Player interviews

CrabsQ&A
Jimmy Macwilliam, left-handed pitcher

Q: Have you always been a pitcher?

A: Well in high school I played 1st base and outfield but once I got to college I started focusing just on pitching and I’ve been doing that for the last 4 years.

Q: You’re a left-handed pitcher do you think that is an advantage or disadvantage?

A: Advantage because growing up people see right-handed pitchers all the time. Left-handed pitchers usually have a lot more movement so I think it’s definitely more affective I feel to be left-handed over right.

Q: Which do you prefer pitching to right or left-handed batters?

A: Left because they are easier to get out having that advantage being left handed against a left-handed batter.

Q: Being a pitcher is a high-pressure position so how do you stay calm when you’re out on the mound?

A: Honestly try and not focus as much as I can because getting too into the game you let other things affect you. Also not thinking of every pitch while I’m pitching. Just worry about one at a time instead of letting little things affect me.

Q: What goes through your mind after you walk a batter?

A: Okay well that’s over, moving on to the next one. I’m going to work on one pitch at a time and focus on that.

Q: How did you first hear about the Crabs?

A: From my teammates at the University of Hawaii. They told me all about their summer here and how awesome it was and once I found out I got the opportunity to come play here I was all over it.

Q: How does playing for the Crabs compare to the Midwest where you played summer baseball before?

A: I love the baseball field here for sure. The crowd is so awesome here and they have the Crabs Grass Band that’s something completely different than anyone else will ever have and it’s great.

Q: What’s your major and what are your plans for after college?

A: Political science and minoring in history. After I graduate from my undergrad I’m going to go to law school and be a real estate lawyer or a sports agent.

Crabs Q&A

Ivory Thomas, Crabs Center Fielder

Q: Why do you play baseball?

A: I enjoy doing it. I like coming out and competing everyday and I like the people I get to meet in my journeys. 

Q: Which player or person most inspired you to be the best baseball player you could be?

A: My cousin Tony Miranda. He played at Fullerton (where I play) and was part of the National Championship team in the 90’s. I hang out with him a lot.

Q: What has been the highlight of your baseball career so far?

A: Going through a complete season this year, I was able to go without injury.

Q: Many baseball players have been given a nickname do you have one?

A: The team calls me Darkness both here and in Fullerton.

Q: Who is your favorite professional baseball team?

A: Dodgers

Q: After summer is over what is next for you?

A: Back to school.

Q: What are your plans for life after college?

A: I want to play baseball hopefully, but if I don’t I want to enter the probation field, criminal law.

Q: How have you adjusted to life in Humboldt coming from the LA area?

A: It’s a lot different. The weather in fact, I kind of hate it because it’s always cold. The community is pretty good, everybody is pretty nice. It’s real peaceful up here no city life.

Q: Many are saying that you are the fan favorite of this season, why do you think that is?

A: I don’t know. I just enjoy playing so maybe that shows and they appreciate that.

Q: What is the story behind the white baseball glove?

A: Actually one of my buddies had me get it during season and I asked my coach at Fullerton if I could use it, he said it was ok, but we were kind of struggling so I didn’t want to bring it out and have it be bad luck.

Q: You have a black glove too so how did you decide between the two?

A: I don’t think white goes with all white jerseys so I try to color coordinate.

Q: Complete this sentence: When I’m not playing baseball, you would find me _______.

A: Probably in my bed sleeping.

Q: This is your first year with the Crabs, how do you like it so far?

A: It’s awesome! The venue, all the fans, the community, they are all into it. All the fans we get, it can’t get any better than that.

Q: You played summer baseball last year in Arizona, how does the Crabs compare with summer ball in Arizona?

A: Night and day for sure. Just how much the team and the community support us and everything that they give us and also being able to live right next to the field. It was miserable in Arizona with the heat.

Q: What position do you play and what do you like best infield or outfield?

A: I play first and outfield and as long as I’m in the lineup it doesn’t really bother me.

Q: How did you first become familiar with the Crabs?

A: My college coach told me about it and said it would be a great experience for me to be able to play for the Crabs and after going on the web site and watching the video on there I was like, “Definitely.”

Q: What’s is your major and what do you want to do after you graduate, is baseball in your future?

A: My major is applied sciences and mathematics and I want to be a pediatrician actually. Obviously if the draft was a possibility I’d definitely go for it but it’s good to have a back up plan.

Q: What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?

A: Just being around all the guys after a win. Everyone’s happy no mater how we won or how well everyone did a win’s a win. It’s fun being around the guys after a win.

Q: Personal goals for the year?

A: I want to get better. I always want to get better. Offense defense both. Being around these guys everyone here on the team is really good so I think they will help me step my game up because I’ll have to play to there level.

Each week during the season, we will be running a question-and-answer session with a different Crabs player. This week, we sit down with Eureka native Brad Morgan, in his third year with the team.

By Ray Hamill

Q - Who has been the biggest influence on you as a player?
A - Probably my dad. Ever since I was younger he always worked with me as a player. He really pushed me and without him I wouldn't be here today.

Q - Do you have any superstitions?
A - Not really. Maybe the line deal - you don't step on the line - and just respecting the game. Just play hard and work hard.

Q - Who's your favorite baseball team?
A - The Dodgers.

Q - Who is your favorite baseball player?
A - I don't really have a favorite player. (Andre) Ethier's pretty good. He plays hard.

Q - If you were an animal, what would you be?
A - Who's the king of the jungle? A lion, yeah, I'd be a ferocious lion.

Q - How is playing for the Crabs different from playing in college?
A - When you're playing for the Crabs, the players are mostly better than on any other team you've been on in your life. There are a lot of players here that get drafted and if you break it down player for player, they're all probbaly the best I've ever been around.

Q - What is your favorite food?
A - I'm a big fan of chicken. All sorts. And milk and cookies too.

Q - What is your favorie movie?
A - I love "Dazed and Confused." I thought it was hilarious.

Q - What has been your most memorable moment as a Crabs player?
A - That's a tough one. There's been multiple. Probably last year playing against the Steelheads in front of a big home crowd.