July 28, 2007
Ft. Mill, S.C. – South Carolina first baseman Justin Smoak sat down with USCSPORTS.COM on Friday as the USA National Team made its way through the Palmetto State with a game up in Ft. Mill, S.C. vs. the Chinese National Team. In this feature Q&A, Smoak talks about the summer with Team USA and the privilege to wear the USA colors.
Q: How are things going with USA Baseball? How has the experience been for you this summer?
A: “We started off in New England and it’s been a great tour so far. We got a chance to go to Rio de Janeiro and play in the Pan American Games. We went up against some former big leaguers and a Cuba team that was pretty good. A veteran team and they were tough. It’s been a great experience playing with the top college players in the country, it’s a great honor. The fact that we have been able to play across the country and the world has been a great opportunity.”
Q: What does it mean to wear the red white & blue and wear USA on the jersey?
A: “It is an honor. Its one thing to play with the top players in the country but it’s another thing to wear the USA across the chest. You are playing for the country and it’s a wonderful opportunity.”
Q: How has the travel been for you? You are used to traveling but this is a little different being on the road since day one?
A: “It’s a little tough. The flight to Rio was eight hours and that was hard. Before that, we were traveling each day, maybe four or five hours a day, you go straight to the field and get ready to play that night. It’s different, not what I’m used to, but I’m going to have to adjust to it.”
Q: What did you think of the teams from the other countries? How was their style of baseball?
A: “It was very unique. It’s a different lifestyle. The teams we played (at the Pan American Games) were a little older. They are a little more laid back, they just kind of play. They don’t steal bases too much or bunt. They act like big league teams. That is there style and we have the way we play.”
Q: Have you noticed the difference between the college game and international baseball?
A: “The college game is more intense and it’s just different playing different countries. Japan and China they throw sliders in 3-0 counts and they are pitching backwards. If you are in America and you are at 2-0, you are seeing fastball almost every time.”
Q: Has this made you a better player? Has it been a challenge?
A: “I think so. It’s an adjustment. I started off great in the New England League and ever since then I have been up and down. It’s been tough but I’m adjusting to it.”
Q: What do you say to Gamecocks fans as you get ready to head back for your junior year?
A: “I definitely can’t wait to get back. Travel is fierce and tough but I can’t wait to get back to Columbia. We got a veteran team coming back (for 2008); it’s something I can’t wait for. Hopefully when we get back there and get together we will have another good year.”
