Jason Donald

All Buchanan High alum Jason Donald has done in less than a year is played in Major League Baseball’s futures game at Yankee Stadium and won a bronze medal with team USA at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Now, Donald is trying to earn a roster spot with the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in spring training. As of Sunday March 15, Donald is batting .326 this spring and has played in every game but one. Donald spoke to VSP.com President George Takata about his strong spring start, his busy schedule and high school teammate Justin Wilson.

GEORGE TAKATA: How has spring training gone so far?
JASON DONALD: It’s going well. I’ve learned a lot and that’s the biggest thing about it and being in the position I’m in right now; being around vets, guys that have been in the big leagues for a long time, trying to be a sponge and soak up as much as I can and I think I’ve done that. It’s been good thus far. I’m getting into game shape and getting a feel for my swing and the things I want to do.

GT: Is this the year you’re going to make the big league club?
JD: (laughs) I don’t know. I’ve tried for the longest time to tell the future and I’ve never been able to do that. I dont have that crystal ball. I don’t know if I’ll have that opportunity. I don’t have any control over it.

GT: You do to some extent…
JD: I was just going to say that. To some extent I do have control over it. The only thing I can do is prepare each day and get my work in.

GT: What positions have you played this spring?
JD: I’ve been playing second, short and third base. I’ve done a lot of different things and picked up on a lot of things. Just observing and getting to watch guys has been a big key for me.

GT: Does playing multiple positions help your chances of cracking the big league roster?
JD: It’s something that they had me do when I went to the Arizona Fall League. They talked to me about it when I left for Beijing. It’s a way for me to break in a little sooner. (Jimmy) Rollins and Chase Utley aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so if someone goes down I feel and they feel like I could be that guy to fill in those spots. Whatever helps me get to the big leagues that’s what I’ll do, but I’m a shortstop by trade.

GT: Is there a different vibe around camp with the fans since the Phillies won it all last year?
JD: There always seems to be kind of a buzz in the air. When we’re at home, people are so excited to see the team. To be a part of it is a special privilege. They aren’t resting on their laurels at all. They’re looking to repeat.

GT: Would you welcome a trade if it gave you a better chance to play in the majors?
JD: I don’t think about it. Trades, that’s the business side of the game. Those things are going to happen. I never thought about getting traded. I like the Phillies. I like the people in the organization. They’re kind of old school in how they handle their business. It fits me well.

GT: Talk about the last few months. What’s been the best moment?
JD: It’s gone by so fast I just cant pick one and say this was the best part about it. I believe all these things have been stepping stones. I obviously feel very fortunate to participate in all those things. They were all special events in their own way.

GT: What was it like to put on that USA jersey for the first time?
JD: Kind of crazy. I never thought I’d put one of these on. To represent your country in the Olympics, to wear the jersey and the hat was kind of surreal.

GT: Since your dad is the head baseball coach at Buchanan, do you still keep track of the program?
JD: All the time. Every day I still root for my high school. I take a lot of pride in Buchanan athletics. I’m proud of the school. I try to support and go to games when I go home. It crushes me when they lose in any sport, especially in baseball since my dad (Tom) is the head coach.

GT: How proud were you of Justin Wilson when he clinched the national championship for Fresno State?
JD: He was my teammate at Buchanan when I was a senior and he was a sophomore. I was fired up for him just because I knew how hard he worked to get to that point and to have the great career he had there. I was very thrilled for Justin because our families are close. I was happy for him, his parents and his sister.

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