Kentucky Wildcats junior pitcher spoke with Wildcat Blue Nation following his being drafted by the New York Mets.
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Daniel Solzman: Thanks for joining Wildcat Blue Nation. How are things treating you?
Dustin Beggs: Things are treating me well! Just enjoying the summer while I can and catching up with friends and family.
Daniel Solzman: Congrats on being selected by the New York Mets in the 32nd round. When did you learn that they were interested?
Dustin Beggs: I talked to the scout for the Mets a few months before the draft and learned they were interested and then spoke with him a few weeks before so that he could get an idea of what my expectations were.
Daniel Solzman: How did you react when you found out that the Mets selected you?
Dustin Beggs: I was very excited! Being able to be drafted two years in a row is a huge blessing and something that I cannot take for granted. My family and friends were very excited for me as well. It always helps to have such an amazing supporting cast.
Daniel Solzman: Last year, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted you in the 17th round. You made the decision to join Gary Henderson’s program at Kentucky. Do you have any regrets in continuing your collegiate career and turning the Cardinals down?
Dustin Beggs: I do not at all. Being able to have the experience of playing in the SEC is a huge advantage in the minor leagues because you have become more aware of the talent level that is expected. You have to work hard every outing in the SEC because every opponent can hit, play defense and pitch. I believe it was the right choice and it was a great learning experience for me that I will never forget.
Daniel Solzman: In what ways has Coach Henderson prepared you for the next level?
Dustin Beggs: Coach has done a great job helping to prepare me for the next level by teaching me to be more specific as a pitcher and really developing me into a complete pitcher. This includes learning how to concentrate at a higher level for longer, taking the game one pitch at a time and fine tuning pitches and mechanics in the bullpen.
Daniel Solzman: What is the one thing you are most proud of in you single year of wearing the Kentucky jersey?
Dustin Beggs: Just being able to represent this state and the opportunity to play in the SEC is something to be very thankful for. This program has always been a good one and each year only a handful of kids make the team. Just to be able to call myself a member and wear the Kentucky across my chest is something to be proud of.
Daniel Solzman: Who was your favorite player growing up?
Dustin Beggs: Growing up I was always more of a hitter so I was a big fan of Albert Pujols. He is a rare baseball player, great hitter and represents more than just baseball on and off the field. He is one of the great role models in baseball.
Daniel Solzman: What movie are you looking forward to seeing this year and what is your favorite movie so far in 2015?
Dustin Beggs: I am looking forward to seeing Jurassic World just because I remember watching the older ones when I was younger and I heard it was good! My favorite so far was Mad Max. It was insanely intense and was non-stop action from beginning to end, which I love.
Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us and best of luck as you embark on your professional career.
Dustin Beggs: Actually, I will be putting off pro ball hopefully until next year and I am coming back to UK for my senior year.
Daniel Solzman: What led to your decision to return to Kentucky?
Dustin Beggs: But my decision was a really tough one but Coach Henderson was adamant that if I come back I can get better and be more prepared for a major league career and not a minor league one. I trust in his wisdom and believe that I will get better having one more year.