Aside from being the first switch-hitter in NYPL history to face an ambidextrous pitcher in Staten Island Yankees closer Pat Vinditte, Cyclones catcher Ralph Henriquez’s 2008 season was rather uneventful. Hitting .210 with one RBI in 62 at-bats, Henriquez never established himself as either the starting or backup catcher on the team and after the All-Star break, it seemed like he was the odd man out between fellow catchers Jordan Abruzzo and Caesar Cordido, prompting a reassignment to Savannah. His fortunes changed for the better with the Mets Single-A affiliate in Georgia, where he hit .273 with three RBI, but only appearing in nine games before the end of the season, it’s unknown where he’ll be at the start of the 2009 season. Chatting with DemBrooklynBums.com before his call up, Henriquez, who was traded for former Cyclone Josh Appell in late 2007, talks about his season and his time in Brooklyn.

DemBrooklynBums.com: What has this season been like for you so far?

Ralph Henriquez: It’s been a bit weird actually. At first, I thought I was going to be in Kingsport, but then I found out that I was ineligible to play there because I played a certain amount of games on a full season team last season. So then I got sent here. It was kind of a last minute thing. I really didn’t know what to expect. Since then, things have been OK I guess.

DBB: Do you feel you have certain expectations to live up to, considering you were traded for one of the Cyclones best relievers last season?

Henriquez: Not really. A bunch of my friends told me that he was a really good pitcher with some good stuff, but you can never think like that.

DBB: Considering that you were rushed here last minute, how have been getting acclimated to Brooklyn?

Henriquez: It’s really different from the Key West. It’s like a completely different world. There’s so many people driving here that it’s hard to get used to at times. Over there, I’ve never gone over 30 miles per hour. There was never any need to. I don’t think there’s a speed limit here. The park is really nice here though and even though it’s most of the same thing wherever you play this game, I’m enjoying my time here.

DBB: Tell us a little bit about your game.

Henriquez: I’m a real energetic catcher and like to take charge. I pride myself on being a leader as well. I like Victor Martinez a lot and I try and mold my game after him.

DBB: Just for the fans at home to get a better idea of what kind of player you are, what do you think your numbers would be if you played a full season?

Henriquez: I really have no idea. I just want to be behind the plate every single day. If that happens, then I’m happy.

DBB: If you got an opportunity to face Vinditte again, would you do anything different?

Henriquez: I’d go up there left-handed and see what happens.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.