yours. I think I play bad fast golf. >> I do. Yeah, I like to play fast golf. >> I love it. Favorite athlete right now. Doesn’t have to be a baseball player. I was always fascinated with with Tiger Woods, especially when I got into golf a few years ago. And um obviously when I was he was in his prime when I was >> being born, so I didn’t really get to experience that, but um him being a local guy, I’ve seen his son out on the course quite a few times. Um but I’m fascinated with golf. Yeah. So really any good golfer I if you go on my phone or like my Instagram, it’s all just golf realels. Um, so yeah, I’d say anything with that has to do with golf, I’m pretty fascinated by. And living in Jupiter, there’s a lot of Yeah. >> a lot of guys that I’ve gotten to meet and work out with that are that are golf guys. So, it’s pretty cool. >> So, obviously Jackson’s talked about your golf game. Who is good, though? Like, are there guys Are there league guys or like pro guys that you’ve played with that are really good? >> Jackson’s really good. Um, Kaden Dana, one of my good buddies with the Angels. He’s >> great. Great. >> Yeah, great hair. Uh, great great tats, great uh great golf game. Um, >> okay. >> A lot of the guys down there though, I mean, the guys that live in Florida, it’s almost like they it feels like they live there to play golf. And for me, like growing up in that area, it’s such like a a hot spot for golf. And I never played growing up. I I started when I got into pro ball. So, I was late to it for sure. Um, but there’s a lot of guys that I’ve played with that are that are really good golfers. A show you can watch over and over. >> Entourage. >> Okay. Is that just because Marcelo looks like Vinnie Chase or >> Yeah. Is that why you started watching? >> Yeah. So, uh, that’s so when he got drafted, obviously I was drafted the year after, so I didn’t I didn’t know him yet, but he blew up for looking like Vinnie Chase. And then, uh, when we became roommates and lived together, he’s like, “You got to watch this show.” And he was, uh, he was shocked that I hadn’t seen it yet. So, we watched it and and since since then, I think that was the spring training of 23. Since then, I’ve probably seen the show like five or six times. >> All the way through. >> All the way through. >> So, you love it. You’re in. Yeah, we love it. We just kind of turn it on after games or like we’ll just turn on a random episode. It’s It’s one of those shows you can just go to season six and turn on a random episode and just sit there and laugh. Um and obviously Marcelo is is a clone of >> He really looks like him. >> So everywhere we go, we hear it and it’s like, >> are you you’re not Marcelo, you’re Chase. So >> it’s really quite crazy how much they look alike. >> It’s insane. >> So I’m curious. Max Clark had said to us that seeing Bryce Harper on a field was like surreal to him. Is there anybody that you have or that you would see on a baseball field where you’d be like, “It’s kind of dope that I’m out here.” >> Yeah, I think for me it was just like the guys that I uh that I grew up, you know, as a kid watching and and um that are still around the game now um and getting to see what they’ve done with their careers. Even guys on on my team, um >> you know, Bregman Story, Araldis Chapman, like these guys that I’ve >> played in in MLB the show with when I was like 10 years old. um you know getting to getting to take the field with these guys and then on the other side of it I think just um you know I thought Aaron Judge was was it’s like watching him is like in slow motion and and uh you know same with show Otani and and yeah getting to face Clayton Kershaw for me was >> was really cool trying to like lock in and stop staring at him on the mound thinking like wow that’s pretty insane but um >> yeah there’s just a ton honestly like I think most of the teams that I went to I was like wow this is pretty cool to get to Yeah, >> you know, either meet up with the guy and talk with him or um get on first base and talk to Bryce, talk to Freddy Freeman, guys like that. Um >> it’s pretty cool. Yeah, like Kershaw, you just mentioned, I didn’t even think about that. He’s basically been pitching your whole life, right? So then you’re like, I played it in video games with him, watch him on TV, and now I’m just like, I got to focus and try to hit the ball off of this legend. >> Yeah. And then uh there was some really cool moments that I had where it was like um you know when Mookie came up to pinch hit and in the ninth when we were playing the Dodgers and uh it was him against Chapman and I’m I’m in right and I felt like I was almost like a spectator and it’s like I got to lock back your gloves down. You’re like >> well it get hit me. Um, but just cool moments like that, you know, growing up you never really like think about it too much and then even when you’re in the moment, but it’s cool now like being in the offseason to look back and and see all the the cool experiences that I had and and the the players that I shared the field with and like guys like Kershaw who who just retired and um you know, I got to be a part of of that and you know, part of his last year. So, um it’s cool. It’s awesome. This one’s a little like of a deeper question. We’ve been been asking guys like what does baseball mean to you? And it can be a short answer or a long answer. Like Akuna was just like it’s everything. >> And I love when I when I go there, I love to compete every time. >> Yeah. Everything for me. >> But I’m curious like you’re a gamer. Like this is has been your life. Like what how could you describe what this sport has meant to you so far? >> Yeah. Um I mean similar. It’s like it’s pretty much everything. It’s been everything since I was I was um since I could walk. I played a bunch of different sports growing up. Um, but for me, baseball was always the one and I always kind of cling to baseball real early. Um, and then, you know, throughout high school, you know, you start getting recruited, different things like that. So, it becomes your life in a sense, but, uh, in a good way, in the best way possible. I mean, I get to play a kids game for a living, so um, you know, I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. It’s a it’s a dream come true. So, um, it’s pretty much everything to me, too. When did you realize you had a real chance? Was it when you hit three consecutive grand slams as like a little leager, which is I don’t even know how that’s real. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um >> wasn’t even that long ago for you, but like >> uh Yeah. No, I mean since I was young, I like I said, baseball was always the one that really stuck out for me and and that I was um better at than, you know, other sports that I played. So, um for me, it was always just a dream since I was a young kid that I just wanted to fulfill. Um, and then I never really, um, it was never really something that I like put expectations on myself or uh, anything like that. I just, like I said, I get to play kids game and I was just trying to play it, you know, in college. I got an opportunity to get a scholarship to play in college and that meant more baseball to me. And then I got scouted by, uh, you know, pro teams, obviously drafted by the Red Sox, and then, uh, just another opportunity to play more baseball. So, um, >> you know, it kind of happens really fast. So, I don’t really >> you don’t really know the the full answer to that, but for me it was ever since a young age. It was like it was my dream. >> I assume you remember the three consecutive grand slams, though. I mean, >> I remember that. Yeah. Yeah. >> Were they just soft tossing it up? I mean, do something else. Try something else. >> That was uh that was just I was hot. When you’re hot, you’re hot. >> It’s like in the Coopertown record book. >> Yeah, that was a fun that was >> when you’re hot, you’re hot. >> Some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball was in was in Coopertown for sure with uh with my buddies back home. So this question is who is your baseball bestie? I don’t know if it’s anybody we’ve mentioned already. >> Um yeah, I mean it would be hard to say not to not to say Marcelo and you know Jackson and Kaden, you know, the guys that aren’t on my team, but it was fun. Like this year I felt like our whole team were all just were all besties like >> um all the guys. We had such a great group of of veteran guys, young guys. Um so it was just a pleasure to come to the field every single day. Um but yeah, definitely, you know, coming up with with Marcelo the most and living with him. Um >> good roommate or what? >> Yeah. Great. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Good roommate. >> Um this says that you’ve potentially cut his hair before. Is this true? >> Yeah, I gave him a buzz cut. >> How’d that go? >> He looked great. >> Yeah, he uh he definitely prefers long hair, but um >> he knew you were giving him a cut, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. It was originally uh we gave our friend one um who had a bet with Marcelo and then Marcelo saw it and was like, “Wow, I like that. I want it.” And so I gave him a buzz cut and then so our whole house was like buzzed during spring training. Um with the exception of myself. >> Yeah. You’re not can’t touch that. >> No, I I did it during COVID and I’ll never do it again. Yeah. >> No. No. Don’t touch that. No. >> Um with Jackson though, it’s interesting. Obviously, you guys grew up somewhat near each other, right? He was in Florida growing up. you’ve been out to his compound to their compound in Stillwater. >> We got a chance to go there last year. Uh what’s it like training out there and and you know, obviously you guys have a good relationship. Ethan’s now been drafted, but just being around the holiday crew up there and what’s what was that like? >> Yeah, it’s awesome. It’s like baseball heaven. I mean, you have Oklahoma State right there and and their facilities are unreal and and um you know, Matt’s brother is the head coach there. So, um it it just feels like baseball heaven when you’re there and it’s they’re such a great family. Um Matt’s helped me so much um during my career and and just getting to have a guy like that who’s not only my friend’s dad but um you know made an unbelievable impact on the game. um getting to talk with him and and even during the year when I’m not there um you know he’ll call me and and check in and uh me checking in with Ethan when he was in high school and and seeing you know him develop and that process that that Jackson and I went through. Um getting to watch him go through it was was pretty special and and just getting to go out there and spend time out there. there’s always someone out there and and different players and I’ve made great relationships with with guys who I never thought I would cross paths with um you know through the holidays and and through that trip out there. So I’ve spent quite a bit of time out there and uh that’s awesome. >> That’s awesome. >> We saw like there was a leader exit VO leaderboard and you were on the top at the time we were there >> and they were like well Bryce Harper might come here next week so he might beat this and then Jazz came like a week after this one you guys were still in like you know trying to make it to the show. >> Yeah, exactly. It was it was uh it’s motivating to see, you know, you get guys out there and and and when Jackson and I were in the minor leagues and um guys would come out and big league guys would come out and then like I said, you know, just being around Matt and and the experience that he’s had and um you know, the Oklahoma State guys, the coaching staff, the players, just being in that environment, I think makes you uh it just makes you better. And I think uh you know, I give a whole whole lot of credit to them out there and to what they do for, you know, the baseball community. They do so much. Yeah, Matt’s been training me physically. I don’t know if you could tell, but uh we’re doing we’re eating the same stuff. >> Good guy to be around for sure. >> His arm was my entire body. >> Yeah. >> Have you played pickle ball with them, though? Cuz that was a different type of intensity. >> Yeah. Yeah. Matt’s intense. I’ve uh I’ve played a little bit. I can’t I can’t keep up with uh >> He’s so good. >> Yeah, they they are uh legit pickle ballers out there. And Matt’s taken pride in in his game out there, and >> that’s like his pride and joy now. So, um I think he’s he’s getting a little bit more towards golf now. Jackson’s trying to get him to golf a little bit more and to get away from the pickle ball, but um >> I keep telling Jackson like good luck. >> Another another guy tomorrow is coming in, Jack Haggleó. Uh went to Florida obviously. Curious if you’ve been able to if you guys have either played with or against each other in the past or you have anything. >> Yeah. Yeah. He’s a good buddy of mine. We stay in touch quite a bit. You know, we we actually have the same agents here. So, um, I’ve gotten to, uh, watch him kind of grow and and go through Florida and and just dominate every level he’s been at. So, um, he’s a he’s a fun player to watch. He’s going to make a a big impact for a long time in this game and just a good human being, though, uh, more importantly. So, I’m looking forward to seeing him here and to seeing him next year and sharing the feel with him. >> We saw some Instagram comments going back and forth. Drake May having a big year. Have you guys been able to have a conversation? I know we said you I might have grown up a Bills fan, but like watching what he’s doing now, how’s that been? Have you guys met? >> Yeah, I’m a Drake May fan for sure. Yeah, we uh we’ve talked a little bit. Um he’s reached out he reached out to me during the season. Uh we have some some mutual friends and and uh you know guys who work in the restaurant business in Boston who have connected us and um obviously getting to see them you know get drafted you know him and and Will in particular uh and to see what they’ve the impact that they’ve made already. It’s uh it’s exciting. I think you know the the city has a lot to look forward to. And I don’t even think for them especially it’s not really the future anymore. It’s kind of the present because of what they’re doing right now. So it’s exciting to watch and uh obviously now I’m I’m a Patriots fan too. So >> is this breaking news? >> Don’t let my dad hear that. But uh no it’s it’s awesome to just see what he’s doing and and uh those are those are great guys. You mentioned your dad. Do you feel left out that your name is not Anthony Anthony? >> Not at all. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Is it it’s true though that there’s three Anthony? Is there three Anthony? >> Yeah. Yeah, there’s there’s a there’s a few of them. So, >> but you don’t you don’t miss. You’re all right. >> No, I’m good. We get weird a lot of weird looks at the airport for sure. >> All right. And we’re in New York. We were going to show it to you, but just for time sake, you hit a major home run at Yankee Stadium. Your first time at Yankee Stadium. Give us quickly what what that moment was like. You’re kind of you you have some aura, too. You gave a little bat flip to it, but did you black out? Like what happened there? >> Yeah. Um I had a blast playing there. I thought it was it was the most fun I’ve had playing baseball in a while was was playing in the Bronx. Um and you know, just that rivalry. I got to experience it at home at Fenway. Um and saw how insane it was at home and and you know, it’s one of those those series that you kind of look at on the calendar and you’re just kind of waiting for it. Um but it’s just a really fun place to play and and uh that was definitely a special moment for me. It was a lot of fun. Had some friends there. Um, so it was good to to to do that and to play there.

Roman Anthony talks Drake Maye, MLB’s up-and-coming stars, looks back on facing Clayton Kershaw among other surreal moments from his rookie campaign – and more – in this episode of MLB Office Hours.

Don’t forget to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/mlb

Follow us elsewhere too:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MLB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlb
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mlb

Check out MLB.com daily to watch the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day! https://mlb.com/freegame

Visit our site for all baseball news, stats and scores! https://www.mlb.com/

10 comments
Leave a Reply