



Gregg Zaun has become the adopted Canadian son, a consummate professional and a Blue Jays fan favorite around these parts. The man known as “Zauny” is currently a baseball analyst with Rogers Sportsnet providing a refreshing, no holds barred outlook on Canada’s baseball team north of the border. “Zauny” has become the “Don Cherry” of baseball not only with his candidness but also with his choice of “always pro” flamboyant pin-striped suits.

Greg Zaun was drafted in the 17th round of the 1989 amateur draft by the Baltimore Orioles and started his professional career in 1990 with the Bluefield Orioles of the Appalachian League. Zaun spent the next 6 seasons progressing through the various minor league levels. In 1995 Gregg Zaun made his major league debut with the Baltimore Orioles playing in 40 games with the big club.

Zaun went on to play for 10 major league teams amassing 1232 games in his 16 year career. He was also a member of the 1997 Florida Marlins World Series team that beat the Cleveland Indians in a tight 7 game series.

Zaun latched on with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 and spent the next 5 seasons with the Blue Jays as the everyday catcher playing 535 games during that tenure with the blue birds. Zaun still holds the Blue Jays record for most runners caught stealing with 88 put-outs. Zaun eventually hung up the spikes in 2011 for a gig with Sportsnet.

Away from the diamond Gregg is well known for his work within the community with his charity “Zauntourage” and his involvement with “Right to Play”. Zaun played a major role in the Uganda Project that sent the Canadian Little League team to Uganda to play “the game that never was.” (http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2012/04/01/fair_ball_baseball_documentary_sportsnet/)

Zaun graciously agreed to answer 10 interview questions via email and here are the responses from that interview.

Gregg Zaun Interview

1. You are the nephew of former catcher Rick Dempsey, what kind of influence did he have on you growing up and becoming a catcher?

It was obvious right away what my dream job would be, growing up watching him play for the orioles led me to love the game and led me to choose catcher as my position. What choice did I have? Shortstop……

2. Looking back on your career what is your biggest accomplishment and biggest regret?

My biggest accomplishment, besides winning a World Series ring, was lasting as long as I did. I had some major injuries and major odds stacked against me, but I never gave up. I like to think that people in the game rethought how they looked at “under sized” players. My biggest regret was not being more of a risk taker. I wish I would have trusted my instincts more.

3. The best and worst advice you ever received from a manager during your career?

The best and worst advice I ever got from a manager came from the same man at the same time. “get on the plane and hide from the GM for 6 months, because if he knows I put you on this team, he’ll fire me” Jim Leyland.

4. You have hit the only walk off grand slam in extra innings in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays. Do you remember the at bat and what pitch you crushed?

It was against Troy Percival. I went up looking to ambush a fastball first pitch and got it. He threw it in a spot I never missed. I got it a little off the end but it carried out of the yard.

5. What former team-mate of yours belongs enshrined in the Hall of Fame?

Rafael Palmeiro should definitely get in. No matter what he may or may not have done, the numbers don’t lie.

6. You have become the adopted son here in Canada, can you explain your charity “Zauntourage and what it meant for you to be involved in the “Fair Ball” Project in Uganda?

Zaunbie Nation, my fan club, morphed into the Zauntourage when I retired. Ryan Braun came up with the name. I thought it was clever so I changed it. Going to Uganda was a thrill. We set out to do some good by righting a wrong. I think one of the most important commodities in the world the dream of a child. They need to be preserved. I think we made some dreams come true. My charity, the Gregg Zaun Foundation will continue to benefit and protect the lives of families and more specifically children in need.

7. If you are the General Manager of a Major League team and can select any one pitcher and any one position player to build your franchise around. Who are they and why?

Justin Verlander would be the pitcher I’d start with. He’s a huge talent and a great person. He can lead on and off the field. In the community, he airs class. Curtis Granderson would be my position player. He’s a great player in the prime of his career and I don’t think there’s a better role model in the game today.

8. Who is the Blue Jays catcher of the future JP Arencibia or Travis D’Arnaud and who do you think has the highest upside?

JP is the man as far as I’m concerned. A catcher needs experience to be good at his job. JP is getting that on the job training now. He’s young enough to be counted on 5 years from now. From what I hear, Travis’ skill set is very similar to that of JP a few years ago. He’s considered to be more of an offensive talent. He has some growing to do as a defender. Why would you want to start over a few years from now and have to train another JP.

9. Any truth to the rumor that “Desperate Housewives” was your favorite show and if so did you chew tobacco while watching it?

Desperate Housewives was one of my favorite shows when it debuted. I used to chew tobacco when I watched any TV show. FYI, I QUIT IN NOVEMBER AFTER 25 YEARS.

10. Any chance we will see Greg Zaun back on the field as a coach or manager in the future?

The only way I’d coach or manage would be in the big leagues. No more buses for me.

This concludes another blog, I hope you enjoyed the Gregg Zaun profile and I just wanted to say thanks to Zauny for taking the time out of his busy schedule to partake. (twitter: @greggzaun)

–Clayton Richer