Moyer Monday: October 4

When the Philadelphia Phillies open up the Playoffs Wednesday night against the Cincinatti Reds…something will be missing.

And that something is (again) veteran lefty Jamie Moyer.

Last year, it was surgery on three torn groin muscles. This year, the 47 year-old is still nursing an elbow injury. Thankfully, he’s still able to answer questions.

Thanks to my partnership with the good folks over at The Moyer Foundation, I present to you this month’s “Moyer Monday”.

Question: What would you say was your favorite moment playing ball? In particular, your favorite Phillies moment?

Moyer: Winning the World Series in 2008, and the celebration and parade that followed.

Question: What words of wisdom do you have for a young high school pitcher?

Moyer: Get in good shape, learn mechanics, throw strikes and have fun!

Question: Jamie, how do you find time for your family with all that travel over the long season?

Moyer: It’s difficult, but we try to make the best of the time that we have. On occasion, my family travels to the cities that I’m playing in. This past summer they spent most of the summer with me in Philly, but it’s never easy.

Question: You’re an inspiration to everyone in Philly. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated to go to the ballpark every day?

Moyer: From the baseball side, the competition that being an older player brings. Being able to compete with younger players…the competition is important to me. Also, giving back and trying to help people inspires me. It is very inspiring to help people (especially children) in less fortunate situations and leading by example.

Question: If the umpire has a small strikezone, how do you overcome the challenge and get batters out efficiently?

Moyer: I try to rely on my ability to present pitches that are strikes, force the hitter to swing the bat, and exclude the umpire from the equation.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.