Two-minute drill with John Cornely

People tend to forget baseball is a full-time job. What’s the best thing about your job? The worst thing? And, what is your typical day like during the season?

“The best thing is, probably, just playing the game. You can’t wait until 7 o’clock rolls around. That’s why I am here to play baseball. The worst part is the travel, being on a bus. We recently played in Hagerstown, Md., and we probably were on the bus for 13-14 hours. That’s a long day. A typical day for me is to get up at 9:30 and go to the gym. We get to the park about 1:30 or 2, get ready and get treatment if we need it. We do our drills around 3:30 or 4 and the game’s at 7. After the game, I might hang around for 35-40 minutes and get home around 11:30. You’re not ready to go to bed just yet.”

You recently pitched against the Charleston RiverDogs and struck out all seven batters you faced. What was that like?

“That felt really good. I’ve been working on my mechanics because I was having some issues, and everything came together that game. To do it in front of my parents (Kathleen and Frank), who have sacrificed so much for me, made it even more special.”

What experiences from Bishop England and Wofford helped you get to where you are today?

At Bishop England, coach (Mike) Darnell really stressed discipline and taking responsibility for your actions. They stressed that at Wofford too, but I already knew about discipline and being responsible for my actions. At Wofford, I learned the nuances of pitching.”

Who was your favorite player growing up?

“Cal Ripken Jr. He came to play baseball every day. Now that I am in my first full season with 70 games in three months, I know baseball is a grind. To be able to come out and play every day for all those years like he did was amazing.”

Do you feel pressure playing for an Atlanta organization that has produced so many outstanding pitchers?

“No, not at all. It makes you want to do your best, be your best. The staff they have, the pitching coaches they have in the organization are outstanding. They teach and you learn at every level whether it is in Class A or the majors. Every pitcher in the organization has the potential; they just help you develop it.”

Compiled by Philip M. Bowman