Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen To Appear On MLB Network’s “Play Ball”
Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen took a break from shutting down hitters to appear on an episode of MLB Network’s “Play Ball”. If you’re not familiar with the program, “Play Ball” is a show geared towards kids that focuses on a player’s journey to the Majors and their career.
When asked about his mentality and his journey to becoming a reliever:
Basically, do my part. We have a goal and it’s try to win ballgames every day. When I come out there, I just try to win the ballgame. Doesn’t matter if it’s a one-run lead or a tie-game or a three-run lead, I always have that mindset to have a clean inning. Go out there and get three outs as quick as you can.
They wanted me to be a reliever from the get-go. So, they had a plan already with me. I don’t know why they didn’t make me a starter, but they saw that potential I had to be a reliever and everything clicked.
Check out some more fun facts about Kenley Jansen in the interview below!
The show would not have been complete, however, if they didn’t talk about his cutter. Jansen is considered one of best relievers in the game because of that pitch.
Here is what he had to say about how it all began:
I had one great bullpen catcher, he’s with the Cubs now, Mike Borzello. He caught Mariano Rivera for years and he kind of told me, ‘Hey, you guys have a similar pitch.’ His was natural too, just like mine was. That’s when I started manipulating more and started making better locations, and now it’s just worked out fine with me.
Learn how to throw a cutter just like Kenley Jansen in the video below!
If you want to see the full episode and learn more about Kenley Jansen, tune into MLB Network on Saturday at 7:00 AM PT!
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