Matt Chapman was drafted by Oakland in 2014 and has been with the A’s since mid-2017. You’d think by now, we’d have a pretty good grasp on who the multi-platinum third baseman actually is. However this past weekend at A's FanFest, we got to learn more about the real “Chappy."
NBC Sports California: Number one piece of tech in your backpack for road trips?
Matt Chapman: The number one piece of tech that I make sure is on every flight and trip is our giant team speaker that goes on the bus and on the plane. I’ve been the DJ for the last two or three years, but I’m always willing to give up the reigns.
Most important aspect of a good walk-up song?
It gets you fired up.
Something you need to get done in the on-deck circle?
Make my bat feel light, I use one big donut.
Best thing to tell a teammate after they made an error?
Nothing. You should always let your teammate know you are there for them, and everything, but if I made an error and somebody came up to me, I would be like - get away.
Team potluck dinner, what does Matt Chapman bring?
I wish I could bring fish tacos. That’s one of my favorite foods. I just don’t know if I’d be able to cook them.
Which teammate gives the best interviews?
Liam [Hendriks], because of his accent.
Teammate who you think hates interviews the most?
Probably Marcus [Semien].
Teammate you’d be a fan of, if they weren’t your teammate?
I’d probably say [Matt] Olson because of how good he is. I’m sure if [Mark] Canha wasn’t on my team I’d probably be pissed when he flipped his bat, but since he’s on our team, actually I love it. Ramon [Laureano], I’d love his defense and arm, and the emotion he shows… that guy’s a badass.
Song that you know all the words to?
“Neighbors” by J. Cole.
Are audiobooks considered reading?
No.
Tougher sport to play tonight, if you had to: football or hockey?
Ice hockey, because I couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve been ice skating. But football would be scarier. I’d probably rather play hockey, I’d feel more comfortable there. And football, I feel like I would die.
What matters most to you, launch angle, spin rate or exit velocity?
Exit velocity. If you’re hitting the ball hard, good things are going to happen. If you’re so concerned about launch angle, you start trying to get under the ball more and more. If you’re trying to hit the ball hard, you’re right where you need to be.
We’ll give you a free trip this weekend: Napa, Tahoe, or Monterey?
I’m going to Tahoe. Beautiful in summer or winter.
Theme park ride that you go visit first?
If I was at Six Flags, and the park opened, I would probably run to Goliath. That big one with the drop, big and fast roller coaster. When I was a little kid, I could ride those forever. Now I might get a headache.
Favorite person or account that you follow on social media?
I don’t have Instagram. But I will say on Twitter, Brett Anderson makes me laugh, a lot. Dallas Braden makes me laugh a lot too. He’s funny.
The best actor in your lifetime so far is Tom Hanks, agree or disagree?
Disagree. Christian Bale, that’s my favorite actor.
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A-F, grade your use of emojis.
Probably like a C, right in the middle
Any car could be in your driveway tonight, what would it be?
An S 63 AMG Mercedes. It’s a nice car. It’s a dream car, maybe one day. Even though I have a Tahoe that I’m pretty attached to.
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