He’s a Wadsworth High School graduate who made it to the Big Leagues. Andy Sonnanstine called in to the Matt and Tina in the Morning show Wednesday from St. Pete Beach, Fla.
Before hitting it big, Sonnanstine said he got an ego check while at Kent State University where he was red-shirted during his freshman year. But that didn’t deter him from continuing to pursue his dream of playing major league baseball.
Sonnanstine made his first major league start against the Toronto Blue Jays and picked up his first win on June 10, 2007 in a game against the Florida Marlins. In 2008, Sonnanstine pitched in game 4 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Pitching at that level, and in front of cameras and the mass amounts of people, that was tough in that city,” Sonnanstine said. “That was the toughest group of fans. I remember telling people I thought Yankees fans were tough. I’m warming up in game 4 and there are batteries flying from the upper decks. Normally, I can tune out what people say, but when you realize things are flying at you and people are trying to hurt you, that’s a little different.”
Injuries and choice ended Sonnanstine’s MLB career, but he has other dreams he’s pursuing. Sonnanstine joked he’d love to be on the PGA Tour, but realistically, he’s enjoying working with Rays Radio, calling a few games with Neil Solan. Another upcoming highlight is his Tropicana Field appearance soon where he’ll throw with the Wounded Warriors.
Sonnanstine has never forgotten where he came from, telling of one of his most fondest memories at WHS: going to the playoffs in junior and senior years and losing. “Those bus rides home after losses were tough.” But they taught us so much.
Sonnanstine offered his advice to those looking to pursue big dreams: “You can have the talent but you need to know you belong even if you aren’t sure yet. The mind is a powerful thing so you have to truly believe there is an opportunity there and seize the moment.”
We asked Sonnanstine who he liked to face least in the majors and his response surprised us. “Ben Francisco. He hit 1,020-percent off me. He knows what I’m going to throw before he wakes up in the morning!”
As for who Sonnanstine liked to pitch to most: Dan Uggla. “I knew I was going to strike him out before I even got to the park.”
Thank you for making time for us, Andy! It was great to catch up and hear your memories, too, with my husband. All the best and looking forward to meeting you this summer!
-Tina
