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2019 Free Agent Jason Crosland

 

 

 

Jason Crosland

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 12/5/2018

Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 Free Agent – jcrosland@idahomilktransport.com

Played with Tradesmen 2017 and 2018

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Utility. I've played 3rd/middle last 2 years, I played OF in college and pro ball too. But I like to hit so just put me in there and Ill play. 😉

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Filip Washington, one of the best all around players I have seen but there is a lot on the list who make this game look extra easy. Chris Larsen, Dale Brungardt.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Grew up playing baseball my whole life and it helps feed that competitive edge. Also I love the social atmosphere it provides getting to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Myself. 😉 HA HA Jeff Andrews on Tradesmen can flat out play, swinging it and running em down in the OF. Daniel Cayton and Brandon Traylor have been on the scene making some noise too. Both of them have gotten picked up by some good squads, so watch out for all 3 of them.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Cros, my last name. There are a lot of others ha ha but that is the most common one.

What is your height and weight?
6'2" 235

Where do you call home?
Burley, ID

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Just spending time with friends and family. Life gets in the way sometimes and you need to make time for the important people.

What do you do for a living?
Dispatcher for IMTI, trucking company specializing in liquid commodities.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Some basketball and football but baseball was the main focus. Played JC ball, drafted out of there and was blessed enough to get to play for 10 years.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My buddy Josh Shell got me to my first Utrip tourney after I was done with baseball. I played for Joe Visser that weekend and played for him ever since. I want to let him know how much I appreciate the opportunity he has given me for the past 5 years. Did a lot for me in this game and got me the chance to play Conference the past couple of years.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Guys hone their craft at that level and put in extra work because its not like beer league to just go out and play. Practice makes perfect. Also speed of the game. Guys are bigger, balls are hit harder and guys can do what they want with the bat.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I am not sure who to compare myself to. I play hard, do my best to be a good teammate and want to win. Put me anywhere on the field, I will compete and hit scuds at the plate.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
(In the softball world) I hit a walk off HR (little league style) in the rain at Reno in 2017 during the conference tourny there with Tradesmen. It was a big win for our team that weekend in very poor conditions to keep us in it for a couple more games.

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 have had the pleasure to get to play along side of Filip Washington and Chris Larsen a couple of times. Getting to listen to them talk about hitting, it has changed a lot of the thought process I have at the plate now to become a complete hitter. I love baseball and have a growing love for softball now, I just want to be a student of the game and get better to compete at the highest level.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just what I said above, be a student of the game. Learn from the vets and put it to use on the field. Also be a good teammate, there is a lot of good players out there and less good teammates. That is one of the best compliments I could look forward to receiving.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Baseball Grip, hanging a pinky

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Hit the gym to lift and hit in the cages, its cold in Idaho. I get to coach high school baseball at my old high school, so I get out with the kids to take ground balls and fly balls.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta Braves and Baseball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
There is a lot. HA HA I have a routine to the plate but if other things are working I repeat those. Its dumb but if it works it cant be wrong. ha ha

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Dont know now but used to be "Your Love" by The Outfield

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
West Coast schedule. I see that they are adding things but would be nice to have more events out in the Western US.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Goosetown Anaconda, MT. It combines a few of my favorite things all in one weekend. Softball, camping and spending time with friends.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Space Coast is an obvious pick because it is brand new. But Columbus, OH is a nice one too.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere there is food and cold beer (whiskey) 😉

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
There are too many that come to mind but I am always looking for one to crack jokes at with buddies. Dont miss much out there.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
The internet exists, nothing is safe. 😉 I was almost cut from my high school baseball team as a freshman. I was really small and not that good but worked my ass off and it all paid off in the end. 

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Any of the sports equipment I got when I was a kid. My folks worked really hard for us as kids to make sure we didnt go without and they made sure I had a glove and cleats for baseball.
 

 

One response to “2019 Free Agent Jason Crosland”

  1. CT says:

    Hands Down The Best Teammate I have ever had, one of the most humble people and hardest workers you’ll meet! This Fella would be an asset to any team that picks him up!!!

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