Kansas City Royals: Prospect Interview, Tyler Tolbert

The Kansas City Royals selected Tyler Tolbert in the 2019 draft from the Univ of Alabama-Birmingham. I had a chance to talk to him about his career.

Tyler Tolbert is no stranger to success being named the Birmingham/Central Alabama Player of the Year and leading the Hewitt-Trussville High School team to a Class 7A state title in 2016. From there he joined the Blazers of UAB and had a solid career including finishing tied for sixth in the NCAA Division I stolen base category for 2019.

Just completing up his first taste of pro ball, Tolbert spent time in with the Arizona League Royals and then a handful of games in the Pioneer League with the Idaho Falls Chukars this summer. It was there the Kansas City Royals prospect stole the show in the title game with three hits and three runs scored helping secure a league championship for the Chukars.

He has been busy still recently having just completed time at the Instructional League but was gracious enough to answer some questions of mine.

Q: You won a state high school title in 2016, do you feel the experience of that high-pressure environment helped you in the league title game with Idaho Falls where you collected three hits and scored three runs?

A: My past experiences of playing in championship games from high school to collegiate summer league, to now my first professional one has definitely helped me thrive in those pressure environments. My point of view for championship games is the result of the hard work and dedication that you and your teammates have put in to reach this moment. So why not just have fun and enjoy the moment.