Get To Know: Twins LH RP Prospect Austin Tribby

The Twins used their 35th-round pick last June to select left-handed reliever Austin Tribby out of the University of Missouri. He threw 31.2 innings over 16 appearances for Elizabethton. He went 5-0 and struck out 30 batters. The Springfield native went 10-0 with a 0.55 ERA during his senior season, and he also hit .340. Today, we get to know him a little more.

Image courtesy of David McQueen (photo of Austin Tribby)

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Recently Twins Daily caught up with the southpaw to discuss his baseball career and much more.

Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Springfield, Missouri, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players?

Austin Tribby (AT): Growing up, I was always a Cardinals fan. But, I started to follow the Royals too because they are from Missouri. I have had the opportunity to pitch at both stadiums in college. So that was a pretty cool experience. Some of my favorite players Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Greg Maddux.

SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities?

AT: We made it to state my junior year, which was a great experience. I played football for three years until I signed with Mizzou, then I decided to just focus on baseball.

SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and what was it about Missouri that made you want to pitch there?

AT: Recruitment was pretty slow because I was a late bloomer. But, it picked up after I had already committed to Mizzou. Growing up, I always wanted to play baseball at the Division 1 level. When I got the opportunity, I ran with it.

I took a visit to Mizzou with my parents and sat down with the pitching coach Matt Hobbs. He basically said that the best players will play, and that they would love to have me play there. I think it was no more than a week later, I committed.

SS: What was the experience for your at Missouri? What were some of your highlights and favorite moments in your years there?

AT: I had a great experience. The bond that I made with my teammates will last forever. I made some of my best friends at Mizzou, and I will never forget that. Some of the highlights will always be playing at packed stadiums like LSU, Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. The atmosphere is incredible.

SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? Where did you think that you might be drafted? What was your interaction with Twins scouts before the draft?

AT: I talked to quite a few scouts, but I knew that being a senior meant that I just had to wait and see what happens. I actually had not talked in person to the Twins area scout, but filled out questionnaires for him. Again, being a senior it was a toss up. I'm very grateful that I got the opportunity.

SS: When you did hear your name in the 35th round, where were you? What was your reaction and the reaction of those close to you?

AT: I had just finished a very stressful round of golf with a couple of my good friends and my dad, we were listening to the draft and had just gotten back in our cars and my advisor sent me a text and it said "Twins" that's it. About two minutes later the Twins scout calls me and tells me they're going to draft me. It was the best day of my life. Playing baseball all your life, this is what you dream about. So one of my dreams came true. It was really special to have my Dad there with me.

SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field?

AT: I tried to not think of it as an adjustment. I tried to think about it like, the game hasn't changed, it is still the game I've been playing my whole life. So I think that helped me keep it in perspective. But, getting to hear the National Anthem on the foul line, playing professional baseball always gives me chills. Every game.

SS: What was your experience in Elizabethton, playing in the Appy League?

AT: I had a great experience for my first year of pro ball, I had great roommates: Shane Carrier and Caleb Hamilton, and our host family was amazing as well. Growing up being a Cardinals and Royals fan, and getting to pitch against both teams was great.

SS: What pitches do you throw, and what would you consider your out pitch?

AT: I throw a 2 and a 4 seam fastball, a changeup and a curveball. I would say my curveball is my best pitch.

SS: At this very early stage in your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths?

AT: My biggest strengths, in my opinion, are my work ethic, and knowledge of the game.

SS: What are the areas of your game that you have been working on improving in the offseason and going forward?

AT: This off-season I coached a 16-17-year-old baseball team, and it showed me a different side of the game. It showed me how I needed to slow the game down and not let things get out of control. I have been working on the physical side as well as the mental side. Trying to put myself in the best shape possible for season.

SS: Did you go back to school in the offseason? What is your major in school?

AT: While at Mizzou, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science.

SS: What are some of the things you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball?

AT: I love to fish, golf, hunt, go hiking, and hangout with my friends and family.

SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?

AT: My mom and dad are my biggest supporters, they've always been there for me and been my biggest fans. Also all the coaches that I have had along the road who have given me the knowledge that I have today. My teammates who pushed me to be the best I could be, I wouldn't trade my teammates for the world. I couldn't be more thankful for the people I have in my life supporting me on and off the field.

SS: Favorite baseball movie?

AT: Easily, Bull Durham.

Thank you very much to lefty Austin Tribby for taking time to respond to our questions. Feel free to leave comments or ask questions below.

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Seth Stohs has been blogging about the Minnesota Twins since May 2003. A founder and owner of Twins Daily (including Brewer Fanatic, North Side Baseball), Seth has been a Twins fan for 40 years and has a passion for covering the minor leagues and prospects. #GirlDad

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