New Team —> ALLOUT/Miken/Worth/IzzySports/Powerhouse Sportz Joshua Bergeron!

Joshua Bergeron

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/20/2015

Who are you playing with in 2016?
Allout

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Middle Infield & Outfield. Best position is anywhere in the middle infield.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis Reyna, it impresses me how a guy his size makes it look so easy to belong with the big boys. Plus his leather is pretty nasty.

Why do you like the game of softball?
It fills the competitive void back when I was playing baseball.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Brian Hotpocket Bohanon is a guy who can hit with the best of them & my boy I first started playing softball with Larry Juarez AKA C Worlds MVP is somebody who will get a offer sooner than later I assume. One of the best up & coming pitchers around & he sticks all tourney long.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
JB…something I've gone by since I was little. Also other nicknames like Breezy or Bizzle have stuck with me too.

Where do you call home?
Houston, TX

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Playing some kind of sport, B-Ball or Volleyball. Depends on the time of the year.

What do you do for a living?
Operator at chemical plant but currently going back to school to become a Coach.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes, Baseball/Football & Basketball

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Got asked by a buddy to come out for a Friday night league game & I actually end up getting asked to play the next day for a tournament. After that I was hooked.
I got introduced to the upper level by a team I was playing year long got bumped up the following year. Before I thought upper was all about just hitting homers but once I got the taste of how the game is played I fell in love with the competitiveness. Outsmarting your opponent & the never quit attitude is something that keeps me striving for more.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
How BIG of a difference innings & time change the game, which is obvious. But the competition for sure also makes it a fun challenge. And also the way the game is officiated, beats playing locally where everyone is buddies with the blues so calls always seem more questionable than they should be.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not sure if I can but I've been referred to as a pest before because I do so many different things at the plate. All I know is I use my hustle to my advantage.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I've had plenty of plays that have probably made somebody holler or scream but winning means the most to me. And winning C Worlds was BY FAR the greatest highlight in my young softball career thus far.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Coach Tim Barnes! As many know he preaches Hustle, not only that but he holds you accountable for how great your potential can make you. Slow pitch softball is a easy game to pick up since it's coming under hand but the time & work you put in is something he expects from you if your going to play on his team. His style reminded me a lot of how my dad was as a Coach.
Also our sponsor Art from A&A Utilities, one of the most down to earth people you'll ever know, I wouldn't have been where I've been if it wasn't for this man.
Thank you to both of yall!!

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard- You cheat yourself & your teammates if you don't.
Play the game right- You never know whose watching.
Never quit- Attitude reflects leadership & if you give up so will somebody else.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Tennis grip.
27oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
No real offseason in TX so just keep playing but you have to give your body some rest.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Indianapolis Colts & Football!

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
A lot! Sometimes they are made as the tourney goes on but I try to be consistent at them.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Back 2 Back- Drake

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
More umpires but that might be asking for too much.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Budfest in College Station. Love going to NorthGate & that town.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Love the turf at BLD's but Disney is the real deal!

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Whataburger

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Budfest, a dog gets on the field & is running through the outfield then makes its way to the infield dirt, nobody could stop him. Players & umpires were diving trying to stop him then he finds his territory & marks it right behind the pitchers mound lol

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I usually struggle to sleep the night before a tourney but wake up earlier than I should the morning of the tourney. Brings back the kid in me I guess or the love for the game.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Hakeem Olajuwon autographed & glass framed basketball given to me by my Uncle when I was a kid.