The Deep in the Hole inbox exploded with readers furious that the Defensive Specialist carved up ‘The Devil in Josh Spence’ into two parts. The Defensive Specialist humbly apologizes and now offers the second instalment:
Can you describe game day during the season?
Game days are awesome; especially when you’re a starting pitcher ‘cause you can do just about anything you want ha-ha. On a day I'm not pitching I’ll generally show up to the ball park a good 4 hours before the game (with everyone else), some players will be there even earlier taking some extra swings before the game. In the clubhouse there’ll generally be a buffet of sandwiches for before the game so when we show up we’ll eat and get changed. After that we’ll warm up as a team then it’s off to Batting practice, which for me is standing in the outfield for the next hour or so “shagging” balls. After this it’s time for the other team to hit so we just resume back into the clubhouse and hitters will be running around getting more swings in, in the cage but for a pitcher we’ll just chill and watch TV or play some cards, it’s real laid back but for some they want to watch game footage of the other team, it’s really whatever you want to do. About 20 minutes before the game all us Sun Devils run out onto the field and do our renowned “Circle of Enthusiasm” before the game which is something I can’t explain, you need to come out and see it for yourself! The last words we hear before going onto the field to play are “all day long, all day strong” and that’s what we do.
How many games do you play?
We play a 56 game schedule, being in such nice weather all year round we have the luxury of playing around 40 home games which is awesome because traveling can really take a toll when you’re playing on a national scale, plus at home we get around 3,500 people at each game which is a big home field advantage. In fact last year we went 36-4 at home, which is pretty incredible. Every game we play is a night game and just has the best atmosphere. But as I said it can be a tough schedule when juggling classes as you play 8 games every two weeks with no doubleheaders, they can be long days being at the field from 2-10 but it’s all worth it.
How does your program travel?
There’s only one way we travel and that’s by plane, you’ll show up to the field on a Thursday morning for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday away series and pack your bags. Then someone will pick up your bags and take them to the airport for you and check them. All we have to worry about is getting on the team bus to the airport and going through security. Once we touchdown wherever we may be it’s off to grab lunch then we’ll check into our hotel and head to the field to get accustomed to it before the big three game series. After the game Sunday it’s back on the plane and back home. ASU tradition however when travelling to USC or UCLA is to take a bus on which we go through a few “hazing” rituals on the 8 hours to get to California, it’s pretty cool knowing you’re doing the same things as guys like Pedroia, Bloomquist and even the older Alumni, it’s awesome feeling the tradition.
What kind of gear and equipment are you issued with at ASU?
We’re given Nike apparel, Wilson gloves and Demarini Bats. It’s like Christmas when you walk up to your locker day one and you think to yourself that you’re in college ha-ha. Were treated real well and if you need something it generally gets done, if you want a type of cleat or glove or need new undershirts or hats you’ll get what you need. It makes you feel pretty special.
Who's the toughest opponent you’ve faced?
To be honest I can’t help feeling we were the best team in 2009 but the toughest games we had were against Arkansas at Arkansas when in the polls they were ranked number 1 and we were number 2. Generally with non-conference games there’s not much of a crowd because in reality all it affects is your ranking which is important but not as important as winning your conference, so generally it’s a good time to rest some pitchers you’ll need for conference play or some players that need a day off, but when we travelled to Arkansas who have an awesome ball park, we drew a little over 11,000 people both nights we were there. There were “tailgaters” in left field (people who show up early and just drink all afternoon) heckling the hell out of us, we had cheerleaders on top of the dugout and it was a real hostile crowd. I was under the stadium in the locker room when they scored once and I felt like everything was about to collapse on me it was that loaded and crazy outside, everything was shaking! If you can picture an American Football crowd at a baseball game, it was like that. I think that’s one of the greatest things about college sports in general is the passion of the people who show up, not only is it their hometown but it’s their school and there’s a lot of emotions associated with that which I think is really cool.
Goals for the 2010 season?
Win a national championship. I think its cool being in a program where if you don’t get into the final 8 (go to Omaha for the college world series) then it’s a failed season and if you go, then you better win it all. I like having that expectation on our shoulders and that’s why we all came here. I can honestly say that I don’t think there’s a school out there that talks about winning the title more than we do.
You were drafted in the 3rd round by the Anaheim Angels in 2009 but chose to return to ASU. Can you outline your decision making process?
Simply it was this. I was given “X” amount of dollars to sign professionally and I just felt pitching Friday nights in the PAC10, captaining my dream baseball team to a national championship and finishing my degree was more life changing than that dollar amount. Was it a great opportunity given by the Angels to me, yes, but my heart lies with ASU and you live once. I want to accomplish many things not only in my baseball career but off the field and in the classroom. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be and the truth is I know I'm good enough, I know I'm both physically and mentally ready for the next level but all I'm worried about is being the best I can be as a Sun Devil and we’ll worry about that next step when it comes around.
Is there anything about college baseball that Australians just don’t know or understand?
No but if there’s any questions that anyone would like to ask me I’d be more than happy to answer them.
So there you have it folks!
The Defensive Specialist would like to thank Josh for devoting his time and effort in presenting a nice snapshot of his college baseball career. Hopefully Josh can provide some more insight once his season commences. If you any questions for Josh, by all means send them to thedefensivespecialist@gmail.com and the Defensive Specialist will act as the cut off man and make the perfect relay.
Alright, as we head into Christmas the Defensive Specialist needs to remind the loyal readers to cast their vote in the “Australia’s best Major Leaguer” poll which closes on Tuesday night. The Defensive Specialist will endeavor to provide his thoughts on the topic before the big day on Friday
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