Summer Ball Q&A: Junior Outfielder Reid Humphreys
July 28, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. - For the months of July and August, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State baseball players competing across the country in summer leagues. Rising junior Reid Humphreys is currently playing for the Bourne Braves in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. In his last seven games, Humphreys is batting .400 (8 for 20) with five RBIs, five walks, three runs scored and a home run.
For more information on Humphreys' summer, follow the program on Twitter, like the team on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”
REID HUMPHREYS Q&A
Q: What are some areas the MSU coaching staff wants you to improve upon this summer?
A: To better myself as an outfielder. I have also been working on my defense at first base a little bit. I came to MSU having played third base so I am just trying to get more familiar with playing outfield and first base so I can help the team in any way possible.
Q: How is your experience this summer going to make you a better player for 2016?
A: My experience this summer has been rewarding but challenging. I am playing against really good competition and I am trying to figure out what I need to do to get the job done.
Q: How does the talent level in your league compare to the SEC?
A: I think the talent is pretty close. The Cape Cod Baseball League is really strong and has elite players from conferences across the country. Every guy that comes out of the bullpen is literally the best player from their respective team. I think this league is tough, but the SEC is an incredibly tough league as well.
Q: What adjustments do you have to make swinging wooden bats?
A: I try to keep everything the same. I normally swing a heavier bat in the spring, but I have decreased the weight a little this summer to keep my swing consistent. I want to have more control of the bat so I can get the barrel on the ball consistently.
Q: What is it like playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League with so many scouts at the games?
A: I am enjoying it. You have to learn to block those guys out and play like you would every single day.
Q: What was it like competing in front of MLB Scouts at Fenway Park on June 30?
A: It was incredible to take batting practice at a ballpark which has so much character and history. I did a little showcase for scouts. It was a memorable experience.
Q: Do you have a MSU teammate on your summer team? What is that like?
A: Jacob Robson is on the Braves with me and he has been an awesome teammate. He has been killing it up here and even started in the CCBL All-Star Game.
Q: What is a typical day like in summer league?
A: Normally I wake up around 8:30 or 9 a.m. and go straight to the gym. Then I come back home and eat lunch. After lunch I show up at the field around 2 p.m. and go through my routine for the game that night.
Q: What are you doing when you are not playing?
A: I just recently went deep-sea fishing which was really cool. Normally I just go out to restaurants with some of the guys or coaches. There is a beach pretty close to here so we like to hang out there a lot. I try to get some golf in as well.
Q: Have you done any community service where you're at?
A: I have spent a few off days volunteering at local schools reading to children. I have really enjoyed that part of my summer.
Q: Do you have a host family? Describe that experience?
A: My host family has two kids and they are both full of energy. They both play baseball, so I try to go to a lot of their games on off days. I really feel at home and feel like part of their family. We relax and have dinner at night. It has been really good, they have taken me in as one of their own.
Q: What is the coolest thing you have done this summer?
A: Experiencing the Fourth of July up here was pretty amazing. The people celebrate it pretty hard up here. Walking up and down the streets during the day and watching the fireworks at night was really cool. There are so many people in the streets celebrating.
Q: What is the atmosphere where you are at right now compared to Dudy Noble Field?
A: It definitely smaller. There are not as many fans but I think it is still good for you to experience it. You have to learn how to play in front of a bunch of people cheering, but you also have to know how to play without fans. I think the overall experience helps you develop as a player.
Q: What do you miss most about Starkville?
A: There is a lot of traffic up here. I miss how little traffic there is in Starkville during the summer. You have to really plan ahead and give yourself time to get wherever you are going in order to be on time.
Q: What are the team goals for the 2016 season?
A: The same as every year. We want to make it to Omaha. We need to come together and play as a team. We have to believe in each other and believe in our abilities to get the job done.
Q: What are your personal goals for the 2016 season?
A: I need to be a team leader. I am going to work hard to lead my guys on and off the field. I have to be a good model for the young guys. Being a leader is my responsibility as a veteran player.
Q: Who do you think is going to be a breakout player for MSU in 2016?
A: There are a lot of guys who are having really good summers, but for me the guy to watch out for is Brent Rooker. He is going to have an unbelievable year next year. I think he has had a great summer and has worked really hard. He is going to be a big reason for our success next season.
Q: What are your thoughts on the heralded 2016 incoming class?
A: I think the coaches have done a good job of compiling a lot of talent. They are going to come in and compete. We have to focus on building positive team chemistry so every player can come in and contribute.
