New Team —> Killbombers/Demarini pitcher Stephen Cooper

Stephen "Lorque" Cooper

Interview conducted on 10/20/2016

Who are you playing with in 2017?
2017 Killbombers/Demarini
2016 Vivid/Worth/Klutch
2015 Compound Athletics
2014 Wood Law/Club Chill

Cooperstephen@ymail.com
Cell: 817-739-3406
I am available every single weekend of the season and I do not mind traveling on Thursdays to help sponsors with costs. I am a team-first player. If you are looking for a starting pitcher or even a split-time pitcher, I can fill either role. Give me a shout!

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
That is too broad of a question but the best I have played with is Kyle Pearson (Compound Athletics 2015).

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the game, love to play the game and I love to compete at the highest level in the world.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I am horrible at listing names although I admit I am quite keen at scouting and evaluting players. That outfielder for NewBreed has a bright future. So does the outfielder from Eurotech. John Williams, who I played with in 2015, has a shed full of tools as well.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Well my last name is Cooper so naturally it's Coop. But for whatever reason my dad grabbed my middle name, Lorque, from an Isaac Asimov science fiction novel and it has stuck with me.

What is your height and weight?
6' 0"
215lbs

Where do you call home?
Dallas, Texas

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Cooking out, watching football with family and friends

What do you do for a living?
I am a varsity high school baseball and boys basketball coach

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball, basketball & football in high school
Two years basketball & baseball college

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Like most everyone else, when I was done playing in college a friend asked me to come out and play league. A week later I started playing tournaments.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Not a lot of surprises at all. I go hard all the time and never take anyone nor any team for granted. I knew the players at this level were good. If anything, I am just happy to hear that a lot of them have to go hit 3-4 days a week just like me!

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not at all. I worked hard to originate and bring my own style to the mound. I think most pitchers do.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
A coach/sponsor named Larry Grubbs encouraged me to move from 2B to Pitcher and was patient with me while I developed. Another coach, James Mayfield, was one of my favorite coaches as well.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Run. Hit. Lift.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Run. Hit. Lift.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
In Texas, football is most everyone's favorite theater. I am a huge Dallas Cowboys & Texas Longhorns fan. Every Sunday is a big gathering of food, family, friends & football.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I have zero superstitions. In fact, I am the anti-of-all-things-superstitious. My teammates usually get a good laugh listening to me dispell superstions during games.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
"The Imperial March" from The Empire Strikes Back. My kids are huge Star Wars fans, Darth Vader in particular.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Uniform Codes! Pick three colors and stick with them for a season already!

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
I like Cincinnati. Great venue, great fans. The Smokey is fun too. So is playing at home at Softball World near Dallas. I also like The Dual to kick off the season. Heck, I love 'em all!

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I like the dimensions along with the turf in Columbus and as I mentioned before I like Cinncinati too. I liked playing at Disney but I will not miss Fortune Road. Horrible dugouts & infields.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Giordano's pizza, Kissimmee, Florida
Lou Manalti's pizza, Chicago
Thurman Cafe, burgers, Columbus, Ohio

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Not enough space provided

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I used to be a sports writer. Covered the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys & Texas Rangers along with the PGA Tour. I also wrote and directed a documentary about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.