Justin Barber
USSSA Major Watch List player
Interview conducted on 10/19/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Played with OA Apparel
2017 Free agent now – jbarbs1818@yahoo.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
LF, RF, 1B or 2B
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Way too many to list but a few of them are Purcell, Wegman, Baker
Why do you like the game of softball?
The competition, traveling the country, and there is nothing better then playing against the best of the best
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Colin Baartman and Pat Ellwanger are 2 of the top up and coming players with stadium power and both play the game the right way.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
JB or Barbs..been with me since high school
What is your height and weight?
6'2" 235
Where do you call home?
Wayzata, MN
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Golfing, fishing, spending time with the girlfriend
What do you do for a living?
Window installation
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played both hockey and baseball until my junior year in high school then I decided to just play baseball..ended up pitching in college for 2 years then hung it up and started playing softball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing with a local D team when I was in college..Gary Mercado saw me play and asked me to go to C worlds in 2008..the very next year Bob Hortenbach asked me to play competively and I have been addicted ever since…eventually was asked by Mike McGowan and Pat O'Connell to play for Xtreme in 2012.. I was introduced to the conference and have stayed in the conference ever since then
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching and skill level of every single player 1 – 11 on every team
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning ASA B National Championship in 2012
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
There have been a few people that have helped me get to where I am…Bob Hortenbach gave me my first shot to play competitively…Pat O'Connell and Mike McGowan gave me a shot to play the conference and both taught me more about the game and how to play the game the right way
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play as much as you can, play hard because you never know who is watching and take as much BP as you can
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Standard 27oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Hit twice a week if not more and stay in shape
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Like most players I have the same routine stepping into the box other than that no
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Smoky…great environment and getting to swing away doesn't suck
