Five Questions with John Mayberry Jr.

At this time last year, casual Phillies fans likely wondered, "Who's John Mayberry Jr.?" Not anymore. Mayberry became a popular player last summer when he hit 12 home runs in the season's final three months. Now, the son of All-Star John Mayberry is poised to be a big name in the lineup and in the Philadelphia lexicon.

The soft-spoken 28-year-old, a product of Stanford University, talked with Zach Berman about celebrities he sighted at his California college, a sweet welcome he received here in Philly and the good old days in MLB, circa 1985.  

1. What's the biggest difference between baseball now and when your father played three decades ago?

I was born the year my dad retired [1983], so I was around for when he was coaching. I can comment from a kid's standpoint. There were a lot more people in the clubhouse back in the day than there are now. Friends of the player, family, whoever else.

2. Who was the most impressive person you met at Stanford?

I never saw Tiger Woods. I never saw Sigourney Weaver. Chelsea Clinton was there when I was there, but I never saw her. I think she had aroundthe-clock security. I'd have to say [baseball] coach [Mark] Marquess. He's obviously had a lot of success, been there for 30-some odd years. Very regimented individual. Really has a strong sense of discipline.

3. What's the most recent book you've read?

I'd say something to do with finance … I was reading books about Warren Buffett last year.

4. What was your welcome-to-Philadelphia moment?

I went to Capital Grille with my family, and we got a dessert comped courtesy of the restaurant. My first year, the first time I got called up.

5. You've now lived on both coasts and in the Midwest. How would you characterize the three regions?

Arizona, that's where I live in the offseason. It's pretty relaxed, gives me the opportunity to just relax and play golf. The Midwest will always be home. I feel like the people are always nice and friendly people, just very down-to-earth. The East Coast is just more of a faster pace. Everyone's kind of upbeat, speaks quickly, thinks quickly.