As a 2008 14U National Team Member, a 2009 15U USSSA First Team All-American and a 2009 15U Team USSSA member who will represent USSSA in the Gold Medal Games this summer, it is obvious that Bryant Hodge is one of the most accomplished baseball players at his age in the country. Although naturally talented, Hodge’s disciplined work ethic and confident yet humble mindset are the contributing factors that have helped him soar past his competitors. With his 2010 season approaching, ABR asked Bryant a few questions regarding his training, goals and his mental approach to the game.

 Q. What kind of off-season workouts have you been doing? What does a typical training consist of? Have you mostly been focusing on conditioning and strength training? Have you combined that with some mechanical and form work as well?

 A. My off season workouts don't consist of as much as I would like to do to get ready for the season. Mainly because I play football and basketball for my school. As a freshman I was the starting Quarterback for our varsity which was a big responsibility. So I didn't have as much time as I would like to train for baseball. But I did work out when I could. Throwing the football every day keeps my arm in shape fairly well. During the months of November through about mid January, I am in the cages every day I can be, and fielding when weather permits. My big focus is strength right now. Playing on an 18U summer team puts me up against many more mature guys. Not only mentally but physically. So gaining strength and working out is a big key to my off season.

Q. What's a typical day like for you in the off-season? How does this change once the season begins?

 A. A typical day in the off season for me consists of either going to football or basketball right after school, and 2 to 3 times a week after practice going either to the cages or playing long toss. Once a week I throw a bull pen with my pitching coach. I hardly ever have any down time, but when I do, I spend it trying to improve my game. I can never practice too much. I can always do something to get better. Once the season starts, I am either in the cage, hitting on the field, or play long toss every chance I get. Baseball to me during the season becomes my job, not a hobby.

 Q. You have been a standout since ABR first saw you in 2008 at an ID camp in Oklahoma. You went on to make the 14U USA Team in 2008, a 15U USSSA All-American in 2009 and will be representing USSSA in the Gold Medal Games this summer. When you sit back and look at all that you have done thus far, what do you think? What do you believe has helped you reach these pinnacles?

 A. You know, when I sit back and look at everything I have accomplished it makes all those long, cold or hot days of workouts that I didn't always want to go to worthwhile. I've got to admit, sometimes the last thing I want to hear is the word "practice" but I know that in the end after it’s all said and done, that's what makes me better. Also I believe that all my Gifts and talents were given to me by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing I have done or accomplished could have been done without him. He is there with me every step of the way, and I know to give him all the glory in the end, because he gave this gift to me, and just as fast as he gave it to me, he can take it away. I always try to stay humble. Being cocky or Arrogant just means basically "look at me" or "look what I did" but really what I want is "look at Him" and Look at what he is doing". But in all, the accomplishment that I have encountered over the past few years have been mind boggling for me, and I hope to have many more in the future.

 Q. Many kids know your name out there and feel honored to play on the same field as you. You even took some kids "under your wing" at the 2009 ABR Regional and guided them through the process by telling them what to expect. That shows a lot of your character. What advice would you give to others who are new to the ABR process and are looking to achieve some of the same things you have achieved?

 A. Just to go out and play your game. Feed off the energy that you get when you’re there. Everyone is going to be nervous at first, I definitely was, but I believed in myself and as soon as I step out on the field and started playing, all the nervousness seems to go away. A lot of kids see other players that may be better than they are, and start to feel intimidated by them. But instead of being intimidated by them use them to motivate you to work harder to become a better player. There is always going to be players who are better at something than you, unless you’re just a freak and are perfect at everything. So take that, and run with it. Make the next year your year to be better than that guy and to have other people looking at you and saying, "wow, he can play some ball" will make it all worthwhile. So just know , no matter what the outcome ,never give up, believe in yourself , always keep trying, because it’s the guys that put in the extra effort to get better, that succeed and the ones who do nothing that get left behind.

 Q. You always seem to stay so composed and focused on the field. Do you ever get nervous? What helps you stay calm and focused?

 A. I don't get overly nervous. For me, the bigger the crowd around me, the less nervous I get.

 Q. You're getting ready to begin your high school season. What are your team goals for 2010? What are your individual goals?

 A. My goals for 2010 season are simple. Honor God in how I play, play to the best of my ability every chance I get, and help take my high school team to the State Championship.

 Q. And finally, the one question everyone loves: "What makes you tick?"

 A. Crowds, like I said, I feed off the energy of the crowd. The more people the better I usually play. I love the energy of a big attended game. There’s not a better feeling than knowing you have hundreds of people watching you, and knowing that every time you do something good, they're all going see it. Another thing that makes me tick is seeing someone who is better than me. Most kids hate seeing a kid who betters them, but for me it’s total opposite. When I see a player who is better than me, it motivates me big time. It not only tells me what I have to work on to get better, but gives me the motivation to do it.

 And Bryant certainly will have a large crowd following him through this season and the USSSA All-American Games & Gold Medal Games. ABR wishes Bryant the best of luck as he pursues each of his year’s goals.