SF Giants fifth rounder Rohan Handa talks draft, heritage, and more

SF Giants: Rohan Handa talks Indian heritage, arsenal

W: There have only been a handful of players selected in the MLB draft that are of Indian descent and you are even more special because both your parents are from India. I really would like to ask how did you find your love for the game of baseball? And how does it feel to be a member of the small fraternity of people with Indian blood to be selected in the MLB draft?

R: I started playing baseball at quite a young age. I began at the age of four. Tried out a lot of different sports and baseball is kind of my passion. It’s been my passion for my entire life and it’s something that I’ve just stuck with and just enjoyed even more and more. Obviously, there have been a lot of ups and downs when it comes to performance and the process of developing yourself. But I fell in love with the game quite early.

To answer your second question, it’s humbling to be a small part of history when it comes to people with Indian blood in the MLB Draft. Now, I think the goal is to first one to make Major League Baseball. I do think that would be something that’s very, very cool. But I’m also trying to expand the game in Southeast Asia. Obviously with India, you see cricket but baseball can also be expanded there. That’s the kind of ambition I have.

W: I definitely think that you have a big potential to be the first man from India to make it to the big leagues man, especially with the way that you improved over the winter and spring that was incredible to read about. Can you describe to me what is your pitching arsenal at the moment and your approach on the mound?

R: Pitching arsenal is two-seam, slider, splitter, cutter. And honestly, my approach is just to attack.

W: That’s a pretty diverse arsenal to have. Have you talked with the Giants coaches and have they told you like a plan moving forward if they did?

R: We’ve done a little bit of talking with the coaches but we’ll figure out a plan after the physical is done.