Team News

Q & A With Former Logger Danny Ray Herrera

January 25, 2010

Our spotlight Loggers in the pros today is former Logger pitcher Danny Ray Herrera.  Danny Ray played with the Loggers in 2005 and is currently a relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.  Last season he posted a 3.06 ERA in 77 appearances while striking out 44 batters.  Standing at 5’6”, Danny is currently the shortest pitcher in Major League Baseball.  He played his college ball at the University of New Mexico before he was drafted in 2006 by his favorite childhood team, the Texas Rangers.  Herrera and teammate Edison Volquez were dealt to the Reds after the 2007 season for Josh Hamilton.  Here are Danny’s responses to the questions we had for him.

Team               W-L     ERA    IP        H         ER       BB       SO

Loggers – ’05  5-1       3.13     46.0     32        16        13        31       See Danny's Bio

Reds – Career 4-4       3.52     69.0     73        27        27        52

LL: What is the best memory you have so far in your young professional career?

DRH: The best memory had to be my debut in 2008. It was a proud moment for both me and my family.

LL: What kind of feelings went through you as you ran onto the field for the first time as a Red in a relief appearance?

DRH: I was more anxious than anything.  My nerves were rattled that whole day but when I got called in I just tried to calm down and get outs. 

LL: What is the first thing you bought after you signed your professional contract?

DRH: I'm a golfer so I bought a set of TaylorMade golf clubs.  I just wished they would hit the ball straighter.

LL: What do you feel is your greatest advantage and your greatest disadvantage being the shortest pitcher in Major League Baseball?

DRH: The biggest disadvantage is not being physically able to throw 90+ mph. When I see (Francisco) Cordero or (Nick) Masset throw 95+, I just wonder how good that must feel but that's obviously not the type of pitcher I am. The advantage is that I have a great story to tell the grandkids. 

LL: Which fellow major leaguer that you have met is the most fun to hang out with and why?

DRH: I got the opportunity to spend a bunch of time with David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes in the bullpen. They were amazing to be around and they took care of me.

LL: What advice would you give current Loggers players who have dreams of some day playing at the professional level?

DRH: The current advice I have is to stay focused on what you want and have fun playing the game.