Summer Ball Q&A: Sophomore Outfielder Brent Rooker
July 03, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. - For the month of July, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State baseball players competing across the country in summer leagues. Rising sophomore slugger Brent Rooker is currently playing for the Plymouth Pilgrims in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. As of July 2, the Germantown, Tennessee, native leads the NECBL in runs (20), hits (33) and RBIs (17). Rooker is also second in the league in average (.434) and home runs (5), while ranking eighth in doubles (6)
BRENT ROOKER Q&A
Q: What are some areas the MSU coaching staff wants you to improve upon this summer?
A: They want me to get better defensively. They want me to work hard in the outfield and work on arm strength. The big thing is making sure I am strong enough defensively to where they feel confident putting me out there every game.
Q: How is your experience this summer going to make you a better player for 2016?
A: Playing in the outfield every night and getting four or five at bats every game helps. The more reps you get, the better you are. Getting to compete night in and night out has helped me get more experience and start seeing pitches better. That is going to make me a better overall player next season.
Q: How does the talent level in the NECBL compare to the SEC?
A: Day in and day out it is tough to compete with the guys in the SEC. I think even the guys in the Cape will tell you that. The talent level in the SEC is so good that once you play against that kind of schedule every day, it is tough to live up to.
Q: What adjustments do you have to make swinging wooden bats?
A: I have swung wooden bats a lot. We used them in high school summer leagues and I used them last summer. I haven't had to make too many adjustments.
Q: Have you done any community service where you're at?
A: The first few weeks we were here we did a team program where we went and read to elementary schools. I went to two different schools and read to all of the classes.
Q: Do you have a host family? Describe that experience?
A: It has been fun. I am playing with the same team that I did last summer so I am staying with the same family. The comfort level was nice coming in. I knew exactly what to expect and they make sure I am comfortable and taken care of. They are really nice people.
Q: What's a typical day like in summer league?
A: I will get up and eat breakfast. I will go to the gym and work out. Then when I get back I try to squeeze in a nap. After reenergizing I head to the field and hit to get ready for the game.
Q: What are you doing when you're not playing?
A: On off days we have been to Boston twice. I was able to see (former Bulldog) Kendall Graveman pitch for the Oakland Athletics against the Boston Red Sox. I come back to the Cape a lot and hang out with my seven MSU teammates who are doing great there. The key to off days is to have fun and relax.
Q: What's the atmosphere at your summer stadiums compared to Dudy Noble Field?
A: Summer ball is really relaxed. The stadiums are a lot smaller so it has a different feel. Once you get on the field and start playing, you tend to stop noticing all of the off the field distractions.
Q: Do you have a MSU teammate on your summer team? What's that like?
A: Aaron Dominguez. It's been fun. We hold each other accountable to make sure we are both getting better. We are preparing as much as we can so we enter the fall in shape and ready for the next season.
Q: What are your personal goals for the 2016 season?
A: I just want to help the team in any possible way that I can. I am going to do whatever the coaches want me to do. Whatever helps the team win is what I'm going to do.
Q: What are the team goals for the 2016 season?
A: Our goal every year is to get to Omaha and win a national championship. Anything short of that is not a successful season. Especially with all of the talent we have coming back next year. We have a bunch of experienced guys coming back so that is still our goal.
Q: What are your thoughts on the heralded 2016 incoming class?
A: I think there is a lot of hype surrounding it. There is a lot of talent there so it is time to get them on campus.
Q: What do you miss most about Starkville?
A: Being around all of my teammates all of the time. You form a lot of good friendships with your teammates. I also miss southern food a good bit. There is no Chick fil A up here and I miss sweet tea a lot!
Q: Who do you think is going to be a breakout player for MSU in 2016?
A: Zac Houston and Dakota Hudson. They have both gone to the Cape Cod League and have dominated so far. Both of those guys work so hard that I really think they are going to have huge years. They both have big league bodies and big league stuff. I really think they are going to put it together next year and be really good for us.
Q: Which SEC series are you looking forward to the most in 2016 and why?
A: I am really looking forward to the Ole Miss series at home. One of the great things about college ball is how intense the rivalries are and the traditions of those rivalries. We know what that series means to our Bulldog family.
