Ahead of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers, Sportsnet caught up with Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ryan Goins.
The 27-year-old covered a range of topics, including his plans for a big dinner Wednesday night, how he always wants to steal bases, his approach at the plate, and how he grew up a Rangers fan.
Sportsnet: Where did you get your nickname, Go-Go?
Ryan Goins: I’m not sure who first called me that. It just goes with the first two letters of my last name; it was my nickname when I was young, too. It kinda went away in college and then came back when I got to pro ball. That’s it, right there—Go-Go-Goins. I wish I had an exciting story for ya.
SN: You grew up in Texas. Who did you cheer for as a kid?
RG: The Rangers, actually. This should be a good time. I was a Rangers fan until I got drafted.
SN: Oh wow.
RG: Yeah, it’s gonna be a good time, this series. I used to go to the games when I was a little kid and always dreamed about playing on the field. And finally this year I played there for the first time. Now playing in the playoffs it’s kinda crazy; all my friends back home, they’re probably not gonna know who to root for. But I know where my heart will be and I know my family’s rooting for us. Hopefully we’ll come out on top.
LISTEN: At the Letters previews Blue Jays vs. Rangers ALDS
SN: I imagine as a kid you never dreamt of playing for the Blue Jays.
RG: Having a whole country behind you is something you never dream about. I mean, New York is a big city, so is Chicago, so is L.A., but there’s no team that has the nation-wide support like we have. I love it here. It’s different. I love the city and I love the energy.
SN: Let’s talk about your bat. What happened this season?
RG: I made some adjustments. I knew who I was at the plate, and I came into spring training and said let me do things my way and I’ll show you I can be an everyday player in this league. And with injuries and stuff like that it worked out where I almost played every day and did well, and I think things turned around for me.
SN: Did you not think you could do what you wanted at the plate last season?
RG: Last year was a little bit of a struggle with some philosophies I was taught and some things that were being done. So I went home in the off-season and I got back with my hitting guy at home and I said, ‘Let’s go back to what I’ve always done before.’ It seemed to work out. I’m not blaming anyone; it was me at the plate last year doing all the hitting. I’m just glad everything worked out and I got myself back where I need to be.
SN: The Blue Jays hitting coach, Brook Jacoby, said you’re probably the most improved of anyone on the team this season.
RG: That’s great for someone to say, someone who’s in there putting in the work with me. He’s helped me a lot mindset-wise with being myself and not trying to be something I’m not. He’s pretty much given me the freedom to go out there and play and be relaxed and have good at-bats, which is unbelievable. I thank him for that.
SN: Defensively, do you ever surprise yourself with the plays you’re able to make?
RG: I always expect myself to make great plays. I’ve been a defensive player my whole life and always made pretty good plays. But there’s times you go and look at the highlight, and yeah, it kind of surprises me.
SN: So you watch your own highlights?
RG: Oh yeah. If I make a big play for sure I go back and watch it. I come in here [the clubhouse] and watch it after the inning sometimes.
SN: I hope you make your teammates watch with you.
RG: Yeah, for sure. Gotta let ‘em know.
SN: First base coach Tim Leiper says you always want to steal.
RG: Yeah, but he never lets me. Wanting to steal and actually stealing are two different things. I always tell him I want to but there’s times and situations in the game where you can’t go.
SN: But you’re Go-Go.
RG: Yeah, tell him. I’m gonna start goin’. [Laughs.]
SN: What’s with that stuffed bear you carry around and take pictures of?
RG: My bear’s at home in my apartment now. They made us carry it around, the rookies on the team, just for two weeks. Now he sits in a recliner at my place and watches TV while I’m gone.
SN: Nice life. What’s his name?
RG: I named him Gem. First name Web. So, Web Gem.
SN: Why?
RG: Because I want to make Web Gems.
SN: Ok. How are you feeling ahead of Game 1 of the ALDS?
RG: It’s interesting; I thought I would be nervous coming into it and I haven’t been nervous at all. I know it’s gonna be super energized and super fun, so I’m excited.
SN: Will you sleep well the night before the first game?
RG: For sure. Well, we’ll see. Maybe I’ll just eat a big dinner, eat myself into a food coma and pass out. I’m just really excited to get this series started.
