Actor Michael Fishman Gives His Insight into the MLB Offseason Madness

Michael Fishman is an actor, writer, director and producer known for playing D.J. Conner on the long-running ABC network series “Roseanne” and its spin-off show, “The Conners.” When he isn’t on-screen he is either playing baseball himself or coaching his kids’ teams.

We spoke one-on-one with Michael to find out about who he is rooting for this upcoming season and some players he’s keeping an eye on.

Question: Who is your team in baseball and why?

Michael Fishman: I was born in California during the 1981 World Series, destined to be a Dodgers fan with it on in the hospital room. In 1988 I watched the Dodgers win the World Series with my Dad. I was lucky enough to grow up around the Dodgers organization. As a kid I had the privilege of being on the field numerous times with the players. We sat next to the bullpen for 30+ games a year from 1989-1996, talking with the players every game. My dedication to the team extended through the organization as I spent time around the AAA-Albuquerque Dukes back in the day, which gave me a chance to know most of the young players before they came up. I also had the special honor of playing in the Hollywood Stars game back when it was baseball on the full field in front of a full stadium. I raised my kids going to games at Dodger stadium.

In the American League, I root for the Angels. They were the closest team to our house growing up, and each year my little league teams walked on the field. That legacy extended to my son and daughter when they started playing. I’ve coached clinics on the field with the Angels for underprivileged kids through Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program, for over a decade until 2016.

Question: What off season moves/trades would you like to see happen?

Michael Fishman: Let me start with the teams I am watching closely.

Cubs: They are a team going through a transition, which means players could be added or leaving, what they decide to do could dramatically impact the league.

Toronto: I love a lot of their moves and they seemed to have risen faster than many anticipated. Can they retain Taijaun Walker and Jonathan Villar, then add a dynamic impact player?

Rays: I love when the Rays are good, it just often is followed by a sudden player turnover. What do they do with Ian Snell, and Kevin Kiermaier? Both are tremendous players who are impact players. They also are expensive in terms of the Rays overall payroll. If they move it could be a big deal for multiple teams.

Players:

Trevor Bauer: Obviously the offseason big question is where Bauer ends up. As the Cy Young award winner does he look for an established team, or does he raise a team’s status like the Mets who he has been praising.

DJ LeMahieu: I would like to see him land with the Blue Jays or Angels both are reportedly interested.

Jake Odorizzi: Constantly hurt last year but he has been a workhorse with good numbers the last few years. Can he get healthy and make an impact for a key team?

Yadier Molina: I hope he finishes his career in St. Louis. The last few years they have lost a lot of their homegrown talent at the end of their career. I would like him to finish as a Cardinal. They have amazing fans, and I think that would be good for baseball.

Question: Who do you think has the edge going into the next season?

Michael Fishman: I love my Dodgers!!! Not just my heart talking, with a talented roster with a ton of young players in the farm system the future is bright in Los Angeles. Finally breaking through should provide the players and organization as sense of security they haven’t had since 1988. The team is largely intact, and they have young talent ready to step forward.

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Question: Who is the one player you enjoy watching play?

Michael Fishman: Standouts for me are Francisco Lindor, Kiermaier, Freddie Freeman, Fernando Tatis Jr., Walker Buehler, and Corey Seager.

The players I go to the ballpark just to see in person:

Mike Trout: I go to Angels games just to watch him play. He has a great combination of skills, I miss when he used to steal more, but every swing is explosive.

Clayton Kershaw: I am so happy for Clayton having watched his whole career. I still get amped to watch him pitch, and he is special in person. I can’t wait to watch how he adjusts his game going forward because you know his focus, desire, and passion will keep him competitive at an elite level.

Mookie Betts: I knew how good Mookie was, I just didn’t know how electric in person. His passion, heart, character, and joy is palpable and invigorating. I played a lot of outfield, and I love watching people who know how to change the game out there.

Question: How has baseball helped you in your life both personally and professionally?

Michael Fishman: I played baseball most of my life. Baseball is the ultimate team sport. Every player gets their chance, the ball finds everyone, and you need a whole team to really be successful. You cannot feed the ball to your best players or run out a clock. I learned so many lessons as an athlete that helped me face pressure, perform in front of crowds, and the discipline of training. Baseball teaches you to overcome and rebound from failure. Character matters, learn the game, learn yourself.

As a coach for over twenty years it has been my privilege to pass my love of the game, along with the many lessons I learned to young men and women of all ages.  The game of baseball is the most like life. You come each day ready, you train, plan, build, challenge yourself and yet the outcome is never guaranteed. You can do everything right and get a disappointing outcome. You can make a mistake that works out perfectly. Swing and barely hit a ball for a hit, line out three times with nothing to show for it. The game will humble you. Yet if you train, if you learn the game, trust in your ability, and come back game after game to take your moments, you’ll grow on the field and off.

Question: Anything else you’d like to add?

Michael Fishman: The game is beautiful. For kids it can be slow in the beginning, so we have to teach them ways to think, play, and stay engaged. Diversity is growing in baseball, but we need to continue to promote inclusion. Baseball is part of the fabric and legacy of the United States. Before the Civil Rights movement had a name, Jackie Robinson opened people’s minds. No matter your size, shape, country of origin, or background, baseball has a place in it for everyone.

[MAYFLOWER]

Thanks to Michael for taking the time to talk baseball. The dude knows his stuff. If he ever decides to give up acting, there’s no doubt he could pivot to a front office job in MLB.

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