James (Jim) Smith
Interview conducted on 9/08/2016
Who are you playing with in 2016?
Currently playing with Pgh/ la familia
2017 Free Agent – Softballstud21@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Can play all over the field. Best position is outfield
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Flip Washington
Why do you like the game of softball?
Very relative to baseball and the ongoing act of learning new parts of the game
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Flip Washington. Guy is putting himself out there in a good manner and making a great name for himself
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Jim Jim or darkness and from teammates I've played with over the years gave me
What is your height and weight?
6 foot 3 and weight 235
Where do you call home?
Small state of Delaware
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Bp in the cage and free time to relax and rest
What do you do for a living?
Automotive mechanic
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes played football, basketball, baseball, and indoor and outdoor track
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Old roommates played ball and introduced me to it. Been hooked every since. A opposing team I played against picked me up in the off season to play upper ball
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Still progressing to make that step.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
2nd place in 2016 winter worlds in the open bracket in Myrtle Beach
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Erik Curry has been on me since I first started playing to play every play and don't take any plays off. That I had too much talent and you never know who is watching
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Make good habits and give it 100% percent every time
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
25 or 26 oz balanced or endloed and a normal grip
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Keep myself in shape by playing basketball and the gym.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Basketball and would have to say Cavaliers
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not stepping on the foul line before and during game
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Very eclectic in the music world so anything really
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Probably Sunfest in Ocean City. 10 bumps a game and open roster just to have fun with friends and play ball
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Berliner park is at the top or Disney. Nice fields
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any seafood place or Waffle House
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
someone coming up short on a slide or dive into a base
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Very humble and willing to work and help other progress in life and the game of softball
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My uncle had given me a pair of baseball cleats that were given to him in his pro ball career
