Sunday March 24th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

2018 Free Agent Jim Bivens

 

 

 

Jim Bivens

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 11/5/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2017 Started the year with Tradesmen Elite

2018 Free Agent – jbivens@armstrongtransport.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
EH/C/1st

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
That's a hard one but my dude Brandon Newton is one of the smoothest players I've ever seen. Makes it look effortless on defense and offense.

Why do you like the game of softball?
It fuels that fire for me and it's like an escape from reality for me for a few days. When I get to step on the field with my brothers. It's like nothing else matters when you are on that trip.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I'd have to say Jason Crosland he can play pretty much any position defensively, has a cannon, and boy can that man hit the ball a country mile. He's a team player though and if we need a hit in play he will put it where he wants when he wants.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Most people just call me by my last name Bivens, I do get JBiv a lot as well. Ive just always had that its simple most people in the softball community around my home town dont even know my first name haha

What is your height and weight?
6'2" 245lbs

Where do you call home?
Boise, Idaho

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Spending time with my family, we just had our first son just under 3 months ago so getting to play around and spend time with Brantley is always an adventure

What do you do for a living?
I am a logistics coordinator

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
4 years of track and basketball in high school. 3 years of basketball in college.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I grew up watching my parents both play ball, and once i moved back from cali after college my best friends brother had a team and i jumped on with them. And from there I've been trying to work my way up. I wouldn't say I've truly made it to Upper level yet, but the dream is still alive.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
I haven't made the full jump yet, but it a couple tourneys that I have played in. It's just all around more solid there are far fewer gaps and no holes in peoples line ups. Also it's like a job out there every one is pretty professional for the most part.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I don't really think there is anyone out there that I could compare myself to.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I would have to say hitting a grand slam and then getting the chance to hit a walk off in a tourney down in Spanish Fork UT a few years ago.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
There have been a few people that have helped guide me in my approach. Some of the best advise i was ever given was from Rolando Rodrguez when he told me never step in the box until you are in your happy place. If you aren't there take a second and gather yourself. I have held that with me ever since. Also my buddy Jesse Longoria has helped me a ton with bp, fielding, and everything that goes along the way with the game and playing it the right way

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just keep pushing and working hard every day, every time you step on the field, you never know who is watching. Also never stop having fun though once that stops you will lose the love of the game and the passion.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I drop the pinky and overlap two fingers. 27 oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I play basketball, indoor soccer, I take a ton of BP, and take grounders

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
GREEN BAY PACKERS!!! My first passion was and always will be basketball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I've got a few of them but remember get to your happy place

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Anything Metallica

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
From what I have seen there aren't too many changes that can be made, but just keep listening to what players and coaches have to say with suggestions

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
I love Blood and Guts, but a hometown tourney would have to be Homedale Co-ed man that is always a crazy good time!

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I'd have to say Golden Eagle in Reno some of the best turf fields in the country

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I'll pretty much anywhere as long as I am with the team it's always a good time!

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I'd have to say last year at the Homedale tourney playing early morning Sunday my boy Jason Crosland up to bat fouls a ball off and the bat slips out of his hands and goes flying a good 30 feet over the 3rd base dugout. He just looked around and then asked for some gloves.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Most people dont know that I'm James Bivens the 17th hahahah its still hard to believe or even say it

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
A friend, teammate, and coworker was taken way to early from us a little over a year ago and his sister has given me the chance to play with his glove. It means more to me then she will ever know. RIP DJ Marsh

2 responses to “2018 Free Agent Jim Bivens”

  1. Mike says:

    Dude is legit, great player.

  2. CJ BURGESS says:

    Great ball player & an amazing person. Selfless in every aspect of the game. Would be an asset to any team looking for a legitimate hitter and for someone to bring a lot of energy and fun

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.