Rapid Questions with Trey Mancini

Orioles fans know that Trey Mancini’s 2021 season was full of highlights. He made an extraordinary return after missing the 2020 season and was named the winner of the Players Choice Award for AL Comeback Player, as well as the Orioles’ 2021 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. He was the Home Run Derby runner-up after one of the most inspiring performances in Derby history. And he hit his 100th career home run on June 20, becoming the fastest player in Orioles history (who began their career with Baltimore) to reach 100 career home runs (531 games).

That’s Trey Mancini the player. The slugging first baseman. The leader on the field and in the clubhouse.

This offseason, Birdland Insider caught up with Mancini for a rapid-fire Q&A covering everything from pets to superpowers, baseball to ice cream, to learn more about the player on the field and the person off it.

What’s your favorite ballpark to play in and why?

I love Camden Yards. It’s such a great ballpark. As an away player, Fenway. Just because of the historical aspect. It’s just such a cool, unique ballpark and it’s always packed. Just a really cool atmosphere.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a dentist for a long time.

If an ice cream truck pulled up right now, what would your order be?

Chocolate chip cookie dough. That’s my favorite flavor.

If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?

I’ll go with Lionel Messi. I think being in his shoes for a day and playing in a match and everything that goes along with it, it’s a religion. I think that would be really cool.

What is your favorite way to spend an off day in Baltimore?

I lived outside the city this year, so just sitting back on my dock out on the river. It was so nice, just totally relaxing.

Does your number have any special meaning behind it?

I just always liked number 16 a lot. It was my number growing up. Since I was about 10, I’ve been number 16, besides in college when I was number 3.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G.

You have to make a dish for a potluck; what is your go-to dish?

Pizza. Can’t mess up a pizza. I’m not a very good cook.

Which teammate do you think was the biggest troublemaker in school?

Tanner Scott.

What is your favorite show that you never get tired of watching?

The Office. I’ll never, ever get tired of it.

If you weren’t playing professional baseball, what would you be doing?

I was a political science major in college. I didn’t even really get so far as to deciding what I wanted to do with my degree. I went into pro ball and hoped for the best, and I’m still playing. I’d say law school.

Which actor would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?

Do they have to look like me? Larry David.

What’s your favorite video game?

The NCAA Football games that they used to make. I think they’re coming out with one in a year or two.

Tell us one fun fact or unique piece of information about the town you grew up in.

We’ve got like 20-something lakes that are all connected to each other. We would spend our weekends tubing and skiing and if one lake was kind of crowded, then you’d just take the canal to the next one until you find one that’s not too crowded. It was a pretty cool, outdoorsy town in that way where you can just lake hop and be on the water.

Do you have any pets? If so, what type and what are their names?

Olympia’s my dog’s name. She’s a terrier-lab Cocker Spaniel mix. She actually looks a lot like a Vizsla, but she’s not. Her mix just makes her look exactly like one.

What superpower would you like to have and why?

Juan Soto’s plate discipline. I think it’s one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen.

If you could play any position other than your own, what would you play?

I’d probably regret saying this, but catcher. I forget what it’s like to be a catcher and have that perspective. I caught some in little league and things like that. So, at least for a game I’d like to see what it’s like to be back there.

Who’s the greatest athlete of all-time and why?

Michael Jordan. Just everything about him. He would do whatever it took to win. He’s just incredible.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the offseason?

Travel. I like to travel a lot. Sara and I are going to Europe this offseason. I’ve never been to Europe before so I’m super excited.

Trey’s first trip to Europe will always be a special one. At the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, he proposed to his girlfriend, Sara.

Orioles fans can follow Birdland Insider on Twitter for more Rapid Questions with O’s players throughout the offseason.