One on One with Keith Maxwell of the Newark Bears
Published on September 22, 2004 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
Keith Maxwell put together a career-year for the Bears in 2004, establishing new career highs in home runs (30), RBI, (84), hits (119), extra-base hits (49), walks (54), runs (79) and games played (110). The 29 year-old native of Florida, who represented the Bears in this year's Atlantic League All Star Game, led the league in home runs and ranked 4th with a slugging percentage of .561. Maxwell, who became only the third Bears player to hit 30 home runs in a season, also tied an Atlantic League record by hitting three home runs in a September 14th game versus Long Island.
Q: Back in spring training did you ever dream you would put together a season like this?
A: I had no idea whatsoever that this year would go the way that it did. The most home runs I ever had hit in a season previously was 12. To hit 30...I never thought I'd come close.
Q: Rickey Henderson has received a lot of credit for making an adjustment in your swing early in the season. How much credit does he deserve for your season?
A: Well I'm thankful that he was there and suggested that I get my foot down and keep my hands back. They teach that everywhere. I teach that to the kids that I give instruction to. But sometimes in a game you don't do what you should do; and I'm thankful that the Lord put Rickey in a position to remind me what I should be doing.
Q: What did you learn from your manager, Bill Madlock?
A: During the game he would tell me to relax all of the time, trust my hands. He saw that I had the talent and he wanted me to just do my thing. He did not over coach and that really helped me. Just knowing that he had confidence in me helped it all come together for me.
Q: Many people forget you weren't even a regular in the lineup for the first few weeks of the season...
A: I was like a kid waiting for Christmas as I waited for my opportunity; but the guys in front of me that played my positions were playing well. I had to wait for my turn and then I had to earn it and really shine when I played. I am more than grateful that Bill gave me the chance when he did. It was like a blessing just waiting to happen.
Q: Why was the team so much better in the second half of the season as compared to the first half?
A: In the second half we just really jelled together as a team. It's hard to explain, but that's what we did. We decided that to even have a chance we had to block out the negativity from the first half, and we did. Then we put a good run together and really made things interesting down the stretch.
Q: What was the most exciting moment, in your opinion, during the pennant race?
A: Probably that game where Jerson (Perez) hit the game-winning home run in extra innings (August 21st vs. Bridgeport at The Den, 13th inning). That was an unbelievable game; and it really lit a fire underneath us. It was like, we can do this!
Q: How about personally, was there one moment that really stood out for you?
A: No doubt it was the game where I hit three home runs! I had never hit three in one game in my whole life. It was the highlight of my career. Every pitch looked like a basketball coming up there that game. Not to sound selfish, but I wanted to hit 30 home runs so badly and after this game I was up to 29 and I just knew I was going to get 30. It was an incredible feeling.
Q: What are your plans for the off season?
A: I'm definitely hoping to get a Winter Ball job. But if I don't get one, I'll go back down to Florida and continue my work with mentally and physically handicapped adults.
Atlantic League Stories from September 22, 2004
- Riversharks advance to championship series - Camden Riversharks
- Ducks have a pulse - Long Island Ducks
- Surf season ends with 9-4 loss to Camden - Atlantic City Surf
- One on One with Keith Maxwell of the Newark Bears - Newark Bears
- Surf drop opening game of playoffs - Atlantic City Surf
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