Brennan: “What was it like getting your name called by the only Canadian team, not once, but twice?”

Damiano: “The first time the Jays drafted me, I felt like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Especially growing up as a die hard Blue Jays fan. I decided to attend college even though it was a difficult decision.

Three years later, I knew there were a handful of teams interested in drafting me in 2021. Seeing the Blue Jays in the mix again, I couldn’t get the thought of them picking me out of my head. I wanted that second opportunity, and I still had that dream of playing at Rogers Centre.

It was an extremely special moment for me to see everything come full circle once they called my name again. What’s most special about it is that the Jays have always been there in my life. As a fan growing up, as a senior in high school, and after three years of college. 

After all that time of the Jays being in my life, the team deserves the best of me.”

Brennan: “Where do you see your defensive home as you continue to progress through the minors?”

 

Damiano: “I believe I have the natural athletic and reactionary ability to not only play third base moving up, but to become an elite defender there as I continue to improve the way that I have. 

That being said, I value versatility greatly and would be more than willing to work at any of the corner infield or outfield positions. My size and athleticism can allow me to move around well at any of those positions.”

 

Brennan: “When you step into the batters’ box, what is the game plan?”

 

Damiano: “I like being well prepared in the box for who I am facing, while keeping it simple. I don’t need too much deep analytical information from the scouting report, but I will make sure I know what to expect.

Previous matchups are my best scouting report. Once I have my plan, physically all I want to do is keep my head still and my rhythm on time with the pitcher. I’ll anticipate a good pitch to hit (within my approach) and take a good hard swing on it. 

It may sound simple, but this is what goes through my head.”

 

Brennan: “A lot of what I’ve heard about you is “growth”. How have you felt that you’ve grown since becoming a pro?”

 

Damiano: “I feel like I’ve grown immensely from my last year in college to now. I can credit a lot of growth to understanding what sort of routines allow me to play at my highest level. A lot of it is the ‘boring’ stuff that may get unnoticed by some. 

Going through my specific routine with my body to keep me healthy, infield hands work with a machine before batting practice, specific targeted tee and flips routines before hitting batting practice. All of these things have a purpose for me, and it has produced results in the long run, rather than in the immediate future.

I think what’s most important about these routines is that they helped me grow mentally. There will always be another day and I cannot get too low or too high on myself because of yesterday’s results.

As I get older, the better I am at letting go and moving on. The growth of ‘letting it go and moving on’ this season is something I am the most proud of.”

 

Brennan: “What do you feel is the next step in your development?”

 

Damiano: “The next step in my development is to continue facing new challenges. The best way to improve is by competing with others who will make you better. I feel like the Jays have provided me with that opportunity.

Offensively, I think  the more I play pro ball, the more my swing will refine itself to drive the ball to all fields of the park.

Defensively, the higher I go, the harder it becomes. There’s more in between hops that I’ll get on the field, so working through that and gaining experience will make me comfortable at my position.”