Editor’s note: The following is the second half of an interview with Bear River High graduate Robbie Alcombrack, who is in spring training with the Texas Rangers. Auburn’s Bob Ripley caught up with him last week in Arizona. For the first part of the interview, visit AuburnJournal.com.

Q: What was your next step after getting your release from the Indians?

A: I knew I wanted to play somewhere so I talked to my agent, who had connections with an independent team in Michigan, the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League. A phone call was made to the coach and the next thing I knew, I was in Michigan, going through my second spring training of the year.

Q: How was that experience with the Beach Bums?

A: It was fantastic. The quality of ball was amazing, about that of high-A pro ball. We had about 5,000 fans per night attend the games in a very beautiful stadium. I stayed with a host family there during the season. They are my second family now.

Q: I know your dad, Gary, has been a big influence in your ball-playing life. Do you still keep in close contact with each other?

A: Yes, absolutely. I call him every single day after my work is done and we talk about it. He knows me, my game and my career so well – I wouldn’t be here without him. He is coming down here tomorrow for a few days and I’m looking forward to seeing him. We both sat down together when I was about 11 years old and actually made a plan for my baseball career. I had quit Little League after just one year and then went into select traveling teams and tournaments, playing all over the country and the world. It turned out to be the right decision and was a lot of fun.

Q: You mentioned that you feel like you’ve made a favorable impression on the club so far. What indications tell you that?

A: I am getting a lot of positive feedback from the coaches. With the Indians, that didn’t happen too often. I am getting the feeling that they are kind of making me a priority, just how they go about treating me.

Q: Have you been seen much by Ron Washington, the Rangers manager, in spring training, or by any of the Triple-A coaches?

A: Yes, Mr. Washington has seen me a lot during workouts and batting practice and has said some nice things to me. It’s really good to know that you are being watched by the top people.

Q: Looking back on your career so far and all the things that have transpired, what do you think is the most valuable thing you have learned?

A: Getting a good, set routine going and sticking to it from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to bed at night. Once I finally got on track with a good routine, things became easier for me and I found I could produce at my best efficiency level.

Q: What does your spring training daily regime look like here?

A: I get to the field at 7:30 a.m. and stretch and do light workouts. Then practice starts at 9 on the field. We throw, run, hit, have lunch, go to the game and catch the pitchers. We go home about 4 p.m., very exhausted. I go to my hotel and get to bed by about 9:30. Next year, I’ll probably buy a home near here and live there.

Q: At this point in your life, do you ever look back at your earlier years playing this great game?

A: All the time. I remember everything. I think about my high school days and coaches all the time and I try to keep in touch with them still.