Jon Williams
Interview conducted on 2/10/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Sandlot Legends
2017 Free Agent – [email protected]
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
2nd base but can play anywhere in the infield.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
In person. Travis Shreve in Washington.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Hanging with the guys and the competitive nature of the game.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
No idea. There was this kid named Daren that will be good once he starts to understand the game more. Best SS i have seen to this day.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Tex
To many Jon's on the team and I am from Texas.
What is your height and weight?
5'11"
170
Where do you call home?
Twentynine Palms, CA I will travel.
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Softball or playing ball with my boy in the yard.
What do you do for a living?
Golf Pro
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes in high school, then played in the Marine Corps.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started to play in the Marine Corps and was pretty good. Meet some people in Washington and started a team. Fell in love with it.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
I went from league to playing competitive tournaments in Washington. The competitive and how many good teams there were was surprising, especially in nationals and worlds.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not in softball. I hustle, hit, and field. I don't know a lot of softball guys. I would compare my self to Dustin Pedroia.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning state in Washington in E.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Sgt-Maj in Okinawa taught me a lot about the game.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Learn the game. You can be a great player but if you do not know how to play the game, it will hurt your team.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use athletic tape with shoe laces in it. 26-27.5 oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
We hit a lot. 2-3 times a week.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Fly Eagles Fly – Football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I have to throw with the same person after a win.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Aint no sunshine
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Checking bats and home run rules.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Any tournaments with the boys.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
BLD any of them.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Where ever there is beer. I am more of a chicken wing guy.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Strike out swinging
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am scared to fail. I am always confident and never worried about failing. But failing scares the shit out of me.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Solly Hemus signed baseball card from him. My grandmother worked with him after he retired and we had a lot of good talks about baseball.
