I'm James Hernandez and welcome back to Keeping Up With the Coyotes on CSN Streamin' Radio. This week I was able to catch up with CSN first baseman Ali Deolarte to discuss some Coyotes baseball.

by James Hernandez

James: What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make coming from high school last season to now playing at the Junior College level this year?

Ali: The biggest adjustment for me was the quality of pitching I am facing now as opposed to high school. At this level every pitcher consistently throws 88-92 miles per hour and each of them has great command of their location. Not to mention that I did not play baseball my last two years in high school, I tried moving schools and could not get eligible in enough time to participate in the baseball season my junior or senior season.
James: What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of the game of baseball?

Ali: I usually live at the gym or watch baseball. For me, I love the game so much that even when I am not playing it my free time is always consumed by something related to the game.

James: What is your walkup song and what made you choose it?

Ali: My walkup song is actually a merengue song called "La Vaca" which in English actually translates to "The Cow". There really is no particular reason for me choosing the song, one day I was listening to it on my iPod and the rest is history.

James: What is your favorite genre of music and who are a few of your favorite artists?

Ali: I like a variety of music, but my favorite would have to be classic rock. I am a huge fan of the Beatles and John Lennon.

James: Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions that you consistently stick to?

Ali: If I can I like to take a shower before a game, but that's really about it.

James: What is your favorite pre game meal?

Ali: I don't necessarily have a favorite pre game meal, but I do always drink a Red Bull energy drink before I take the field.

James: What does it mean to you to be a part of a baseball tradition like the one here at CSN after growing up and living your entire life here in Las Vegas?

Ali: I have wanted to attend CSN since my early days in high school. When I was younger Bryce Harper was a native Las Vegan who attended CSN and after watching and reading about his success here it made me want to become a Coyote. It's neat to be a part of a tradition that was built primarily by homegrown Las Vegas guys.

James: Talk about your approach at the plate during conference play and what have you been able to do in order to maintain a successful hitting approach?

Ali: The funny thing about that is I was hitless during my first five games and it was messing with me mentally and physically. Once I was able to settle in it took quite a bit of pressure off of me and one day everything just seemed to click. I just knock on wood that it continues and I honestly try not to think too much about it.

James: Does this team have the makings of a champion, and if so what are some of the teams traits that make you believe that?

Ali: I believe we do. Coming into the season the team had that in mind and the biggest advantage for us as a team is our pitching. I believe pitching is the key to sustaining consistent success in this game and now that our bats are starting to come around we can really start to make some positive things happen.

James: Thank you for your time today Ali, and best of luck to the Coyotes as the season moves forward.