Lots of people grow up with the desire to become a professional athlete. Recognizing the fame and the excitement in the majors, many cannot wait to hear their name echoed over the intercom while thousands of fans cheer loudly. But the question remains – How hard is the path to get there?

Recently, I spoke with Tucker Jensen, a young 22-year old right-handed pitcher currently with the Bluefield Blue Jays, who elaborated on the reality of working your way to the majors. Specifically, Tucker discussed the steps he is taking while working towards his goal making it to the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays.Q:  What made you want to be a baseball player?

A: Nothing really made me want to become a baseball player. I played every sport when I was younger and when I started playing competitive baseball I instantly fell in love. I have just grown to love the game.

Q:  When did you realize you were good enough to pitch professionally?

A: I realized I was good enough to pitch in the summer of 2010. My college coaches had always told me I had a professional arm but I had to develop as a pitcher. It took three years of learning to become what I am today. Everything started to click towards the end of my junior season while I was playing with the Luray Wranglers.

Q: Be honest, how hard is it to be make it to the level you are now?

A: It all depends on the person. An example of this would be from the best baseball movie, Bull Durham. “You got a gift. When you were a baby, the Gods reached down and turned your right arm into a thunderbolt. You got a Hall-of-Fame arm, but you’re pissing it away.” Crash Davis tells Ebby Calvin “Nuke” LaLoosh. Other than that example it is very hard. There are so many players at your position and you have to have something special to make you stand out from the others. For me, it took a lot of hard work and dedication. Yes, I had a good arm but lots of other guys do too. I had to learn how to pitch to put me above others.

Q: You went undrafted. In your opinion, does that make it harder or easier to prove yourself?

A: I really don’t think I have a lot to prove. I’m here playing for a great upcoming organization that is giving me the chance to play and that’s all I can ask for. The rest is up to me. I can either keep working hard and improving or do nothing and fade away. It’s always up to the player.

Q:  How important is having your family support you?  How hard is moving and being away from those that love you.

A: This is kind of a trick question because my parents might yell at me. Family support can be an advantage just knowing someone is always there to pick you up or help you out in a time of need. But being away from them is not that big of a deal for me. They know I’m doing what I love and what I want to do for a long time and they will support me no matter what. Personally, I think the hardest thing is going team to team and meeting such great players and people and then as soon as you know it they’re gone.  The friendships you build while playing baseball are everlasting. I played four years at Embry Riddle and I played with some of my best friends and such great guys. When it was all over, it was tough saying goodbye.

Q: How hard is it to be constantly travelling and not knowing when you’ll have to pack your bags and go again?

A: I was recently moved up to play for the Lansing Lugnuts, which is the low A affiliate of the Blue Jays, and I was only there for 3 days before I was moved down to Advanced Rookie. There are so many reasons why a player will move up or down. It is not always whether the player does good or bad. There are always roster changes, trades, and injuries. The motivation a player needs is doing your possible best to help the team you’re on win and the rest will fall in place.

Q: Being a pitcher, how hard is it to move to a new organization and have a new catcher?

A: Having a good relationship with your catcher is a must. Overtime the catcher will get to know the pitcher better and will know how the pitcher thinks wants to use in certain situations. When you are pitching to a catcher for the first time, you can always get with the catcher before a game and talk about a game plan. You are both professionals so it really is not that difficult to play with new guys. However, a good relationship between the two will make the pitcher more comfortable and usually pitch better.

Q: What motivates you? (Either in life or after a loss)

A: Losing doesn’t go well with me. I am a very competitive person. If I lose I want to know what I did wrong and see what I can fix to do better next time. What motivates me is the fact nothing has come easy, I’ve had to work hard my whole life to get to where I am today. And the fact that I am here now  just means I have to work even harder because there are a lot of people working towards the same goal I am which is getting to the major leagues.

Q:  When you are not playing baseball, what do you do to keep yourself busy?

A: During this season to keep busy I’ve been playing video games, playing cards, and hanging out with the other teammates. [Author’s note: I’ve recently challenged Tucker in a MLB The Show competition. Wish me luck]

Q: How hard is it to sustain a relationship or date with the constant practices and games?  

A: Well I do not have a girlfriend [and the fans go wild!], but if I was dating or in a relationship I would hope that person would understand my job and that it requires me to be away. Yes it would be difficult to be away from that special someone but you are doing it for something you love.

Q: Do the players hang out a lot before/after the games?

A: The players hang out a lot. Before games, the players just hang out in the clubhouse and play cards or watch TV. After the games, players will get together and do whatever activities the town has to offer, or they will hang out in their rooms and play video games or watch movies. No matter where you come from, you will become close with every player and get to know them and have a good relationship. So far out of every player I’ve met in the Jays organization has been great. I’ve gotten along with every player.

Q: What does a daily routine look like for you?

A: Well I usually just wake up, eat breakfast, workout, lunch, head to field, stretch, throw, run, shag batting practice, shower up, hang out in locker room, eat something before game, play or watch the game, shower again, hang out with team after the game, sleep, and do it all over again the next day.

Q: What are the fans like at the ball clubs?

The fans are great. If you get out early before the game starts you have a lot of kids or other fans waiting by the dugout to get your autograph. Everyone knows your name no matter how new you are. But of course you have your typical fans who praise you when you do well and boo you when you do bad (This, of course, is all highlighted depending on beverage choice).

Q: Has your love of the game of baseball, increased or decreased now that you are on your way to playing professional ball?

A: I think it has increased actually. Just the feeling you get arriving at the ballpark and seeing the beautiful stadiums and the fact there are actually fans has made me enjoy it that much more. I love playing baseball and always will. The people I have met and the places I have played so far is the reason why my passion and motivation has increased.

Jays Prospects cannot thank Tucker Jensen enough for his time. He has also promised to answer more questions in the future, so please add your questions for Tucker in the comment box below, or tweet them to @JaysProspects on Twitter and we will try to include them in the next Q&A with Tucker Jensen.