Date - Tuesday 1st June 2004
By - Simon Sjogren

BostonGM - So Brett, how long have you been playing baseball for?

Roneberg - For all my life, as far back as I can remember.

BostonGM - When did you transfer over to the United States to play in the US Minor League basball system?

Roneberg - When I was 16 years of age I left Cairns, Australia because I knew it was time to move on from playing in my home country to playing outside my comfort zone in the United States.
I knew this was the right move to make since I wanted to be pushed more so I could become a better baseball player.

BostonGM - Did you ever play baseball in high school?

Roneberg - Baseball at Smithfield High School was not very big - and in Australia it's not like it is over here in the United States.
I played a lot of Rugby and Cricket while in high school and ejoyed every minute of it.
But of course the serious part of my life was baseball and I was merely waiting for a ticket to get out of the country and play for the real stuff.

BostonGM - So going off to College was never really a priority for you or was just the chance to suddenly begin your baseball career the reason why you never attending University either here in the United States or in Australia?

Roneberg - With all due respect, college just would have been a waste of my time.
In order to be successful in the sport and have a chance to play in the Major League's, you have to start young and so I did.

BostonGM - Before playing for the Portland Sea Dogs, what other teams did you play for?

Roneberg - For 7 years, after coming over to the United States when I was 16 years old, I played for the Marlins - and then the Expos, and Redsox - all Minor League teams.
The highest level I have played has been at the "AAA" level with the Marlins.
That was very exciting because I could play with players who had once played in the Major League's and were just down to that level for some extra practice.

BostonGM - What number do you hit on the Portland squad and how is it so important to the lineup?

Roneberg - Currently I hit at the No.3 spot and it is very important to be an experienced hitter at that position because it requires a lot of talent to either keep the inning alive or hit in a run or two.

BostonGM - How many road and home games to you guys play?

Roneberg - We play a total of 142 regular season games where 71 of them are on the road and at home.
It doesn't necessarily matter if we play on the road or at home, our level of play and desire to win is the same wherever we may play.

BostonGM - So I understand back in 2000 you had the privileage of playing for Team Australia in the Summer Olympics.
How was that experience, playing for your country after being on various teams in the United States?

Roneberg - It was a great experience playing for my country.
I enjoyed every minute of it.
Even though we lost in the second round, the passion for the game of baseball and for my country kept me motivated the entire time spent at the 2000 Olympics.

BostonGM - How do you enjoy playing in the outfield and first base?
Do you prefer playing at one position over the other?

Roneberg - Playing in the left or right field is more of a preference to me because I have a little help to rely on, but at the same time, first-base is very demanding and I always need to be alert and that is very important in the game of baseball.

BostonGM - That is very true.
What would you say motivates you the most to come out to practice everyday and to play hard day-in and day-out at your home and away games throughout the season?

Roneberg - The love of the game is what drives me.
I just admire the sport and all the aspects of it, and there is nothing else that can bother me when I am out on the field playing for money.

BostonGM - Is there a certain baseball player you idolize and/or team that you may want to be on when you make it to the Major League level?

Roneberg - No, I trust myself and what I can do.
So I mostly take after myself and I feel that is the best antidote to have if things aren't going well.
There really isn't a team per se.
Just getting to that level is good enough for me.

BostonGM - When do you go back home to Australia?
After the season is over or ?

Roneberg - Yes. I go back after the season ends in September and stay there until early February when spring training gets into play again.
I visit family and tell them all about my experiences over here in the United States.

BostonGM - When you talk of family, do you have any brothers or sisters whom look after you or whom you possibly look after yourself?

Roneberg - Yes, I do look after my older sister and of course my parents who brought me into this world.
They have seen me play baseball numerous times in my career and it is always nice to go back and visit them in Australia once the season lets out.

BostonGM - Do you know a lot of your countrymen who have made the same journey as you have, playing baseball over in the United States rather than in their home country of Australia?

Roneberg - Oh yeah..there are many who have come over to the United States and have been very successful doing so.
They either are currently playing in the Major League or are playing on various squads like myself.

BostonGM - All right, a couple last questions before I let you go.
Do you have a girlfiriend, and how do you see your future at this point?

Roneberg - Hahaha, I don't have a girlfriend and I am probably the only one on this team that doesn't.
The reason being is that I don't have time for one, but I do see having one in the future when I am ready and having a family.

BostonGM - Thanks for your time.
Good luck against New Hampshire, and I look forward to knowing more about you in the future to come.

Roneberg - Cheers mate.