2021 Free Agent Jacob Willingham
Jacob Willingham
Interview conducted on 11/10/2020
Who are you playing with in 2021, and who have you played with in the past?
2021 Free Agent – jacob.willingham@volkert.com
2020 – Played with Hubs Pub/Klutch then BaughFord/HubsPub/Headliners last year
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Play any position needed except pitcher unless given hockey goalie equipment
Why do you like the game of softball?
Competition and playing for the guys in the same jersey as me
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
It seems like it’s something new each year with a play on my name
What is your height and weight?
6’3” 250
Where do you call home?
Mobile, AL
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Depending on the time of year, either at the beach, watching football or sleeping
What do you do for a living?
CAD Tech for Volkert INC
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
All of the big 3 in HS and JUCO Baseball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Old college buddies asked me to play league night. Brandon Patzig got me a shot to play conference last year.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Consistency and better umpires
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I’ve always been a Wegman fan but I can play the dirt too. I’m sure he could if need be
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Hitting 2 triples and a HR in my first start on the conference in the Hall of Fame Dual in Viera
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I’ve watched a lot of the top name guys and tried to take some of their game or approaches to ABs or defensively. So I can’t really name just one or five.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Get more consistent. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t get your hopes up on playing every inning of every game. It isn’t like that at this level for most.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap and 27-28oz bat
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I workout pretty much everyday, eat clean and work on my game
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Auburn Tigers and football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None that I know of
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Pony – Ginuwine
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Better bat testing or another way to make sure that part is on an equal playing field with the rest of the teams
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Tripp Roth, it’s hard to be the atmosphere
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Space Coast is unmatched.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Depends the city but generally hard to eat anywhere bc we play so late in the night.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Nothing off the wall. Usually people look at me funny when I describe my job
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