Brandon Hooks
Interview conducted on 10/1/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
2016 Team Adiktiv
2017 Free Agent – bhooks41653@me.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield and CF is my best position.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
The best Offensive player I've seen would probably be Greg Conner and Defensively I would say Nick Santana.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Multiple reasons but mainly for the competitiveness and all the comradery with my fellow teammates.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I'm gonna have to say Mike Williams and not just saying that because he is a very close friend of mine but because his drive to always get better and his work ethic. He is top notch OF'er and if not the fastest player then probably in the top 3 in the game!
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Superman, I got it mainly because I'm w huge Superman fan and all the diving plays I make in the OF!
What is your height and weight?
5'11"
225
Where do you call home?
Troy, AL
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Playing golf with my buddies.
What do you do for a living?
I'm an EH&S Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety)
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played Football Basketball and Baseball in high school and In college I played Baseball and was a walkon in basketball!
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start 12 years ago with an upper team called Easton Flatliners and Mike Westfall/ Team Adiktiv asked me to finish the year out with them so I did and enjoyed every minute of it!
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Majority of the players square every ball up and hit with a lot more pop. Also, its way more organized, less arguing and less bickering amoung teams and players
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I made a diving catch against 3rd Street in the bottom of the 6th inning at the Conference Qualifier tourney this year to almost secure the game that got us into the 2016 Wolrd Majors Tourney.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I wouldn't say just one person has had an impact but for years now Allen Ponder, Mike Williams, and Dontae Fraizer have been my BP partners and we all push each other to be better and to take the proper approach to the game!
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just to have a STRONG work ethic and no matter what anyone tells you, you can always improve! Take BP more than just once or twice a week and also work on Defense too.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I have went from the usual baseball grip to an overlapping grip back to the baseball grip. I swing a 27 oz. Balanced bat or 26-26.5 enloaded bat.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I stay in the gym, run and hit 3-4 times a week. League ball is also a good way to practice live hitting too.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
My favorite College teams are Alabama Football, Duke Basketball and Troy Baseball. My favorite professional teams are the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Cavaliers
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No superstitions.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Anything appropriate by Eminem or MGK
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
I'm going to have to go with the Mullet. It's a great time to swing sway and hit unlimited HRs with your buddies!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I think the fields in Myrtle Beach or Colorado Springs are the best I've played on! I would choose these because the Outfields are all turf just like the infields!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Buffalo Wild Wings.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I would probably have to say my shooting ability on the court!
