Ever wanted to ask a sports personality a question? Now’s your chance. They will answer readers’ questions in The Denver Post’s “Fan Mail” feature.
In this edition, the Rockies’ Huston Street discusses the pressure of being a major league closer, talks up his hometown of Austin, Texas, and explains why the 2011 Rockies will be better than the ’09 club that made the playoffs.
Keep an eye out for the next week’s installment or make a suggestion for the next subject. Send your questions in an email to fanmail@denverpost.com.
How much better do you think this Rockies team is than the ’09 team that went to the playoffs?
— Pip, Denver
Huston Street: I think it remains to be seen, because the proof is in the pudding, but if we execute like I know we can, we can be significantly better than the ’09 team. That year, we fell into a rhythm and we exceeded all expectations. We really came on strong. Of course, it was the ’07 team that started all of that.
But it’s different now because the expectations are higher. And I mean no disrespect to our fans when I say this, but they want us to be eight games in first place right now. I understand that, because when you can’t control something — and the fans and the media can’t control how we play — you tend to panic more.
But there is no panic with us, because the good thing is that we can control this. That’s why we aren’t panicking. Some of us were talking about this just the other day in the clubhouse. We understand ourselves, and where we are at, much better than we did in 2009. We know how to handle the grind of a long season. We believe in this team. Our best is still to come.
When did you know you wanted to play baseball in the big leagues, and be a closer? And who is your closest friend on the team?
— Valerie, Palisade
HS: I’ll answer the closer question first.
I have always loved baseball, ever since I was a little kid. I always wanted to be starting pitcher, but being a closer was kind of thrust upon me.
My college team at Texas was so good that being a closer was really the only way I could get on the field. I would have done anything just to get to play. So, my freshman year they made me a closer and it just kind of stuck.
When I was a junior, Coach (Augie) Garrido asked me for my thoughts on the whole matter. I told him, of course, that I would do whatever the team needed. But I was hoping they would keep me as a closer because that gave me a chance to play almost every day. That’s what happened.
It’s funny, because I never had big-league dreams as a kid, I guess because I was just so locked into playing the games every day. I looked at what was in front of me, not way down the road. My big-league dreams started the summer after my freshman year. I played for USA Baseball and we were loaded with guys like (Detroit Tigers pitcher) Justin Verlander, (Boston Red Sox second baseman) Dustin Pedroia and (Milwaukee Brewers second baseman) Rickie Weeks. Those guys were — quote-unquote, the best in the nation — and I realized that I could hang with these boys.
My closest friends on the Rockies? That’s tough, I have made a lot of close friends. But I would probably have to say Matt Belisle, because he’s from Austin and we can share that, and Spilly (Ryan Spilborghs) and Tulo (Troy Tulowitzki).
When Austin has been described to me, invariably it is compared to Boulder. Would you make such a comparison? What is it about Austin that means so much to you?
— Max, Lakewood
HS: I have heard the comparison to Boulder quite a bit, but I think Denver is quite similar, too. So Austin, in some ways, is a mix of the two.
I love Austin, I was born there and I consider it one of the most unique places on earth. It’s an authentic place and I pray to God it stays that way.
You hear the slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” That’s great, but for me it’s not so much weird as it is authentic and cozy. It’s got wonderful lakes, green areas, artists and incredible music festivals. The city encourages all of those things and I think Austin has grown and blossomed.
It was a pretty easy decision to make Austin our home, and we never thought we would buy another house. But it took us just one year to decide to buy a house in Denver, too. That shows you how much we love this city.
My 23-year-old daughter moved to Austin last year. What is the one “hot spot” she shouldn’t miss? Also, why are the sleeve edges of the black shirts under your uniform cut so uneven? I can cut them straight for all you guys!
— Chris, Arvada
HS: Goodness gracious, we are talking about a lot of places in Austin. Hmm … I would say, definitely, tell her to find a friend who has a boat. I prefer Lake Austin or Lake Travis, but there are a lot to choose from. Being out on a lake, you find nothing but peace.
Lacey and I bought a house on the lake a few years ago at a time when we really couldn’t afford it. But it was my dream to have that lake house, so we went for it. If my career had taken a downturn I’m sure we would have had to sell that house. Three years ago, there was a higher level of uncertainty with my career, but it has all panned out. So we have our dream house on the lake.
As for the crazy sleeves, well, they look that way because that’s how we cut them — ourselves. I wear an extra-large shirt underneath, so I cut the sleeves just right, at or below my elbow so it feels comfortable for me.
What has been your most nerve-racking save and what is your most exciting save?
— Trevor, Gering, Neb.
HS: People sometimes find this hard to believe or understand, but I don’t think of any of my saves as “never-racking.” I don’t think of it as pressure in the sense that I get nervous in those moments.
Really, I’m so focused on one pitch … I’m throwing a fastball down and away, or making the hitter miss my changeup. When I get the job done, I expect to get it done. When I don’t, it’s a disappointment, but I don’t think it adds to pressure.
What are the saves I remember? Now that you have me thinking about it, I have about 45 saves running through my mind. But really, I don’t think one stands out above the rest.
For me, it’s about the moment. The best feeling — and it’s the same feeling every time — is when the last out is made or when I know it’s about to be made. I see Tulo scoop up the grounder, or Dex (Dexter Fowler) camped out under a fly ball in center, or Todd (Helton) squeezing the ball at first for the final out. I know it’s the last out and I know they can’t beat me today. That’s the moment I love.
You have an unusual delivery. You lower your head at an angle and come back up. Where did that come from?
— Craig, Highlands Ranch
HS: Goodness, where does any of that come from? I mean, where do batting stances come from? I guess that’s something all athletes ponder.
I think it comes from a slow adjustment to find your comfort level as a pitcher or batter. Eventually you create a basic mold — one that you are always tweaking a bit — but you stay as close to that mold, that form, as you possibly can.
I would say my sophomore year in college is when I really found myself as a pitcher. The first 12 years of my pitching career my arm angle and my mechanics were totally different. Once I changed, it took me about a year to really understand those mechanics and find my rhythm and timing.
Does your confidence waver after a blown save? What type of positive self-talk do you practice before, during or after save chances?
— Brandon, Arvada
HS: To get right to the heart of the question: My confidence never changes. It really doesn’t.
How do I put this? I definitely replay blown saves more than successful ones, but it’s never a confidence issue. I just expect to get the job done.
I think the better question is about the positive feedback. There is plenty of room for positive self-speak. I engage in that all the time. I visualize that I will throw the change-up to a left-hander down-and-away and the batter will ground out. I visualize that my slider will break just as the batter swings and (catcher Chris) Iannetta will catch it right before it hits the dirt. I see those things in my mind.
I remember watching your dad (Texas quarterback James Street) play football, and he was cool under pressure and a winner. You seem to have inherited those traits. I enjoyed watching you pitch in the College World Series for the Longhorns, and now I enjoy watching you close games for the Rockies. What was it like pitching in the College World Series?
— Steve, Aurora
HS: Pitching in the College World Series was absolutely incredible. To this day those moments are still my favorite, ultimate baseball moments. I guess the only moment that will beat those would be pitching in the World Series.
I say that because winning the College World Series meant I was winning at the highest level I could possibly play at the time. Winning that title in 2002 at Rosenblatt Stadium was almost indescribable.
And, let’s be honest, college is a special time in your life. That team was built on the passion of 18-, 19- and 20- year-old kids who had a special bond with their teammates and friends, and a special passion for their school. I think it’s a little different with professional sports.
Having said that, winning a World Series with the Rockies would be the ultimate professional goal. That’s one of the main reasons I signed a contract with the Rockies, because my one goal is to win a World Series.
What is the key to getting a clutch strikeout when attempting to save a game?
— Spencer, Cherry Creek High School
HS: I think this is a question that needs a place, a context.
When there are runners on first and third and just one out, you need a strikeout or a double-play ball. That’s when I think about a strikeout. I will be pitching differently then when I have a three-run lead.
The key to getting a strikeout is getting ahead; executing your pitches exactly to get up two strikes. When the count is 0-0, I never say to myself, “I’m going for a strikeout.” At that point, I can’t be trying to make the perfect pitch or looking for strikeout.
But when I get ahead with two strikes, I can do things to my advantage. I can get them to chase a changeup or chase a slider in the dirt. I can pitch to the black and to the corners. That’s when I get strikeouts.
Your entry song, “Hate Me Now,” do you even hear it?
— Neal, Arvada
HS: I really do hear it, but only right at the moment when I come out of the bullpen. I like the energy and the rhythm of that song.
I have the instrumental version of the song because I don’t really care for the lyrics. The song is part of my routine and part of my psyche as a get ready to pitch.
You’re known for being the music man on the Rockies. What’s your favorite song to play on guitar? How about on piano?
— Katerina, Arvada
HS: I’m much, much better at playing the guitar. I think my favorite song on the guitar is John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” the live version from L.A.
I just love the way he plays, the melodic approach and the way he delivers his solo. I couldn’t come close to playing like that. But I love that song. I listen to that song 10 times a week, every week of my life.
On piano, my favorite song to play would have to be “Carol of the Bells.” My favorite is the live version by George Winston. I would love to play like George Winston, but of course, I can’t.
Rockies closer Huston Street, 27, enters today’s game against the Mets having converted 12 of 13 saves this season. He’s not a power closer. Rather, he’s become a ninth-inning specialist by virtue of a moving fastball, a sharp slider and his wicked change-up to left-handed batters.
Born and bred in Austin, Texas, Street is the son of legendary Texas Longhorns wishbone quarterback James Street.
Street followed his dad to Texas and became a three-time All-American, helping lead the Longhorns to three College World Series appearances. In 2002, Texas won it all and Street was named MVP of the series after notching four saves.
Street’s big-league career began in Oakland where he was named American League rookie of the year in 2005 when he emerged as the A’s closer and saved 23 games in 27 chances.
Street, along with Carlos Gonzalez, arrived in Colorado in the November 2008 trade that sent Matt Holliday to Oakland. In 2009, Street converted 26 consecutive saves, setting a Rockies record.
Street and his wife, Lacey, own homes in Austin and Denver. They have a 9-month-old son named Ripken.
