A CONVERSATION WITH BROCK KJELDGAARD
Dan Haugh – Badger Media Liaison

Former London Badger Brock Kjeldgaard recently took some time with Badger Media to discuss the 2010 season and what the off season will bring back in London at Centrefield Sports.

“I am very much looking forward to the off season here in London. I always look at the off season as the best time to make myself a better baseball player. Of course Centrefield Sports makes that a lot easier for everyone here in London. Adam Stern has done a great job making London one of the best places in Canada to train during the off season. I am extremely excited for the new bigger facility to open,” said Kjeldgaard.

Brock spent the 2010 season with Brevard County Manatees who are the farm team of the Milwaukee Brewers in the Class-A Advanced Florida State League. He finished the season with a .245 batting average and 17 home runs, but the season did not start off too well for Brock or his team.

Brock commented on the season as it played out, “I would summarize this season as a tale of two halves. During the first half I really struggled to get anything going offensively. It was very frustrating and was a real test. I really started pressing and trying to force everything.”

“During the second half I just started relaxing more, and I started feeling a lot more comfortable at the plate. The second half was better for me, but I still believe there is much more in me than what I showed this season. The Florida State League is a tough league on hitters because of big ballparks and hot humid weather. Our park in Brevard is a tough place to hit most days with the wind blowing in from left.”

When asked about the highlight of the season Brock had this to say, “The highlight of my season would have to have been the second half our team put together. During the first half of the year our team finished at the very bottom of the division. But with most minor leagues, the seasons are split into two halves, giving teams like mine another shot in the second half. Our team went on a bit of roll to start the second half and we were still in the playoff push until the final week. Throughout my career I have not been on too many winning teams so this was something special for me. It’s definitely more fun to play on a team that is winning.”

The second half of the season saw Kjeldgaard hit 13 of his 17 home runs and post a .266 average to contribute to his team’s second half success. He says his individual highlight was a game in July against Clearwater. “During this game I went 4-for-5 with two homeruns and seven RBI. I think they were all career highs.”

Besides spending the winter at Centrefield Sports, Brock spoke briefly about what next season might bring, “Like any minor league player I hope to move up a level. Our Double-A team is located in Huntsville, Alabama. That is where I hope to be next season, although in minor league baseball you never know where you will end up. It's not my decision, but the Brewers have a plan for most players and we will have to wait and see come spring training.”

Brock had the opportunity to experience a ‘first’ for himself in professional baseball, “This season I was lucky enough to play against Brad McElroy, a former Badger teammate and a good friend. He was playing for the Dunedin Blue Jays. This was the first time I had played against a former Badger teammate in pro ball, and it seemed like every ball I hit during that series was to him in centrefield.”

Brock Kjeldgaard is back in London for the off season and will be an important part of the training staff at the all new 35,000 square foot Centrefield Sports.

Open House at Centrefield Sports is October 30.