Jon Jay Gets Ready For His Breakout Year

Cool, calm and collected. That's the best way to describe St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay, who earlier this spring training found himself in a competition for his starting job with fan favorite Jim Edmonds. Until Edmonds made the decision to retire, Jay was willing to give up his number (#15) in favor of Edmonds, and let the competition determine the opening day roster. While he no longer needs to worry, that still doesn't stop Jay from competing against the only person who matters: himself. I caught up with Jay at the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up and discovered some pretty interesting and hilarious facts about the outfielder (hint: follow him on Twitter to see his 'hobby' in full-force)!

After the off-season, how does it feel seeing the fans again and participating in the Winter Warm-Up?
It's crazy. There's so many people. It's kind of weird when you're out of tune from this for three months and then you come back. You forget how crazy it is here and how great it is with the support we get, so it's nice.

After a great game, what's the first thing you do? Call your friends or watch yourself on Sports Center?
I have a short drive home, so I usually talk to a couple of friends, and then just relax and hang out. I usually try not to watch the games, because I'll watch it the next day in the film room. I just try to tune out from baseball as much as I can when I get home.

Is there a ballpark that you haven't gotten to play in yet, that you're just dying to play a game in?
Yes, San Francisco. I didn't get to make that trip last year, so hopefully I can make it this year.

Outside of baseball, what are your hobbies?
I have a big shoe collection. Jordans. I got a big retro Jordan collection going. I have a lot, it's one of my hobbies. I enjoy fishing and boating as much as I can, but we miss most of those summer months. I try to go down to the [Florida] Keys as much as I can during the off-season. I like the outdoors and going to the beach.

Did you have a sports idol growing up?
Oh definitely. Michael Jordan, he was guy. I used to love watching him . . . just the way he competed.

So I guess it's safe to say if you couldn't be a baseball player, you'd want to be a basketball player?
Or a football player. Definitely a football player.

What position?
Oh, it switches everyday. From linebacker to running back to quarterback. I still think I could play, but it's probably not going to happen.

If you were stranded on the side of the road and couldn't call AAA, which teammate would you call?
Definitely Nick Stavinoha.

How come Nick?
I don't know. Somehow he just knows it all. [laughs]

Jon's St. Louis Favorites:
Steakhouse: Prime1000
1000 Washington St.; 314-241-1000

Restaurant: Mosaic
1001 Washington Ave.; 314-621-6001



(citysbest.com)