Tyler Burrus
Interview conducted on 6/2016
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I would have to say my favorite position is 2nd but I like anywhere in the outfield as well
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I would say that Brian Zirkle is the best outfielder I have seen play the game. Guy is crazy good at reading the ball off the bat an getting a good jump to track it down.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I grew up playing baseball just like I'm sure 95% off the guys did that play at this level so as I got older and baseball wasn't an option to me so softball is where I have picked up where I left off with the game that I grew up loving.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I think there are a couple good players but Adam Barberi is at the top of the list for me.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Rambo…I was in the army as an Infantryman stationed in Italy with the 173rd Airborne so when I got back home that's just what all my friends called me.
What is your height and weight?
Height: 5'9
Weight: 190
Where do you call home?
Pelham, AL
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
When not playing softball on the weekends I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. We enjoy spending time at the lake and when its winter me and my sons enjoy hunting.
What do you do for a living?
I am an outside salesman for a wholesale swimming pool company.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played High school ball and then joined the military
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I had just moved home from the army and was at a party talking to a lady about ball and she said her husband played softball so she gave him my number and I went out an played a game with them an got picked up to play the rest of the year. I then met Brad Blankenship an he was needing someone to play 2nd in the Choo Choo an it all started there.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Everyone plays at 110% at this level. Don't hear all the complaining when someone makes an error, everyone seems to pick that guy up and get his head back in the game for the next play or at bat.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I wouldn't compare myself to anyone because I think that everyone has their differences and plays the game to the best of their ability.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I would have to say that 2 years ago in WSL worlds in PCB the bottom of the 7th in the 4th place game making a diving catch at 2nd and doubling off the guy at 1st to play another game.
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 man by the name of Paul Hardin AKA Kitty. He gave me that opportunity to play with some big named guys from Frank Yeilding, Brad Blankinship, Flea and a few others. This was a huge boost of confidents to be on the field with these guys week in an week out watching an leaning from some of the best at this game.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Always better yourself, take BP as much as you can with a purpose ( have an idea of where you want to hit the ball an do it not just out there taking hacks and watching the ball fly all over the place), get in the gym and make sure you take care of your body so you can get up and do it again the next day.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap and I swing a 27oz bat.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
A lot of BP in the cage or at an open field and in the gym 5 days a week.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
The Alabama Crimson Tide… Collage Football!!
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I would say that I always smooth out the batters box before I step in for each at bat
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Jason Aldean- When the lights come on
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I think it might be interesting if it was IEO after all the bumps are gone.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Smoky is a great place to play. I think the atmosphere is great with all the fans watching as well as the unlimited home runs.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The Cajun is a nice place with the turf infields. I think its cool that the porches over look all fields for people to watch.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I like the sports bar settings. Go in with your boys and watch a little sports and talk about what we have to do in the next game to better ourselves an make it to Sunday
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Easy.. when someone is rounding the base hard an falls and everyone yells SNIPER!!!
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I hold a personal concert in my truck every time a good country song comes on!!
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
When I was super young I enjoyed the movie "The Mighty Ducks" so I would have to say when I got my own Ducks jersey for Christmas.
