2017 Free Agent pitcher Josh Bolyard

Josh Bolyard

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 11/1/2016

Who are you playing with in 2017?
Free Agent – talongage@hotmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher and first base, but prefer pitching 
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love to compete and more so when it is an opportunity lifelong friendships. 

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Players are Tanai Alston, Jake Shiflett, Greg Hawkins, Brandon Doughty, Adam Weimer and Brian Mays. I've had the privilege of watching these guys compete day in and day out and their work ethic is unmatched. 

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
JB – set explanatory 

What is your height and weight?
6'1 – 235

Where do you call home?
Morgantown, WV 

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Relaxing with my wife and three kids. 

What do you do for a living?
Field Deputy at the Monongalia County Assessor's Office 

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball in high school

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing locally and began surrounding myself to great teammates which led to an introduction to Tom Bradley with All-In softball. 

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The intensity, pitching defense and no one takes a play off 

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No, not really. Every pitcher brings something different to the game and I try to learn from every pitcher and player I see.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning 3 world titles with All In is something I will always remember.

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 learn from everyone I see play, but I would have to say that Tanai Alston and I are always challenging the other to be better.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Traditional, 26 oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
What off-season? Gym, gym, gym. Take BP and practice pitching.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Steelers and LeBron.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Never walk across the infield to get to the dugout before the game

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Welcome to the Jungle

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Love playing better teams, great way to get better

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Smokey Mountain Classic, great atmosphere

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Myrtle Beach has one of the best facilities I have ever seen.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Waffle House, the only thing open after our first world.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Our managers had to fill in at the Cincy Major, in the span of an inning, one made a diving play at second and the other hit into a double play to end the game after falling down in the batter box while swinging.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Loyal to a fault

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Getting awarded the Defensive MVP in NSA Nationals.