An interview with Conference Rookie of the Year Jordan Spaulding
Jordan Spaulding
Major List Player
Interview conducted on 11/18/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Dan Smith/ Menosse/ Easton
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I love the outfield, that’s where I’ve been the last couple years for the most part but I can also play infield. Was a shortstop all the way through college ball
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Too tough to name just one. Bryson Baker, Brian Wegman, Andy Purcell, Travis Clark, Kyle Pearson, Luis Reyna, Flip Washington, Greg Connell, Brett Rettenmeier, Dale Brungart, Steven Lloyd are the ones that first come to mind. These guys are team players and get it done on both sides of the ball
Why do you like the game of softball?
I used to be a baseball purist and could care less about slowpitch. When I started playing tournaments what really attracted me to it was how unique, fast paced, and intense it was. Now I can’t get enough of it
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Mike Nino, Michael Joseph are some guys from AZ that you are going to hear about in the conference for 2018
What is your height and weight?
5’11 195
Where do you call home?
Phoenix, Arizona
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Spending time with friends and family, fitness, and also a big gamer
What do you do for a living?
I’m a manager at a softball/ sports park in Glendale Arizona
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played high school and college baseball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing league with a friends team then once I got hooked I just kept moving up the ladder. Was lucky enough to meet Lex Ramirez who helped me get into the conference with Racks
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The game is much faster and there are no soft spots in anybody’s lineup. But by far the biggest thing I noticed was the defense. The defense in the conference doesn’t get enough recognition
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Bryson Baker, Steven Lloyd, Brian Wegman are guys I try to somewhat mimic my game after
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I’d have to say getting sent to the losers bracket then ending up on top after 10 games in Houston
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Lex Ramirez. He helped introduce me to the conference and showed me the ropes this year, I can’t thank him enough
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
To start you’ve got to get on a C or B team in your state. Be someone you’d want to play with, you have to be a team player. And unless you absolutely murder the ball, you need to learn to play at least one position well
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Pinky on knob one finger overlap. 27oz end load
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I’m in the gym focusing on compound movements and mobility, bp, league
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball, Diamondbacks
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I do a few things the same every game day. Nothing too interesting
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
I really enjoyed Las Vegas to start out the year
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I’ve gotta say Disney and the new Space Coast complex. Pioneer Park in AZ is outstanding as well
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Sammy Christensen, enough said
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