Ryan McCrory
Interview conducted on 11/1/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Free Agent – ryanm2210@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
First base
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I'd have to say Andy Purcell and Stephen Lloyd are two of the best that I've seen play.
Why do you like the game of softball?
The competition. Playing in the conference reminds me of playing college baseball because you give everything you've got for seven innings.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There are several good up and coming players, I don't think I could list just one.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Big Mac has been a nickname that I've had pretty much my entire life.
What is your height and weight?
6'3 / 250
Where do you call home?
Mobile, Alabama
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Spending time with my family and just relaxing.
What do you do for a living?
I'm a clinical administrator.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes, played baseball through high school and college.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing locally when I finished college and kept pushing and working harder to work my way to the upper level. Was lucky to get the opportunity to play in the conference with Team Adiktiv in 2016.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Two things I had to learn this year is that the routine plays hardly ever get missed and I had to learn patience at the plate.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I can't think of anybody that I can compare my game to.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing at the major and hitting homeruns in both games that we played. It was an awesome feeling to be playing in a stadium again.
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 buddies Drew Pinkley, Adam Barberi, and Westi really helped me a lot this year adjusting to the conference.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Keep working hard to achieve your goals and put in the work to get there.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use a 27oz bat and still use the same grip I used when playing baseball.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout, run, and hit as much as possible.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Braves/Red Sox. Baseball and football.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Yes, I always keep the same routine when getting ready to hit.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Simple Man.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I think there is always room for improvement, but I can't think of any right now.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Mullet has always been one of my favorite. Get to hit as many homeruns as you want and have a good time playing with friends.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Las Vegas was probably one of the best that I've played at other than playing in the stadium at the major.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse always seem to be go to places.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Playing at the Tripp Roth this year in Lafayette and nobody being able to stay on their feet when running the bases. One guy fell around every base during one game.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I'm a good singer.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Earning all conference honors in college was probably the best sports related gifts I've received.
