Eric Gagné (gahn-YAY) is a talented pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Eric graduated from high school in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and pitched for Canadian National team in 1995. Eric first came to the United States to play baseball at Seminole State Junior College in Oklahoma. When he first arrived to the U.S., he only spoke French. It was during his time in college when he first learned English, and he jokes that he spent hours watching MTV for a crash course in English.

Eric and his wife, Valerie, have a daughter, Faye, and a son, Maddox, whom he enjoys spending time with when he's not playing ball.

In the book Break Barriers, Eric Gagné shares his life stories and talks about how he faced and overcame many life obstacles. Small and large, personal and professional, Eric’s barriers took courage, ingenuity, and serious dedication to work through.

RIF: What is your greatest accomplishment in your sport?

Eric: Winning the Cy Young is my greatest accomplishment so far.

RIF: What's your favorite part about playing baseball?

Eric: I love coming to the park everyday and smelling the fresh grass.

RIF: Your book is about breaking barriers. Did you have to break any barriers when it came to reading?

Eric: I did, and reading is still the hardest thing for me to do—even today.

RIF: What was your favorite book growing up?

Eric: It was a book called See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar.

RIF: What do you like to read now — books, magazines, newspapers, websites?

Eric: I like to read Sports Illustrated and any Dodger clips I can find.

RIF: Do you like to read books about sports?

Eric: Yes—in fact I just bought a book about Michael Jordan.

RIF: Was it hard coming to the United States from Quebec, Canada, and not knowing any English?

Eric: Yes—that was my single biggest adjustment when I moved here.

RIF: Do you prefer to read in English or French?

Eric: I like both, but more so English right now.

RIF: What advice do you have for kids who want to break barriers or play baseball?

Eric: I would just tell them to stay positive and don’t let anyone stop you.