Jacob Boggess
Interview conducted on 2/6/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
All Hustle
2017 Free Agent – jboggess1995@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play outfield, mainly center field and right field.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Kyle Pearson, Brian Wegman, Greg Conell, David Kessler, Brandon Bellamy, and John Sullivan are the best softball players I have ever seen play.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the game of softball because of the atmosphere that surrounds the game, the people that I meet and am playing with, the opportunities that I get out of it, and how it helped me become a more developed person.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I am the best up and coming player in softball because of my strong work ethic and the people who are helping me to get there.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
My nickname is Bogey; I got it from a friend when I was younger playing sports.
What is your height and weight?
6' 3" 225 lbs
Where do you call home?
I call Brookville, Indiana home.
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
A favorite way to spend an off weekend is spending time with family and hitting softball with friends.
What do you do for a living?
I work for American Ink & Coating in Fairfield, Ohio.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I 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 softball in a church league with my friends. Then, a friend named Chris Carter helped me to play on my first travel softball team. From there, I put in hard work and my friends Brandon Bellamy, John Sullivan, and Dave Kessler helped me move up to the next level.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The atmosphere was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I would compare my game to Dave Kessler and Brian Wegman.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
My first game in Cincy Majors has been the highlight of my career to this point. In that game, I hit my first Conference home run.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Brandon Bellamy and Dave Kessler has had the most significant impact on my approach to the game because they have taught me how to play the game with a new passion.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Enjoy the sport and always think that there is someone watching you.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use a three-finger grip with the pinky finger off on the bottom and three fingers on top. I use a 28 oz. balance bat.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I prepare for the next softball season by lifting weights, conditioning, and getting reps in three to four times a week.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
My favorite sports team is the Cincinnati Reds, and my favorite sport other than softball is baseball.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I pray before every game I play.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
My "at bat" music selection would be "Not Afraid" by Eminem.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
The best improvement upper level softball could make is to help inspire the lower softball players to play the game with respect and passion.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Cincinnati Metro is my favorite non-World tournament because of the atmosphere.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The best complex I've played at is Berliner Park in Columbus, Ohio because of the conditions of the field.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
The best place to eat on the road after a game is Subway.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Seeing my friend strike out swinging in church league was the funniest thing I have ever seen on a softball field.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I love Chinese food with a die-hard passion.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I was given a glove from a friend and the opportunity to play in Cincy Majors.