Dave Guffey
Interview conducted on 10/15/2018
Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 Free agent – dguffey@smeinc.com
Lambs Produce- 2018 USSSA C
TDB- 2016 C team
Gas It- 2011
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitch and can play 1b, C, EH but pitching is my preferred position
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Lots come to mind but Purcell, AC, Connell, KP, Wegman, Jason Gilfillan, lots more I could go on and on
Why do you like the game of softball?
Competitive nature and I enjoy playing the game the right way
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Lots of young talent across the country. There’s guys from the Carolina’s that I believe will get a chance soon
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Guff- it’s my last name and everyone calls me that
What is your height and weight?
6’2” and 260lbs
Where do you call home?
Rock Hill, SC
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I’m not playing softball then I'm spending time with my family and 2 year old daughter
What do you do for a living?
Construction engineer
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
HS baseball and basketball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing softball when I was 16 just in a church league and city league then got involved in playing tournament ball. Jason Gilfillan gave me a chance back in 2011 to come play with Gas It in the conference championships tournament.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Coaching and pitching probably the most
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really, I just go out and give 100% each and every play and game. I love being competitive!
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing with TDB in the 2017 WSL open tournament and pitching for them. We finished 2nd but was a hard fought tournament. Played with a lot of big name guys that weekend.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Andrew Collins, played with him in 2 tournaments over the years. He told me some pointers and gave me positive notes
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Make the most of every chance you get no matter the level you are playing. Play hard and play the game the right way.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
26-27 oz and just bat tape
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Lots of batting practice or any other part of my game I need to work on
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Clemson and football
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Making pitchers wear face masks mandatory
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Pic-O-Dixie because It is just a fun all around tournament
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Orlando and Myrtle Beach- Grand Park
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Whatever local spot has the best food
