Great interview, thank you!
Cory Briggs
Major Player
Interview from 12/12/2018
Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 – Resmondo
2018 – Smash it
2017 – Smash it
2016 – Nightmare
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
2019 – Shortstop
2018 – utility
2017 – 3rd
2016 – utility
*Best position – Luis Reyna and I are the best sideline commentators in the game.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Power – Ryan Harvey
Base hit – Pearson, Purcell, or Lloyd
Hit in the 5th inning or later – Jr.
Defense – Jr. is tough to beat, always seemed to make the most important plays of a tight game.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy trying to field ground balls coming a 100 mph on PERFECTLY manicured surfaces, for example Euless or Cincy.
I really just like to hit!
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Briggsy – last name
Briggsfit – I started doing Crossfit after Ryan Harvey and Shannon Smith suggested it, now I am addicted just like them.
What is your height and weight?
6'0"
205
Where do you call home?
I lived in Pennsylvania my entire life, moved to Arkansas in 2011.
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Coaching my son, spending time with my family, reading everyone's encouraging/ supportive posts on old scout.
What do you do for a living?
4th grade Math teacher
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High School: Basketball & Baseball
College: Baseball
Pro: Kan jam
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Reb Smith took me to Oklahoma City with Nightmare, I played well enough to make the team for the 2016 season. Nolan gave me an opportunity that I am extremely grateful for.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Pitching- they throw way harder at this level
Defense- positioning more than anything
Offense- People take forever to get into the box, you know who you are!
Attitudes- you would think some people play for the Yankees
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Major World Series Champs in 2017 with an overall record of 69-7.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Coach- Rector, always stuck with me through a slump. I never had to look over my shoulder.
Manager- Kendrick, never think you are entitled to anything. There is always someone who would want to be in my position.
Player- The entire roster of 2017 Smash-it team. I was really new to the game at that level, every single person helped me at some point along the way.
Tim Barnes – does not matter who you are, expectations are the same for everyone "that's why we're RUNNING"
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
BP with a purpose, no one cares how far you hit it cause Ryan and Kyle will hit it further.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Grip- all fingers interlocked
ounce- 35
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
BP
Stay away from the game so I can re-energize myself.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Team: Red Sox
Sport other than softball: Ninja Warrior
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Sleep in full uniform nights before games including turfs.
Try to guess uniform combos Andy will come up with.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Tupac or Biggie
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
1. If you hit the pitcher, you have to pitch one full inning.
2. Longer bases
3. Harder ball and harder bats
4. Closer Pitcher mound
No I would not change a thing!
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Kickball tourney, backyard, never lost!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Space Coast
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Outback
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Erik Kanaby's first swing every at bat! FOUL ball!
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I want to play catcher for an entire season, can almost guarantee no past balls.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Mark McGwire Vortex Air Attack Bat
