Back in 2012, the ladies of Babes Dig Balls had the chance to interview the now former catcher of the Toronto Blue Jays, J.P. Arencibia. Looking back at this interview, many things have changed for the recent birthday boy, who turned 28 on January 5. He proposed to his long-time crush, and girlfriend, Kimberley Perry, of the Band Perry, and is now the catcher for the Texas Rangers.
—-
Sports Babe of the Day Presents: J.P. Arencibia, Former Catcher of the Toronto Blue Jays, @jparencibia9
Hold on to your hearts, ladies, this one’s a beauty! We here at Sports Babe Of The Day have been so excited to bring you 20 Questions With J.P. Arencibia of the Toronto Blue Jays!
When we first approached this 6’1 Jays Catcher about an interview, we figured it was a long shot, but we were wrong. J.P. (short for Jonathan Paul) was more than happy to take some time for us, as he makes it a point to demonstrate his gratitude for his career by giving back to his fans. Many athletes visit Childrens’ Hospitals or take a moment to chat with fans, but not all of them tweet about enjoying it, like J.P. does. It’s that kind of attitude that makes him such a fan favourite.
Hailing from Miami, Florida, the 26 year old attended the University of Tennessee until he was drafted in 2007 by the Jays. He was assigned to the Auburn Doubledays and worked his way up the ladder through the Dunedin Blue Jays, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and Las Vegas 51s before getting making it to the big show in August 2010. On his August 7th, 2010 debut with the Jays, J.P. hit a 2-run home run in his first at-bat, which made him the 28th player in history to hit a home run on his first major league pitch. He was also the fifth player ever to hit two home runs in his first game. That’s pretty unreal!
I’m not going to lie, when I went to my second-ever Jays game this past summer, (and at that point, was still totally ignorant of most things in baseball), I didn’t know who this “Arencibia” character was, though all my lady friends told me to keep my eyes out for him. If you haven’t heard much about this gorgeous baseball babe, then after reading this interview, you’ll never forget him. There’s something about his answers that makes us certain he’s a sweetheart. I mean, come on, the man has a tattoo paying tribute to his grandma. *Swoon!* Showing a great sense of humour, he happily answered the questions other athletes shied away from, and even gave us insight into his adoration of pregnant women.
To get all pumped up, check out my favourite video of J.P. “Hockey Mentality.”
And now, without further ado, 20 Questions with J.P. Arencibia:
(1.) If you weren’t playing baseball for a living, what would you be doing?
I would be doing something in sports, maybe even an agent, but I never envisioned anything but making it to the MLB!
(2.) Do you have any unusual talents?
Not unusual but I make the best omelets in the world, I eat eggs all the time so I’ve become pretty good!
(3.) Growing up, did you have a role model or someone who inspired you to be who you are?
Not really anyone in particular, I tried to take the best qualities out of everyone. My mom definitely was big though being a single mom and watching her work as hard as she did to let me play baseball!
(4.) Are you single, dating, or locked down?
Single… Almost was locked down and backed out just in time! Since then I’ve promised myself to concentrate on my career and establish myself. Then when I’m ready I’ll settle down, for now I’m having fun!
(5.) What was one of the first things you bought when you got your first big payday?
Bought a range rover… Always wanted one and finally could afford it!
(6.) In 3 words, how would your teammates describe you?
Likes to talk
(7.) In 2011, you posted an interesting tweet, explain your attraction to pregnant women.
Yeah I think there is something very sexy about it. Dunno what it is but a pregnant lady in shape is hot and when one day my wife is pregnant I’ll be all over her!
(8.) What’s in your DVD collection?
Mostly funny movies and planet earth documentaries…. That stuff is really neat to me!
(9.) Is there a motto, saying or core truth you try to live by?
One thing in life that’s guaranteed is you can’t get your time back so make every second count! You only live once enjoy it!
(10.) If we looked in your fridge right now, what would we find?
Meals that my chef has made, a lot of eggs, milk, water, ketchup, and cold cut meats!
(11.) Who would you bring back from the dead, and what would you say to them?
My grandmother and I’d tell her I did it, I’m playing in the majors like I’ve always dreamed of. She passed when I was in college and she always wanted to watch me make it!
(12.) What songs get the most play on your ipod?
I love country music.
(13.) A lot of our readers have crushes on you. What’s your idea of the perfect date?
Haha well I don’t know, I think there are a lot of ways to have a great date but I’m a lot about doing fun things and not being too serious. Also there is nothing sexier than a secure girl! But if I had to say it’d be a day of water sports activities beach etc… I love the water!
(14.) What has been the hardest part about pursuing baseball as a career?
Only 1% of people make it and less can make a career of it! It’s always non stop work and pushing yourself to be even better the next day. Plus always being away from your family is hard!
(15.) How and where do you spend the off season?
Between nashville and Miami Fl… I love the slower pace of Tennessee, it allows me to concentrate on my training and lay low, plus it’s closer to hunting which I love to do. Miami is where my fam lives so I try and see em as much as I can!
And Florida is where you can find the best Miami SEO company in the industry.
(16.) Word on the street is you’re a good hockey player. What team would you love to play with if you could?
Haha definitely not good but it’s my favorite sport to watch! I’d like to play with the Leafs though, easy walk back to the Rogers centre for my games!
(17.) We loved your outfit at the Blue Jays 80s night. If you could bring something back from the 80s, what would it be?
Hairstyles… I think they were so funny, they look awful but it seemed fun!
(18.) Is there anything you miss about the minors? Not really just the friends I made.
(19.) Who would YOU feature as Sports Babe Of The Day?
Kimberly Perry from the band perry… Big crush on her!
(20.) What do you want to be remembered for?
How I gave back and made impacts in people’s lives. We are so influential at our positions, it’s so important to give back even if it’s acknowledging someone for a minute, you never know, it could’ve made their day! Treat people how I’d want to be treated!
What a gem! Thanks so much to J.P. for taking some time to be Sports Babe Of The Day. All I can say is, take me out to the ball game, babe!
