Marlins Baseball

 

Brody McGrath – University of Illinois Springfield

 

What was your biggest learning experience once you got to college? What was different and what did you have to focus on to succeed in college.

 

My biggest learning experience once I got to college was being able to rightly manage my time between being a collegiate athlete, science major, and setting aside a little time for myself to learn/grow. The key difference is that you are in charge now of your life 100%, you have to take full responsibility of your actions and grow up.

 

How long is your average school day? How long do you spend in the weight room? How much time do you spend at practice? How do you balance it all?
 

My average school day was two classes long or in other words, nearly 3 hours long. That is just class time though. I personally spend roughly 2 to 3 hours per day in the weight room, however, as a team we spend around 1 to 1 1/2 hours 4x per week in the weight room. At team practices we spend around 2 to 2 1/2 hours, hitting groups nearly 30 minutes. Additionally, there is at least an extra hour or 2 spent before or after practice getting extra work in, whatever fits my schedule for that day. I balance these busy days with a calendar on my phone. I set in times for my classes, eating times, practices, and about everything else too. 

 

How has the Marlin program prepared you for the next level?

 

The Marlin program has given me the opportunity to face other elite baseball players, which has allowed me to gain more credible experience. This has made for an easy transition into collegiate level baseball.

 

Where are you playing summer ball this year? What summer league are you in so Marlin fans can follow?

 

As of right now I am working on either playing in Licking County, Kalamazoo, or back in my hometown Athens. Depending on the team, Licking County and Athens are in the Great Lakes League, then Kalamazoo is in the Northwoods League. 

 

What position are you playing in college? And what will your role be to your team?

 

I am playing Shortstop and am looking to be the starting shortstop. On the offensive end, my role will be to spark an inning and get together some hits so we can score. 

 

When does your season start? Are you taking any trips to start the spring season? If so where?

 

Honestly, my season started back in the fall, however, technically it starts the first weekend of March, which we will be going down to Georgia for our spring trip. 

 

 

 

What are some of your favorite memories of Midwest marlins baseball?

So many memories were made with my teammates from the Marlins. One that always comes to mind happened in my 3rd and final season with the Marlins. It was in a tournament in Cincinnati and one in Indiana. In both tournaments we were doing really hot at the time (like always) and since we beat everyone along with the directors of the tournaments teams they had restructured the seeding bracket where we would be opted out of the championship. 

 

Would you refer someone to the marlins program and why?

 

Yeah I would and actually have several times. The Marlins program builds younger players, gives them detailed coaching to help them channel their inner talent, and really exposes them to elite level collegiate coaches. 

 

What do you miss most about high school sports?

 

I miss being with my brothers from high school. All of the time spent with those guys growing up really made me realize how much they meant to me. However, they are still my brothers and I am already making new ones at my new school and am looking forward to my whole team turning into a family. 

 

What motivates you to be successful?

 

I could go on forever about what motivates me to be successful! However, to keep in brief, ask yourself this one question, “What do you want to be remembered for?” 

 

Thanks again,

 

Brody McGrath

University of Illinois Springfield