(May 2020) SAN FRANCISCO, CA — While there are no MLB games on right now, there are games happening in Taiwan (CPBL) and Korea (KBO). Each team has a handful of former Major Leaguers. Sam decided to interview a group of them to talk about their Major League experience and baseball life now under COVID.
Drew Rucinski went undrafted out Ohio State, but quickly made his Major League debut in 2014. He's played with the Angels, Twins and Marlins at the Big league level and now is in his second year in the KBO with the NC Dinos. Follow Drew on Twitter @DrewRucinski
Nick Kingham attended high school in Las Vegas and, as a senior, was drafted by the Pirates in the 4th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. In his ML debut, he racked up 9 strikeouts and took a perfect game into the 7th inning. He is currently in the KBO with the SK Wyverns. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickKingham
Taylor Motter attended Coastal Carolina and was drafted by the Rays in the 17th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft. He played in the Cape Cod League and in the Majors for the Rays, Mariners, and Twins. Motter is currently with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO and has some of the best hair in the game. Follow Taylor on Twitter @taylormotter7
Logan Darnell made his Major League debut with the Twins in 2014. Logan enjoys singing in the car and 90's country music. He's also played in the Mexican League and Atlantic League; now Logan is the newest member of the CPBL's Uni-President Lions. Follow Logan on Twitter @ldarnell15
Dan Straily is an eight-year MLB veteran. He's played for six Major League teams, debuting with the A's in 2012. He was most recently with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. He has a lifetime 4.56 ERA in the Majors along with a 44-40 record. Follow Dan on Twitter @danstraily67
Donn Roach was drafted in the third round by the Angels in 2010. He made his Major League debut with the Padres in 2014 before playing in the KBO and NPB. Donn is currently with the Uni-President Lions of the CPBL. Follow Donn on Twitter @Donnroach
Mitch Lively received a football scholarship as a punter to Sacramento State. He then walked on to the baseball team and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2007. Mitch played in the Minors for the Rockies, Giants, and Nationals before joining the Mexican Baseball League and Nippon Professional Baseball. He is currently with the Chinatrust Brothers of the CPBL and has one of the coolest motions in the game. Follow Mitch on Twitter @LivelyMitch
Justin Nicolino attended University High School in Orlando Florida before being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. He was traded to the Marlins in a deal that included Yunel Escobar, Jeff Mathis, Jake Marisnick, Mark Buehrle, and José Reyes. In 2015 he made his debut for the Marlins until going to the Reds, Twins, and White Sox. He is currently with the Rakuten Monkeys of the CPBL. Follow Justin on Twitter @J_Nicolino22
Jake Brigham was drafted by the Rangers in the 2006 MLB Draft. Jake was later traded to the Chicago Cubs for Geovany Soto before eventually making his Major League debut with the Braves in 2015. He is currently in the Korean Baseball Organization with the Kiwoom Heroes. Follow Jake on Twitter @jbrigham49
Ryan Feierabend was drafted by the Mariners in 2003 and made his major league debut in 2006. Ryan was with the Blue Jays last season before moving to the CPBL with the Lions this season. In 2008 he faced Vlad Guerrero Sr., and in 2019 he took the mound with Vlad Guerrero Jr. playing 3B behind him.
Ryan Carpenter played college baseball at Gonzaga University and made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2018. He is currently in the CPBL with the Rakuten Monkeys. Follow Ryan on Twitter @R_Carpenter22
Josh Roenicke played for the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, and Minnesota Twins during his Major League career. He is currently in the CPBL with the Uni-President Lions. For more check out @PascoSports on Twitter