Jacob Misiorowski was as surprised as anyone by his MLB All-Star selection.
The 6-foot-7 rookie right-hander for the Milwaukee Brewers figured he would spend the break kicking back, ordering in some Chinese food, and doing “absolutely nothing.”
Yet there he was in Atlanta — selected as a replacement after just five big-league starts, in a choice that ruffled some feathers — where his stuff was on full display. Nine pitches over 100 mph and this slider that wowed both dugouts.
But the All-Star nod also allowed him to discuss some of his biggest hobbies – collecting Pokémon and sports cards.
Before the game, I caught up with the 23-year-old standout to chat about his rapid rise, what it’s like facing the stars he grew up watching, his hobbies off the field and more.
“I’ve been into Pokémon forever,” he told me. “Getting back into sports cards, just being up here and seeing all the guys is fun.”
How’d you get into Pokémon?
Oh, I was young. I remember, I played like Pokémon Red and Green, that young, like on the Game Boy. But I’ve always loved it.
Do you still play?
I still play. I got a Nintendo Switch, I got the Switch 2, so I’m going to play the new one when it comes out in October or something. But, it’s been a lot of fun.
How’s your Pokémon card collection?
It’s up there. It’s pretty good.
What’s your best or favorite card?
Probably the base set shadowless Charizard…but it’s beat [up]. Or the Neo Genesis Lugia.
I noticed you had Lugia on the within of your go well with jacket on the pink carpet. You have got that precise card?
I’ve the cardboard. I would like the primary version, however the first version is sort of a loopy, loopy quantity.
Jacob Misiorowski’s go well with jacket on the All-Star Sport had a pleasant nod to his Pokémon assortment.
Do you promote the playing cards? Maintain onto them?
I simply maintain onto them. I’m making an attempt to get like a grasp set of stuff, so simply slowly discovering playing cards. It’s numerous enjoyable.
How’d you find yourself entering into sports activities playing cards?
I used to be into sports activities playing cards however not this closely. I used to be extra into Pokémon. However then I obtained my first Topps deal, and I used to be like, ‘That is candy. I can accumulate my very own playing cards?’ In order that’s once I obtained actually huge into that. Considered one of my playing cards was like silly low-cost, I’d simply purchase up all of them. There’s like a factor with the primary set, you possibly can name it a rainbow. I’m speaking with the man who has the one in every of one proper now, so I’m getting shut.
Do you have got a favourite card in your assortment?
Out of sports activities playing cards, I’ve the entire printing plate line of my first Bowman. So, like, my first ever card, I’ve the entire printing plate, each card made on these plates.
How’d you get that?
eBay! (laughs)
Did you need to put up a struggle?
Oh yeah. On daily basis, we’d see one pop up and my mother could be like, ‘Oh, look, one other one popped up.’ We’d keep up nevertheless late it was bidding on it till the final second. It was enjoyable.
When’d you get it?
That first 12 months I obtained drafted.
What different sports activities are you into apart from baseball?
I performed mainly all the things, I performed basketball, I performed soccer, I performed soccer. You’re a child, you’re simply working round. However the greatest sport I’m into proper now could be soccer. Baseball and soccer, these are the 2.
How shortly did you notice this was the fitting path to take?
Fairly fast. (laughs)
What place had been you in soccer? Quarterback?
I used to be a good finish.
How would you describe your good day in Milwaukee?
Very laid again. Make breakfast in my kitchen, go discover an exercise with me and my girlfriend and perhaps a pleasant dinner someplace.
Do you have got a favourite spot? Or kind of delicacies?
I like a steakhouse or Italian place. We’ve tried just a few.
I do know beginning pitchers will be regimented about their day. Is there any pregame meal you’re explicit about?
It’s fairly regular. Eat what you possibly can. I’m fairly unhealthy about consuming, so it’s sort of arduous.
Is there one thing you possibly can’t resist?
I don’t suppose I’ve something that if it’s put in entrance of me I’ve to eat it.
Who would you say has been most influential for you on this journey?
In life, in all probability my girlfriend. She’s been there by the entire thing. We began relationship in highschool, so I believe it’s simply a type of issues that she’s caught with me by the thick and skinny. Going [through junior college], it was tough going there for 2 years.
Life’s a little bit simpler now.
It’s quite a bit simpler now. It’s been good.
How would household and mates describe you?
Pleased, easygoing.
Suppose that helps you handle the ups and downs of this job?
In fact. It’s a type of issues that you need to simply go together with the ebbs and flows.
As a sports activities card collector to now be right here alongside all these All-Stars, has it sunk in how briskly this has all occurred?
No, it’s wild. I don’t even know the way to consider it. My jersey’s on the desk, and I simply watched Shohei (Ohtani) and Freddie Freeman each signal it. It’s sort of loopy.
You’ve confronted each of these guys already. Have you ever had any starstruck moments both right here at All-Star or on the mound up to now?
Undoubtedly, like, my first begin. We performed the Cardinals and Nolan Arenado was up there, and I used to be like, ‘Holy s—. That is really him.’
Did it put on off in any respect after that first sport?
It wears off fairly fast after they slap a single by, and also you’re like, ‘Oh, s—, right here we go.’
Rowan Kavner is an MLB author for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand lined the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved again to the West Coast in 2014. Observe him on X at @RowanKavner.
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