This interview with Brooks Douglass, leadoff hitter for the 2016 Bakersfield College Super Regional Qualifying Baseball team was shot in the George Culver Clubhouse a couple of weeks before the postseason began...Douglass was charming and engaging while sitting in the hot seat behind Coach Painton's desk. He was cool and collected despite his teammates getting dressed behind the interviewer (BC Sports Information Director Francis Mayer), and Coach P and his assistants getting dressed an arm's length away.
At Bat #1
Brooks Douglass was the table-setter the 'Gades needed at the top of the lineup.
At Bat #2
After an impressive Freshman campaign, Douglass staked his claim to the leadoff spot and did his best to soften up the pitcher and get in his head...something that paid off for everyone hitting behind #5.
At Bat #3
Brooks Douglass got basehits every way he could; pitchers learned that no part of the strike zone...or anything CLOSE to the strike zone....was safe from BC's crafty leadoff hitter.
At Bat #4
All business, all the time. It's hard to tell at first whether it's a basehit or a routine grounder because Douglass never lacks for hustle.
At Bat #5
...but the disappointment in the LA Valley dugout tells us this is one of #5's 49 base hits.
At Bat #6
So good we'll look at it twice!
At Bat #7
Brooks Douglass hit safely in 24 of BC's 39 games...and was selfless; he tied for the state lead in sacrifice hits, exemplifying BC's "small ball" philosophy. He was third in the state in groundouts, but wasn't anywhere near the top twenty when it came to hitting into double plays....when you read between the lines, it's easy to see that Brooks was one of the most effective hitters in the state for 2016.
Brooks Douglass eyes the pitcher intently as he stands in the on-deck circle at Gerry Collis Field.
Golden
Brooks Douglass has a runner on and wants to make something happen.
Eyeing the Pitcher Golden
Brooks Douglass is eyeing the pitcher, this time in a different hue and light than the previous image.
"This says 'Gades', buddy!"
Brooks Douglass makes sure everyone knows what team he plays for after reaching base in a clutch situation.
Followthrough...
It's an important quality in life and at the plate, and Brooks Douglass demonstrated plenty of follow-through this season in all respects for the Bakersfield College Renegades baseball team.
One could draw a straight line from the top of Douglass's shoulder, inside elbow, top wrist, and finally the top of the barrel of his bat; Brooks' game could be summed up just like that...he took the straightest line he could find to home plate all season long.
Not Much Time To Watch
Brooks Douglass racks up one of his 49 hits on the season...the 10th highest total in the state.
Freshman From Frontier
Brooks Douglass made his last prep season count; he batted .350 and smashed 12 doubles as a senior before heading up the hill to Bakersfield College.
Can You See The Difference?
Brooks is hyperkinetic everywhere but the batter's box...
The Difference Is...
...easy to see if you know what to look for.
Did You Catch It Yet?
It's not what Brooks ISN'T doing....
It's What...
...everyone else IS doing in the background...
That's Right...
...the place where Brooks is most at peace seems to be when he's in the batter's box.
The Front Foot...
...reveals he isn't a statue, and he's got his eye on the ball. Unfortunately for the pitcher, Brooks isn't fooled.
The Chain Reaction...
...has begun, and there is no stopping it now.
Front Leg Up...Arms Cocked...
...and you can see the bat and his hands have moved only a few inches, but the energy he's winding up is obvious.
Micro-adjustments Made...
...on a pitch he committed to, but the ball has broken down and away, and despite being ahead of the pitch, Brooks manages to make dozens of small adjustments in hundredths of a second...
And Success Is His...
It's a base hit, and he's breaking for first base; the culmination of hundreds-if not thousands-of remarkably fast decisions, observations, and fast-twitch muscles responses. Oh, that and years of practice at one of the most difficult skills in team sports-using a round stick to intercept a round ball being thrown so hard that one has about two seconds to analyze and execute a swing at it.
First Team Photo
Brooks Douglass, circa 2014. First BC team photo.
A Year Later, A Year Wiser?
Brooks Douglass Sophomore head shot.
Running For Office?
Brooks Douglass turns on the charm for his Sophomore season head shot.
Next Question
KBAK/KBFX Sports Reporter Jon Doss interviews Brooks during the team's incredible post-season push in April of 2016.
Dirty Uniform, Clean Language
Brooks Douglass is the consummate professional during a post-game interview with KBAK/KBFX sports reporter Jon Doss.
"I'm only frowning because Valley's mullet is KILLING me."
Brooks' is riled up after getting on base against LA Valley.
Ready To Advance
Brooks is ready to get to second, third, or home...whatever it takes to get away from the first baseman's incredible mullet.
You Balk, I'll Walk
Always looking for an edge, Brooks Douglass eyeballs the pitcher and his third base coach to see what his next move is.
WE WIN!
KBAK/KBFX sports reporter Jon Doss captured this photo of the BC Baseball team celebrating their first playoff berth in several seasons. Brooks Douglass (#5) gets ready to jump on the pile.
Anatomy of a Run Scored
Brooks Douglass decides to give Dan the Man-BC's Equipment Director-something to do after the game...a little stain treatment on the #5 pants and jersey.
Anatomy of a Run Scored #2
Who cares if there is a throw?
Anatomy of a Run Scored #3
Brooks knows its important to keep having fun in the ol' ballgame....
Anatomy of a Run Scored #4
...and if he could slide all the way into the dugout, he probably would.
Anatomy of a Run Scored #5
But popping straight up to his feet will work as well.
All Play and No Work...
...would make our ballplayers soft. And we can't have that.
Just Checking...
....to make sure all safety equipment is in place; that's what good teammates do!
Awwwww....
...these are the kind of guys you WISH your daughter would take to the formal!
