An interview with JOCO / ALLDAY / EASTONS Ray Gurley Jr.

Ray Gurley Jr.

USSSA Playing History

Who are you playing with in 2014?
JOCO / ALLDAY / EASTON
 
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's the competition that I really like. We all grew up wanting to be a pro athlete in some sport and softball is as close as it gets for most of us.
 
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
LC Watson – best pitcher I have played against. Great hitter also
 
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Steve Whaley great player. Good guy on and off the field.
 
What is your nickname in softball?
No Fun
 
What is your height and weight?
6'4  275 pounds

Where do you call home?
Little Elm, Tx.
 
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Just anything to do with my family. I had to actually take a few years off for my family and it was great. Our son being born in 2010 was the best thing that has ever happened to me.
 
What do you do for a living?
Regional supervisor for ViaSat (satellite internet)

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes – Little Elm High School
Yes- Few different colleges :Pittsburg State, Independence C.C., Arizona, and Northeastern State. Played football at all 3 and transferred mostly because of money and student loans. I failed a class at Arizona and I won't hide from that mistake.
Pro – Had a few NFL tryouts but never got signed.
 
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing softball after college. Played coed mostly and enjoyed chasing the athletic girls around. I had no idea how competitive the game really was.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The respect all the players have for each other. The talent is ridiculously good. As a pitcher in 2010 it was the way the umpires called the game as well.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work on your game any time you can. Watch the big teams play and watch how they play the game. When an upper player offers advice take it and be very respectful.

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher / C/EH mostly pitch

What batting grip do you use?
Normal baseball style

What ounce bat do you use?
26 0r 27  

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Lift, Run, and take a lot of BP with teammates.

What is your favorite sports team?
Dallas Cowboys

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Football

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No not really.
 
What is your most memorable softball moment?
First time playing at worlds in 2009 with the Texas Regulators. Just realizing how competitive this game/sport really is.
 
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
P.O.D. Alive

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Nothing its great
 
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Snowball – Denison, Tx.
 
What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
BLD Mansfield, Tx. turf on the infield and you don't have to worry about it being rained out.  

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
IHOP – only thing opened really at 2-3 AM
 
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Foul ball off of a player and a dog caught the ball without it hitting the ground. It was pretty cool