Baseball Life: At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to play pro baseball?​

Cody Buckel: I started playing baseball when I was three. I think it was about the age of 8 that I knew I really wanted to play it the rest of my life.

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BL: Have you always been a pitcher or was it a progression?

CB: I've been a pitcher since I was eight and had early success at it, better than hitting.  Then is when I knew I wanted to pitch.

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BL: What pitches do you have in your arsenal and what is your go to pitch?

CB: Right now I have four seam fastball, an occasional two seam fastball, a cutter, a slider, a curveball, a changeup, and been working on a sinker/screwball hybrid, hopefully that can be part of the repertoire soon. As far as a go to pitch, I feel comfortable enough to throw any pitch in any count.​

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BL: You have been doing awesome this year in the Carolina League! What moment has stood out the most so far?

CB: Yeah, so far I've gotten out to a good start, but the moment that stood out to me way the no hitter Nick Tepesch and Jimmy Reyes threw against Wilmington. That was awesome to see.

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BL: You grew up on the West Coast, and now you are playing ball on the East Coast. What is the biggest difference and why?​

​CB:​​​​ Definitely the weather, it's more humid, but that makes it easier to get lose. I feel like I can move around easier, and plus the ball doesn't travel as far in this type of weather so that's nice!

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BL: If you were not playing pro baseball, what career path would you have taken?

​CB: If I wasnt playing baseball I would've either pursued acting or golf, believe it or not. I love doing both, so definitely one of those.​

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BL:​​ Describe a typical day for you in the minor leagues? Do you have a specific routine​.

CB: Let's see: Wake up at one in the afternoon, have a late breakfast, then go get some lunch before heading to the field. Then we have practice which involves stretching, throwing, running, fielding, etc. Then we have a pre game meal and head out to play the game. After, we have a post game spread and head home or go out with friends or family, then repeat all that the next day!

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BL: What are your power foods? Do you cook? 

CB: Steak and cheese sandwiches from either subway or dominos, and I leave the cooking to my roommates haha

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BL: How do you spend your off season?

CB: I spend it with family and friends, but it's also a time to build and get better for the following season. I'll spend this offseason in Arizona, California, and Texas hanging and working out.​

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BL:What one word would you pick to describe you and why?

CB: I'd say curious. Only because I'm always wondering what I can do more of to get better or learn something new that will productive for me as player.

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BL: What type of music do you listen to the most and what is on your playlist right now?​

CB: I like alternative rock, and my pregame playlist consists of angels and airwaves, blink 182, and 30 seconds to mars.

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BL: Can you tell us about the day you were drafted. Where were you, what were you doing, and how did you react?

CB: I was actually in my English class, because we had finals. I had my mom's phone, because if I had my phone it would've been blowing up in class. My parents had my phone, and I had told them what I wanted in order to be drafted and to say no to anything else. Apparently the Blue Jays, Padres, and Twins called, but passed me up. Then the Rangers called and asked if I was still where I was at and that was it. I was drafted by the Rangers and it was one of the best days of my life!

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BL: What is your proudest achievement to date?

CB: Definitely my no hitter against West Lake my senior year of high school.

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BL: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?​

CB: I'd want to go to Australia definitely. I've heard it's amazing. Just to see all the awesome stuff that's there and to definitely see a kangaroo out and about (haha)!

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BL: I hear you may have a thing for Puma hats! How many do you actually have? (Don't hold back now!)

CB: As of right now I have 22 Puma hats (haha) and quite a few shirts and shorts.

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BL: Who was your favorite MLB team growing up, and did you ever think you would be playing for the Texas Rangers?

CB: I never really had a select team growing up. I just was fan of baseball, but I did enjoy watching the Yankees play. They were the best when I was growing up. I never thought I'd be a Ranger but I'm glad I am, I never really got to see their games growing up because they never showed their games in California it was all dodgers/Angels where I grew up.

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BL: Who is your MLB inspiration?​

CB: Derek Jeter was my inspiration, just the classiness he has and the way he plays the game was a perfect role model for me to follow.

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BL: Myrtle Beach is quite the travel destination. How do you like playing there? Do you get to hit up the beach very often?

CB: Myrtle Beach is an awesome place to play! The area is awesome with so much to do and you definitely know I'll go to the beach and hang out haha

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BL: Tell us something about yourself that we may not know.

CB: I was actually quite the yo-yo dude when I was younger...my friends and I actually got really good and could do some pretty cool tricks with yo-yos.

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BL: Where do you see yourself five years from now?​

CB: Pitching in Arlington, that's where I want to be.