Wednesday March 27th, 2024
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An interview with TDB/Racks/Athlon’s Jason Branch

 

Thank you Jason for being the first updated interview of the offseason here at softballcenter.com. 

There will be more interviews from Conference players in the coming weeks/months.

 

 Jason Branch

USSSA Playing History

Major Players List

Interview updated 12/8/2018

Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
I'll be with TDB/Racks/Athlon

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play everywhere, and none of them very good. ??

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Overall best is definitely AP. Unbelievable hitter, and obviously the best on the mound the game has ever had.
Hitting wise I still gotta go with Bryson. He hits it where your not and still is the top HR hitter at the smoky every year.
Defensively I have to go with Luis eventhough hes a pain in the ass. ??

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the competition and the skill set it takes to play at the highest level

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I like the young kid we picked up last year with Pure, Bryan Dezern. Kid has a great glove, cannon for an arm, and will be a great hitter one day soon. Has good power also.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Most people just call me asshole, not sure how I got that… ????

What is your height and weight?
6ft usually around 230 pounds, but with me going back to outfield this year I've been cutting weight and am down to 210-215.

Where do you call home?
I live in Brooksville, FL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I take off from October to January to hunt every weekend, during the season I usually work on the off weekends.

What do you do for a living?
I manage and maintain a cattle ranch

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played football, basketball, and baseball in high school. Played baseball in college.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My family played softball my whole life growing up. Mom, dad, and sister.  We were always at the fields.  I played some league night and coed with some buddies.  After college I played some mens baseball leagues and semi pro football.  After I got bored with that I started playing tournaments with the league night buddies and got hooked.
After winning the WSL and ASA 'B' in 2008 I got picked up with Troy Nance and the T&R stucco team for 2009.  We had a great year and took second at the Major World Series.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Our 2008 Lighthouse team was really good but were no match for the best conference teams. The consistency of the best teams is the separating factor.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I'm sure their is some older players I played as I came into the upper level, but I like to think I've made my own style of play.
Win at all cost, play as hard as possible, never get out hustled.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Definitely winning the major world series. That's the reason I play the game.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
This old guy named Bargie I played C with when I was first learning the game.  I used to just hit it hard every AB.  Some weekends I'd hit 800, some 500, but I watched him hit 750+ every weekend not hitting it barely past the coed line.  I asked him the secret, and he said "son it's not about how hard you hit it, it's about hitting it where they ain't".  That's stuck with me ever since.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard, never get out hustled, always remember someone's watching.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use my signature bat in 27oz, going to a new full overlap grip this year I used at the AA and Major this year. I had pretty good results with it so I'm gonna try

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
With my job I do a lot of physical work all year, so I stay in pretty good shape.  During hunting season I like to walk with my dogs when their hunting so I get alot of miles in the rough woods.  Good cardio.  I usually get back in the gym in late January and start back hitting bp

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I don't watch any sports other then Little League world series

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I've worn the same necklace for every conference game since 2011, also have some other weird ones. ???????

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Eric church "Jack Daniels"

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Smoky… cant beat the atmosphere and the history

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Viera is as good as it gets.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Usually anywhere that's open.  If your winning like you should, its prob gonna be fast food late.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Been part of a lot of good times over the years, and some stories that shouldn't get out.

One good one was at last years FL superdraft tourny.  I coach every year and decided to have a little fun.  I went to the store and bought 100 liquor shot bottles and put them in a bag.  If you made an out or error you had to reach in the bag , grab a bottle, and drink it.  One of the girls on my team had a few during the game and after making another out gave me the "I'm an organ donor" excuse for not taking another.  Lol

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My wife made me an awesome book a few years back with some pictures and some quotes and stories from  ex teammates.
 

2018 USSSA 'AA' World Champs – Pure Sports/Monsta

Jasons catch on the fence at AA Worlds

 


2017 USSSA Major World Series Champs

 







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5 responses to “An interview with TDB/Racks/Athlon’s Jason Branch”

  1. Bob Ellis says:

    Dude might not be Michael Jordan… but he’s JUST competitive as MJ.. #truth

  2. Leroy says:

    JB is my kind of player! Plays game with passion/intensity and can elevate ones game! This kind of attitude can rub some wrong; no days off! He’s a winner and plays the game the same way regardless!

  3. Chris Barganier says:

    Chris (Bargy) Barganier

  4. Chris Barganier says:

    Chris Barganier (Bargy)

  5. Chris Barganier (Bargy) says:

    One of the best players Ive had the pleasure of playing with.Extreme competitor!

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