The 2019 MLB draft brought about 16 new MoT’s hopeful to make it to the Bigs. One of those with the best shot is Rice’s Evan Kravetz. Drafted by the Reds in the 5th round (#144 overall and 3rd MoT) Kravetz is ready to get started. A student of the game he is excited about his opportunity and we cannot wait to see his progress. Meet Evan Kravetz.

1) Tell TGR a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Miami Florida, and just graduated from Rice University. I recently got the opportunity to play for the Cincinnati Reds organization and couldn’t be more excited to pursue a dream I have had since I picked up a baseball.

2) Lots of great athletes come from Dade County. What was it like growing up in such a competitive athletic atmosphere?

I think that growing up in Miami did wonders for my athletic career. At every level there was great competition, and I made friends with some other athletes in the area who are going on to do some great things right now.

3) Why the decision to play at Rice and looking back how was that experience?

My college search was always about finding a school that combined strong academics with a competitive baseball program. I knew about Rice’s academic prestige and baseball success, so when I received an opportunity to go out there, I jumped at it. My visit went very well and I fell in love with the school, so it ended up being a perfect choice. I loved every second of Rice. I was certainly pushed outside of my comfort zone going to school in a place where I had no friends and little connections, but it ended up being the best thing for me. I really grew as a person, made friends I will keep for life, and turned Houston into a second home.

4) You were drafted in the 5th round. Where were you when you got the call? What was going through your mind?

I was home with my parents when I got that call. I tried not to watch much of it, I knew it could me a mentally and emotionally draining process. Instead, I went in the pool for a bit and once I came out and dried off, I received the phone call. I couldn’t have been more excited and raced to find my parents and let them know.

5) Did you know you’d get drafted and has playing professional baseball always been the goal?

Since I was young, playing major league baseball was always a goal of mine. Once the draft came closer, I was informed that I had a good chance of being selected.

6) What do you know about the Reds organization and where will you be headed this (or next season)?

I have always been kind of a baseball junkie, so I was pretty familiar with the Reds past successes and roster. Since the draft, I have done some research and learned all about the organization and its storied past. I will be heading out to the Reds Rookie league team soon to finish up the season.

7) How would you describe your style of pitching? What are your goals?

I try to be in command on the mound. I am trying to execute every single pitch, and not be beaten by throwing a pitch that I do not have conviction in.

8) What was your Jewish life like growing up and where do you connect today?

I was raised with a strong Jewish background. My mother and father both emphasized the values and morals that Judaism entailed and aimed for me to be a positive member of the Jewish community. Now that I am on my own, I have taken the steps to continue to learn about the Jewish faith and connect myself with whats going on in today’s world.

9) Are you open to playing for Team Israel in the WBC or Olympics? Did you watch Team Israel in the last WBC?

Absolutely. Watching team Israel in the last WBC was a thrill and I would jump at the opportunity to represent Israel in the next WBC or Olympics.

10) Where can TGR fans follow you on social media?

I am active on twitter @kravy23 and good for mostly baseball tweets, with golf, Game of Thrones, and other categories thrown in once in a while.