By SOFTBALL CENTER - DW, 01/08/20, 6:00AM EST
Tom Bloom
USSSA Playing History
Interview conducted on 12/28/2019
What is your name? Tom or Tommy Bloom are the nicer things people call me. Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past? 2020 Free Agent – tbloom1@hotmail.com
I was extremely blessed to play for some of the greatest sponsors the game has seen over the last 3 years. 2018, 2019 – Tim Franks and TDB (Sonny Pilcher, John Matusik) 2017 – Dan Smith (Eddie Menosse, Steve Smith) What positions do you play and what is your best position? Pitcher, Infield if needed. Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play? Couldn't even begin list. So many talented players that I greatly respect. If I've had the opportunity, they usually know who they are. Why do you like the game of softball? Transition from baseball (which I greatly miss!) Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why? Not sure if they would qualify because I think they are "already there" but just on age alone I would say Josh Riley and Daniel Cayton. Riley is an amazing teammate and friend on top of amazing talent. "Bama" has already accomplished so much and I'm sure there's way more to come. What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it? Boomer or Bloomy and a few others probably NSFW What is your height and weight? 6'2" 275 Where do you call home? Maryland What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend? My favorite would be to not have an off weekend but that's not my choice anymore. Spending time with my family is why I live. What do you do for a living? Cop Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro? Baseball, Football, Basketball in High School D-1 Baseball in College Independent Professional Baseball How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level? Started playing with some college baseball buddies after college and independent ball while still playing semipro. (It was tough playing weekends after pitching 2 baseball games during the week!). Never would have gotten to the Upper Level without my man Chris Greinert pushing for me and Mr. Pat Dalsanders and Mr. Dan Smith taking a chance on me and keeping me around. What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump? I think outside looking in people don't realize how talented the guys are. To hear some of the stuff said just listening in the stands or on the internet is amazing. Is there a player that you would compare your game to? Nope What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular? Winning USSSA C worlds for long time Deluxe Bakery sponsor Sammy Racobaldo was amazing. Finishing 3rd twice and 4th once at the Major is pretty cool too. In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why? My Dad has had the most significant impact on everything about the man I have become. What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level? Have talent is a good start. After that I have no idea. My major advice would be make sure your personal life (family, work) is squared away first and treat anyone who spends their money so you can play a game like they are gold. Nothing drys the Conference up quicker then when these generous people go away. What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat? 28 or 29oz. I like to grip the bat with at least one hand until I make contact. Then I don't grip the bat with any hands. What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season? Pretty much whatever my wife tells me to do so she won't yell at me too much about playing during the season. Then I mix in some softball related stuff. What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball? Football – Bears, Ravens Baseball – Orioles
Tag(s): ISPS