Anthony interviews new Yankee Aroldis Chapman

MARC ANTHONY: As a boy in Cuba, did you ever think you’d make it to the Major Leagues?

AROLDIS CHAPMAN: When I was little and began playing baseball, I had no opportunity to watch Major League games. But after a while we did hear about the Yankees because they had El Duque Hernandez and later on Jose Contreras. When I was older I started to realize that perhaps I could play at this level.

I left Cuba like most Cubans, with two bags in my hands and the hope of achieving my dreams. But I knew that if I didn’t succeed I didn’t have the advantage that players in this country have — that I could just go home if things didn’t work out.

MA: Which players were your heroes when you were growing up?

AC: The player I always followed as a boy, and afterwards when he signed with the Yankees, was (pitcher) Jose Contreras. Without a doubt he was one of my favorites.

MA: Did you ever play any other position?

AC: Yes, when I was about 13, I played first base. Pitching came later. It wasn’t going that well for me at first base because I didn't hit well, so I ended up as a pitcher.

MA: When did you realize you were a good pitcher?

AC: I was 16 when I started pitching, and I threw 92, 93 miles per hour. From there they put me in the next level and I started to work on my mechanics, and that’s when my velocity started rising.

MA: When did you throw that first pitch that made you realize you had a special gift? AC: I was throwing 95, 96, 97. But over there isn’t like here, where every stadium has radar. They just watch and they can tell your velocity more or less. So the first time they told me I was throwing 100, 101, I didn’t believe it.

MA: Tell me how you felt when you got the call that you were going to be a Yankee. AC: I was home with my family and friends, and I got really happy. It’s something I never expected. To be with this great team is one of the best things to happen in my career.

MA: Have you envisioned the moment when you’re at Yankee Stadium for the first time and they announce, “Now pitching for the New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman!”

AC: I’m thinking it’s going to be something really beautiful the moment I enter that great stadium. I hope the fans accept me and I earn their applause and they make noise like they do. I’ve pictured that moment a lot.

MA: What are you feeling when you come into a game and the fans are expecting so much from you?

AC: Honestly, I can be in front of millions of people, a packed stadium, and my only thought is to play ball. If you think, “Wow, there are thousands of people here,” then you become a prisoner of that pressure.

When I’m on the mound, I’m concentrating on that it’s a game and I’m here to do my job. Sometimes I’m blessed and I do it well, sometimes not so well. But I always think that there will be many more games with more opportunities.

MA: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, and what do you want to achieve in

your life and career?

AC: I love this game; it’s something you have to play with your heart. In five years I see myself as still a Yankee and to be recognized as one of the greatest closers in the history of my sport. I think every good athlete dreams of being the best at what he does, and I’d like to leave my mark on the game so that it can inspire others. The reality is there are still a great number of things left for me to accomplish.