2017 Free Agent John Hooks Jr
John Hooks Jr
Interview conducted on 10/20/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
2017 Free Agent – johnhooksjr@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
1st base,Catcher,DH,3rd,Pitcher Best overall position would be 1st Base.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Its a toss up between Brian Wegman, Kyle Pearson and Buddy Wolf.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I live for the family atmosphere and bringing back high school and college baseball memories.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Another tough question….
John Williams: power is ridiculous
Jordan Scherr : overall total package speed,hitting,fielding
Zack Messer : one of the best glove ive ever seen on the field
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Hooks is what everyone calls me just my last name lol
What is your height and weight?
6'3 260
Where do you call home?
Lorain Ohio (20 miles west of Cleveland)
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hitting the ball field with my 7 year old son aka my prodigy
What do you do for a living?
Install Solar Panels
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High School Baseball, College Baseball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
A buddy of mine by the name of Dawk brought around locally to showcase my talents. Ended up playing alot of ball with Zack Messer a couple seasons ago…he knew the sponsor of ASP would be at our tournament that weekend so I got my shot then and he offered me a spot on ASP Venom (class B) this was my first taste of the conference.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Everyone through the order can smash the ball and the game is quicker and the pitching is much better.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No i feel im unique and bring alot of different elements to help a team win!
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
My first at bat in the conference was at the dual early this year… hitting a nice double in the gap against the number one major team at the time (shoppe) was pretty cool.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My high school coach always made sure we stayed humble and respect the game.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Once you get a shot take your chance and run with it because you may never get another chance at this level.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
batting grip : Lizard Grip
26 oz or 27 oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
BP 3 to 4 times a week
Cardio and weight lifting
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Cleveland Cavs and I love the game of basketball as well.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Don't bring your girl to the tournaments haha
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Bombs Over Baghdad Outkast haha
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
reaching out to smaller states that might be loaded with talent
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Dudley ASA in Minnesota love the small town vibe and huge crowds!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I enjoyed playing on the Braves winter complex main stadium. It has the huge screen and big field.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Popeye's all day!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
when my buddies pants ripped all the way up to his underwear
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I like to play tennis and golf.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Giving my son a brand new Easton for his baseball season!
He seems to be a very good all around player but needs to work on his hands in the infield. Seems to have great power at the plate though and would love to have him at our team. We would love him so he can keep track of the pitch count and refill waters
He seems to be a very good all around player but needs to work on his hands in the infield. Seems to have great power at the plate though and would love to have him at our team. We would love him so he can keep track of the pitch count and refill waters. Overall he could also be a great person to warm up left or right field and the bench