2022 Free Agent Rob Banks
Rob Banks
Interview conducted on 12/17/2021
Who are you playing with in 2022, and who have you played with in the past?
2022 Free Agent – Robnbanks95@gmail.com
Played with Tru Sports out of VA for the past few years. Looking to get back into the conference again
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield. My best is Centerfield
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
My uncle, Keon Bruiser Gaskins. The man can play almost anywhere on the field. Didn’t fear anybody. Didn’t care who he was playing. And could hit a ball thru any hole that the defense gave him
Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the competitiveness it brings at each level of play
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
My younger brother Jay Banks. As he continues playing he will be on of the top 3rd basemen in the state of VA
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Speedy, i got it when I was just a freedom runner when I first got into travel softball
Where do you call home?
Alexandria, VA but currently living in Greensboro, NC
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Usually with my family or friends
What do you do for a living?
I’m an Athletic Trainer for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes played up to college
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start playing league ball with my dad in 2015, when I was in college my teammates brother needed somebody to fill in for them one tourney. Got asked to be a freedom runner for a team called Synergy out of SC then once I was done with baseball I was put on with Smashmouth out of NC to make an unexpected 2nd place D world run in 2017. The following year I played BSC with a comp team called Logic who is managed by Tru Sports sponsor/coach Reggie Smith. He asked me to come aboard full time with Tru and the rest is history
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
To me it was the pitching. They will test the heights a lot more than I expected. Forcing the hitter to adapt and adjust to the zone
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
There’s one tourney that sticks out to me, 2019 BSC Worlds. My first time playing in it and my little unknown self was dubbed the Offensive MVP. It was a surreal feeling due to how many high level ball players were in that tourney
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My dad. He taught me to to stay humble and let my talent and skills speak louder than anything
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE! Go play in those big name tourneys, network with players and coaches. You never know who might need some new talent. Aka “Shoot yo shot!”
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Typical baseball grip, 26oz with an endload
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Take a bunch of bp when I can. Focus on hitting holes
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Washington Football Team is the team I follow the most. My favorite sport is football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Yes! I do a skip on the way to the plate, draw a cross in the dirt and write (JD2) in it and then kiss my crucifix pendant which contains my dads ashes
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
“All the way turnt up” by Roscoe Dash – had that as my walk up ever since High school
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I would say give more back to the sponsors, especially those conference sponsors.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Either the Final 4 in Peters Creek, NC or the Gauntlet in Virginia Beach, VA. Both of those tourneys typically contain loaded teams, official conference teams and draw in about 40+ Teams each time. The competition is always at a high. Everybody comes wanting the smoke!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
BLD in Vegas. I like the stadium set up and how the fields are close together so you can just hop around to watch whoever is playing
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere with steak or wings
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Seeing somebody swinging out their shoes just to hit a spinner in front of the plate
Leave a Reply