Khalil Greene
June 17, 2002

Moderator: Clemson senior shortstop Khalil Greene stops by the chat room from the Tigers' Doubletree Hotel perch in downtown Omaha. Greene was the 13th overall pick by the Padres in this year's draft and a leading candidate for BA's College Player of the Year award.

Khalil's likes: Baseball history, eye black, playing defense, the B'hai faith, pro wrestling
Dislikes: Doubters, lame media questions, the spotlight, poor workout facilities.

Q:	Ben from NJ asks: Great play yesterday to win the game...which do you pride yourself more in: defense or offense?
A:	Khalil: I think it's a combination of both. Defensively, I think I get overlooked a little because of some of the things I've done at the plate.

Q:	Will Shubert from San Diego asks: Do you want to stay at short in your pro future or do you think you will have to move to second or third?
A:	Khalil: It doesn't really matter where I play in the infield. I feel comfortable at third or second. I also feel comfortable at short too. I've played at all of them, so it won't bother me.

Q:	Ted from Marietta, Ga. asks: Why do you wear so much eye black?
A:	Khalil: I've always done it, so it's something I continue to do. I'll wear the eyeblack in day games and night games.

Q:	Will from Chapel Hill asks: What was it like growing up in Key West and playing ball there?
A:	Khalil: It was one of the bigger influences in my baseball career. The fact that baseball was emphasized and was the premier sport in the city helped alot. Growing up, baseball was the number one sport. From little league on to high school, winning was stressed, not just playing.

Q:	A.J. from Winnetka, Ill. asks: How close were you to signing with the Cubs last year? Was it a disappointment to go in the 14th round, or were there other factors involved? And have you been to Zesto's yet?
A:	Khalil: I wasn't very close at all. When I got drafted in the 14th round, I was looking to come back to Clemson unless something drastic happened. I was disappointed but not too surprised by it.

Q:	Chris from North Carolina asks: Khalil, I was wondering where your name came from, because it is so unique? I was also wondering why you wear the brim of your hat straight across instead of bending it? Is it some kind of superstition?
A:	Khalil: Khalil a Bahai name, meaning "friend of God." I wear my brim straight because it was something I started doing before my sophomore year and I started with it.

Q:	Myrna, the Cybercat from Anderson, SC asks: Khalil, keep up the good work. What advice would you give to all the recruits we have that are being drafted out of HS?
A:	Khalil: I would seriously consider going to college unless they were drafted really high. In four years, there is no comparison where I am today than where I was. I wanted to sign out of high school, but looking back, it would have been a mistake to sign if I had been drafted.

Q:	Steven Rogers from Clemson asks: What was your most memorable moment of the season thus far?
A:	Khalil: The Nebraska win! The fact there were 24,000 fans there and it was a prime time game made it exciting to play in.

Q:	Jason from Anderson, SC asks: Hey KG, What is the mood of the team right now? What more can we expect out of you, meaning what else are you going to show us before you leave Clemson? That catch in the 9th inning last night just goes to prove why you will go down as one of the best baseball players in Clemson history, You are the Man!! Thanks for being a part of the Clemson family Khalil!!
A:	Khalil: We are very positive right now being 2-0. Hopefully we'll be able to continue to win and get to the national championship game. I appreciate the support from all our fans.

Q:	Ron Moore (Clemson class of '66) from Greenville, S,C. asks: First question: Have the Padres told you that they plan to use you at short or move you to second ? Second question: When was the last time you used a wooden bat ?
A:	Khalil: I haven't been told whether or not I'll stay at short, but it's a strong possibility I'll remain there. I swing a wood bat every day in batting practice. I also played in the Cape Cod league for two summers, where I used wooden bats.

Q:	Peter Kennedy from San Diego, CA asks: Khalil, as a Padre season ticket holder, I couldnšt be happier that you and Michael Johnson were drafted by the Padres. Looking forward to seeing you in San Diego in a couple of years. Who have been some of the toughest pitchers youšve faced and do you see any adjustments going to wooden bats?
A:	Khalil: In my freshman year, I faced Casey Fossum (Texas A&M), Dan Wright (Arkansas), Mike MacDougal (Wake Forest), Kyle Synder (UNC), Mike Bynum (UNC), Nick Stocks (FSU), who were all very high picks and good pitchers. I think my swing carries over pretty well to a wooden bat.

Q:	Joshua from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL asks: You seem to maintain a Zen-like focus on the field, how has the B'hai faith contributed to your ability to do this?
A:	Khalil: It has given me a sense of importance to put things into a proper perspective. When things aren't going well, it helps me cope with failure. It also helps me deal with success in a humble fashion.

Q:	Scott DeWeil from Anderson, SC asks: An enormous "Thank You!" for everything you've done for Clemson baseball. Now, to solve the mystery...what do you put in your hair for that slicked back look...it rocks!
A:	Khalil: When I'm on the field, I put water on it. Off the field, I'll use a type of gel.

Q:	Bob Sounder from Six Mile SC asks: Khalil...it has been a blast watching you play at Clemson!! I hope you can bring home a national championship after this Saturday!!! I see that some pro scouts say you might even get a chance at the catcher position at the next level. What are your thoughts on that?
A:	Khalil: I don't think I need to switch positions to catcher, but if I ever had to, I could be successful at it.

Q:	Tim from Canada asks: What do you think will be the hardest transition you'll have to make moving to the pro game? And who is your favorite pro wrestling diva?
A:	Khalil: Not having as much success statistically will be a difference. Trish Stratus at this point is probably the best diva out there.

Moderator: Khalil enjoyed all your questions. Sorry he couldn't get to all of them. Thanks for all your questions and support!