During the 2012 season, I had the chance to interview Corey Dickerson during his first few games for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. You can read my interview with the Driller version of Dickerson here.
Now, three years later, I recently had the opportunity to sit down again with Dickerson and talk with him about his career and early 2015 success. Through 20 games this season, the center fielder is batting .333 with a team-high five homers and 15 RBIs. Those stats are even more impressive considering Dickerson has been dealing with plantar fasciitis.
When asked about Dickerson’s health, Colorado manager Walt Weiss told me, “I think his foot is still doing well. We’re staying on top of it but so far, so good. He’s getting treatment and still playing. I’m not sure how much rest is going to help something like that so we’re staying on top of it.”
With the health of his foot as one of the biggest questions for the Rockies early in the season, that’s how started my interview with Dickerson.
Kevin Henry: How is your foot feeling and how are you dealing with the plantar fasciitis?
Dickerson: It’s doing OK. Some of my best at-bats so far this season have been while I’ve been dealing with it so it’s doing OK.
Henry: How have you changed as a player since we talked in Tulsa?
Dickerson: Honestly, I really don’t think I’ve changed that much. I still zone in as much as I can at the plate and concentrate on the opponent. I don’t really think my approach has changed at all. I have a lot of confidence at the plate, and I think you can feel that confidence throughout our team.
Henry: Talk about the start of this season for you and the Rockies as you both have enjoyed success in April.
Dickerson: I think, from the beginning of the season, there’s been a sense of confidence. As a team, we came out of the gate quickly and I think we showed everyone what this team is capable of. We started off fast, then had the five-game losing streak and people outside the organization started to worry. There’s no reason to worry. We’re still over .500. We have confidence in what we can do as a team and where we can go from here.
Every night, I try to bring the right kind of energy and intensity to the game. I think our whole team does that. One of the things I love about this team is that if we get behind, we don’t just give up. We fight back.
Henry: I know you take a lot of pride in your defense. Talk about the defensive mindset of this team, including the infield that has been nicknamed the “Coors Shield.”
Dickerson: One of the best things about our team this year is that we have a solid defense. Our infield is unbelievable. You see them making plays and you see the energy it brings to the entire team. For me in the outfield, I want to concentrate on managing the field and make sure I’m in the right position so a runner doesn’t take an extra base.
Henry: What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
Dickerson: My goals are always high. I try to play as hard or harder than anyone who takes the field. If I can outwork the other person, that’s what I’m going to do.
