Sunday March 24th, 2024
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An interview with A&A’s Kyle Bullock

 

 

 

Kyle Bullock

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 1/15/2018

Who are you playing with in 2018?
A&A Utility Co./ASP/Miken

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Utility player. Anywhere on the infield but can play outfield of I have to. I prefer to let them young guys run it though. But I prefer 3rd base. Catch it or wear it! 

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Watching KP grow up from the skinny 18 year old he was to how well he hits it now has been impressive. He’s always had the home run power but it’s only gotten better. I enjoy watching good defensive players play the game. 

Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the competitiveness. 

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There’s so many out there. Softball has new talent coming around everyday from everywhere. 

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Lol I get called a lot of things. Red is the most common. 

What is your height and weight?
5’10”   195

Where do you call home?
Sterlington, LA

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Currently I’m working in Houston. So off weekends I usually go back home and see friends and family. Usually end up playing small, backwoods tournaments for fun. 

What do you do for a living?
Communications Specialist 

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball and basketball in high school. Went to Grambling State to play baseball. 

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was 18 when a couple buddies asked me to play a men’s softball tournament in Monroe, LA, that consisted of six teams. I laughed and asked if he was serious. Didn’t even know it exsisted. We went 0-2 and scored 1 run in those two games. I went 5-5 in those games and another (good team) asked me to play the next weekend. Instantly got hooked.
I got to the upper level hitting twice a week with Mike Cervantes and Justin Stuart. I learned a lot from those two on how to be more consistent hitter and situational hitting. Completely changed how I approached the plate.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Biggest different I noticed was the respect people had for each other at that level. No crap talking. Just showed up to play without all the drama. Umpires are consistently better. Better organization at that level from the coaches (for the most part), tournament directors, umpires, everything. 

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really. I don’t believe I bring anything special to the game but I can’t really say that I attempt to play like anybody else. 

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Being apart of winning C worlds in 2015 with TMT and winning A worlds in 2017 with Steel Sports/Powerhouse. Also playing my only major tournament with Steel. That was a good time! 

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’s several people that have impacted my approach to the game. Too many to list. But the two I can definitely say had a big impact is Mike Cervantes and Justin Stuart. 

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Hustle on everything. Have a good attitude whether you’re playing every pitch or coming off the bench. Don’t be stupid between games. Coaches and sponsors notice things like that. 

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Athletic tape due to the adhesive spray. 27oz endload. 

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
We are fortunate in the south to be able to play year round. We don’t get to harsh of a winter so that helps. 

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Can’t really say i have a favorite team. I follow players and not teams. I’ve always enjoyed basketball. I can watch it at any level. Football is good too. 

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I have to chew big red while I play. It’s the only gum that keeps its flavor. 

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
That would change every tournament. 

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I’m sure there’s some things to help out the game. But softball has become better making the adjustments as they come. Especially with shaved bats and player safety. 

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Tripp Roth in Lafayette is one of my favorites. It’s surprising how big it’s gotten over the past few years with big players traveling in for it and being allowed to play with the lower local teams and seeing how many people show up for the Friday night derby. It’s a great softball atmosphere. 

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Any of the conference events have nice complexes. All the BLD’s are nice. 

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Every city has its local places to stop at. 

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I have a few buddies with drunk stories trying to run bases lol
I was umpiring a coed game back home. KP came up and hit a ball about 450-500’ (no exaggeration) then KP’s sister Meagan was up next to hit a homer about 320-350’ (guessing). I was laughing at Lane Young for not walking her after we talked about it possibly happening. 
That or Anru Hamilton playing in his rice hat.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Paul Milsap dunked on me in high school. But that wasn’t even the best dunk over me lol

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
This past Christmas my great aunt gave me a signed baseball from Ivan Pudge Rodriguez. He was my favorite player growing up.

 

 

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