Jeff Cirillo played Major League Baseball for 14 seasons, making stops in Colorado, Seattle, San Diego, Minnesota and Arizona after being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers out of the University of Southern California in 1994. Cirillo led the American League in fielding percentage among third basemen in 2002 with a mark of .973 and committed the fewest errors at his position in 1996. Now a resident of Medina, Cirillo took some time to chat with the Bellevue Reporter during a round of golf about life in the Big Leagues, coaching Little League and why he chooses to call Bellevue home.

REPORTER: What is the stupidest question a sports writer ever asked you when you were a pro?

JEFF CIRILLO: A guy asked me once “What did it feel like to get that lucky hit there in the ninth?”

REPORTER: How did you respond to that one?

JC: I told him there is no such thing as a lucky hit.

REPORTER: Who was the best teammate you ever had in the pros?

JC: Mike Matheny, we were roommates together in the minor leagues. He was from Michigan and I was out of USC, we were both low round picks. He was the best.

REPORTER: You have obviously been around the game for a long time in a variety of capacities. Give me the most useful lesson you have taken from the diamond into other areas of your life.

JC: I think the mantra of “finish what you start” and being accountable, never giving up or making excuses.

REPORTER: What do you remember from the two All-Star teams you made?

JC: I remember the first time, I was scared of my own shadow and didn’t want to talk to anyone. Roger Clemens was there and Cal Ripken Jr. was there and I probably spent more time with the Comedy Central crew that was walking around because I didn’t want to talk to anybody.

REPORTER: Describe your golf game.

JC: About a 15 to 16 handicap. I’m so inconsistent, I just work at it enough to play in golf tournaments.

REPORTER: The Mariners just set an unfortunate franchise record for consecutive losses. What would you tell your teammates if you were on a team with a 17-game losing streak?

JC: Put a piece of gum in, put some eyeblack on, and pinch yourself, because you’re wearing a big league uniform.

REPORTER: Better time: leading the AL in fielding percentage at your position, or coaching your son in an All-Star game?

JC: Coaching my son, hands down.

REPORTER: Where are a few of your favorite places to go in Bellevue?

JC: I like 520 Bar and Grill. We have a softball team called “The Lobs” and we go in there after our games. We love Sushi Maru and Chipotle, it seems like we end up there a lot.

REPORTER: You’re from California originally and you played in handful of MLB cities, why do you make your home here?

JC: I just love it, it’s a good place to raise your family.