Added 2 more questions —> An interview with OI Livingston/Headhunters outfielder Larkin Grant
Larkin Grant
Who are you playing with in 2013?
Headhunter Chronicles/OI Livingston/Baden/Midwest Whitetail Adventures/Cancooker/SHSSports.com/Lethal/Some names I'm sure I left out/etc/…/???
Why do you like the game of softball?
Competition. Softball has a level for everyone.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Everyone knows who the best are so some of the best from middle GA are:
Hitters: Sean Greer, Chivas "Chevy" Clark, Nekeyma Wright, Wes Parker and Shannon "the Legend" Touchton.
Defense: Busta from primetime and KR Eaton. I've seen KR make some of the most unbelievable plays
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Busta from primetime. He's only 22 or 23 and he can play any position on the field very well. He also can hit for power or avg.
Another guy that hasn't had a chance yet is Evan Jarmin. He's also around 22 or 23. He can flat out go get it in the OF and has an incredible arm. He has good power and hits for avg also. I wish we had room for him cause when he gets his shot he will move up quick.
What is your height and weight?
6'1 195
Where do you call home?
Dry Branch GA……. About 30 mins south of Macon
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
At home with my beautiful wife Shawna and my 2 lil boys Landin and Lawson. But usually if my team isn't playing Shawna's team is so we're always heading to a ballpark somewhere.
What do you do for a living?
I'm a supervisor at Robins AFB. We provide aerial support for the best military in the world!
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball, football, basketball and track in HS but nothing any higher than that.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing tourney ball when I was 15 in the summers between baseball and football. I was hooked after that 1st summer. Right out of high school I played 4 nights a week in league and every weekend from Feb to Nov.
I played for Drew on D2E in 2010 and 2011. In 2011 he decided he was ready to make the jump to conference and I'm forever grateful. I would also like to thank Carlton for assembling the Headhunter team and letting me be a part of it.
I would also like to thank all of the sponsors that I have played for because without y'all an upper level wouldn't be possible.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Even though the bat testing isn't perfect, the bats aren't near as hot as your local leagues and local tourneys. Someone is going to get killed using some of the bats like I hear at the Peavy park Friday night 1 pitches. WOW!!!
What was the best advice you were ever given?
"It doesn't take talent to hustle!" – my dad
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play in every tourney where there are other upper level players. Always hustle, keep your attitude in check and work on all parts of the game. Not just BP seeing how far you can hit it.
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I like to play them all. As I've gotten older, slower and my arm isn't what it used to be the outfield is less and less appealing. Lol.
My best would be outfield and pitching.
What batting grip do you use?
Pinky drop and 2 finger drop on top hand
What ounce bat do you use?
28
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
This year I dieted for the 1st time in my life. It sucked! My wife and I have been doing the insanity workouts and I've been lifting also. I do a series of bat speed drills and take BP when possible.
What is your favorite sports team?
I love to play just about every sport but I can't sit still long enough to watch any of them. I'll watch the Dawgs play football if there isn't a local tourney to play in that Saturday. Lol
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Getting to play in the stadium at Disney for the 1st time after going to C and below worlds every year just to go sit in the stands and watch.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
It will never happen but I would like to see it go back to aluminum and 47 cor balls. The ball would still fly well during the heat of the day instead of turning to mush like it does now when it's high humidity and high heat.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Boone's and the Smoky by far are my favorites.
What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
Disney. The all turf fields in Vegas were fun to play on also.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere usually. I'm always hungry!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
2 things I'll never forget: I was playing in the big BSC kickoff in Aiken SC a few years ago and my buddy Peck was playing left. There was a high foul ball hit in between the outfield and infield where no avg person could get to it but Peck was very fast. He was running it down and I guess on the way his eyes started bouncing because he dove straight out, arms extended out in front of him and the ball lands square in the middle of his back!!! Lol
2nd: I was playing with the dirty white boys about 10 years ago and my best friend Eric Mullis was playing 2nd. It rained and in Macon when it rains it goes from hard red clay to slick sloppy mud quick! A foul ball was hit between home and 1st and Eric took off running it down. As he was closing in he noticed the catcher Ricky Tidwell that was 2X his size headed straight for him so he dives out of Ricks way and lands in the mud. While he's laying there he looks up over his shoulder and the ball was headed straight for him. He quickly snatched his glove over and caught it before it hit him. It was unbelievable.
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