AUBURN - Manny Rodriguez is well-traveled.

Originally from Chitre Herrera, Panama, the Auburn Doubledays first baseman signed with the Atlanta Braves organization at the age of 17. He spent two seasons with Atlanta in the Dominican Summer League before playing with the Braves in the Gulf Coast Rookie League. Rodriguez then played his best minor league season with Danville in the Appalachian League in 2005. He was a Rome Brave last year in the South Atlantic League before landing in Auburn via free agency.

Rodriguez's experience has been a huge asset to the Doubledays this season. His .306 batting average, three home runs and 19 RBIs rank near the top of the team. It's not hard to see why the 22 year-old is one of the most beloved Doubledays this season - he plays much better when he's in front of the fans at Falcon Park. It's where he has a .341 average, 13 of his RBIs, two home runs and 10 runs scored. Even with a recent, and small, slump, Rodriguez talks about why he's better at home, the difference between the Blue Jays' and Braves' organization and what it was like growing up in Panama.

What is it about Falcon Park that has gotten you to play so much better than on the road?

“The people here are really friendly, maybe it gives me more confidence,” Rodriguez said. “When I go to the home plate every time, I feel like I can concentrate more.”

What was it like growing up in Chitre Herrera?

“It's a small town, but it was a nice town to play baseball in. We played there seven days a week and we played everywhere - in the street, in the backyard, soccer fields, even on basketball courts. I loved it.”

What was the transition like, playing in your backyard to playing professional baseball?

“It all started when I was 16. I signed to play and started to play when I was 17. Generally, I had never played in America, so for me that was a little hard at first but after I got used to it, I started to think more about this as a career. To play professional baseball was always my dream and signing with the Atlanta Braves was amazing. Playing in America and Panama - it's like two different worlds. We played four to six months over there and here you play for seven. The first year I wasn't hitting to well, maybe in the .180's, and the next year I felt more mentally ready and I felt like I could be better.”

How difficult was the language barrier to overcome?

“It was weird because my first year, I spent time with a guy that I shared a room with. He spoke perfect English and he was trying to teach me more and more every day. After that, I played in the Appy League and I knew a girl, who helped me learn for another year and a half.”

Do you feel like your experience gives you an edge over other players?

“Yes. I see more pitchers and players that have played everywhere. That has helped me. I try to talk to everybody and I try to be an older brother to some of them. Half of this team now is older than me, but they have one or two years playing and I have six.”

What was it like playing for the Braves organization versus the Blue Jays now?

“(Atlanta) taught me everything about professional baseball. About the rules, on and off the field. They care so much and worry about us. That's the best thing I can say about the Braves organization is that they care a lot. For me, the players here are more friendly. This is the only team that I've been on where the guys are like that. The people here try to take care of you, we get together all the time and this is something they don't do over there. It's like a family here.”