TBR Interview----Jeff May

Part 1

This is an interview I have wanted to do for two years. I thought I would have a harder time tracking Jeff down, then I would finding deer in the desert. But to my surprise, I found him after a workout and cornered him before Coach Fox called. I hope everyone enjoys this interview as much as I did. He is a classy young man that is determined to be the best he can be.

Congratulations on your signing with UNC. How did you arrive at your decision?

Thanks for asking me to do this. I grew up a UNC fan. My dad used to work the camps when Coach Roberts was there and he took me with him. When Coach Fox took over at UNC my dad got tickets for the high school team and I went with them. I remember watching UNC play Wake Forest that day. I decided then that is where I wanted to go to school.

What was the recruiting process like for you?

I enjoyed the recruiting process it was pretty cool to see all these big schools that you have watched on TV wanting you come to their school. I got the chance to meet Coach Polk from Miss State and some other great coaches. To me it was a lot of fun. But I always knew where I wanted to go school.

You guys came close last year to the state championship; how does your team look this year?

I think our team should be a pretty good one again this year. Everyone knows that we lost Luck and that’s a big loss. We have been working hard since July as a group five days a week. We do not have an off-season at South Granville. We will not have the most talented players but we will be mentally tough. And we are going to play fundamental baseball. And I know we are going to play hard. So you never know, but Im looking forward to it.

What advice would you give to an underclassman?

I would tell all underclassmen to work hard and never stop working because there is always someone out there working hard. Don’t let anyone outwork you.

Was there a particular time in your life when you said, “I think I’m pretty good at this (baseball)”

I always knew that I was good in baseball and I want to be the best I can be. My dad told me it was up to me to determine how good I could be. So I never want anyone to outwork me because that is the one thing I can control.

 

Part 2

Your father is a well-respected baseball man across the state. What was it like growing up with him? How much of an influence has he been in your life?

He has helped me with my baseball a lot. Every time I mess up or my swing isn’t where it needs to be he knows what I need to do to fix it. It is nice to have him around to help me and he is one of the biggest reasons I am where am in baseball. He has never said no when I wanted to hit or work out in the off-season. But he always said he was never going to be the guy to say lets go and do it. But he has never had to

What is it going to be like competing against your boy, Pratt Maynard, as a longtime UNC rival, NC State?

Im looking forward to playing against Pratt when he is at State. NC State has a great baseball program and they have a great third-basemen in Pratt and im sure he will be very successful there. Im sure we will still be close since NC State and UNC are close to one another. But Pratt knows I want to beat the heck out of him and he wants to do the same to me. But he is like a brother to me. We work out everyday together.

What was your experience playing for the Dirtbags?

Playing with the Dirtbags was a great experience. You couldn’t ask for a better coach than Andy Partin. He definitely has a reputation because every time we played there were a ton of scouts at our games. The Dirtbags are the best way to get exposure and it is the best way to advance to the next level as a player. Coach Partin takes care of his players. He is like a second dad to me.

Who are some of your teammates that you wish you could take with you to UNC?

Of course when I think about going to UNC I wish I could take Pratt with me he is definitely good enough to play there and we push each other to get better everyday. And I would like to take Jim Leggett with me from Rocky Mount. People are going to be surprised how good he is one day. Someone is going to get very lucky when they sign him.

 

Part 3

Was there anybody that you played against that you wished you could have been teammates?

The Rocky Mount guys are awesome. Ben Fish , Bryan Goodwin , Grant Johnson , Jim Leggett and all the rest of them. We have become great friends over the last year or so. Plus Bryan Bass from Northern Durham. I hate I never got to play a lot with him on the Dirtbags. My Dirtbag teammates will always be my teammates.

What do you like to do on a day off? Hobbies?

I like to go fishing, hunting and playing video games if im not working out or lifting weights.

Favorite Food- Steak
Favorite Movie- Friday Night Lights
Favorite Actor- Denzel Washington
Favorite Major League Baseball Player-Jason Varitek

Is there anything that you wish to discuss or mention to the TBR members that I haven’t asked?

Don’t worry about where your ranked or what other people think. Go out everyday and work to be the best player you can be. And then go out there and just play the game as hard as you can. And lose yourself in the game doing everything you can to win.

Wow…just wow! There is no question that the apple did not fall far from the tree.
Thanks, Jeff, for taking the time to do the interview. I am really looking forward to following your future…and listen, don’t forget ol’ Braves when you get rich and famous and play on TV.

 

Having known Jeff for several years now, I just have to say, "What a great young man and terrific player he is!" It's going to be fun watching him succeed...on and off the field.

 

back back back!!!...circle the bases Mr. May

Braves quote. Wow....just wow! There is no question that the apple did not fall far from the tree.

Father and Son, two great guys. I love being behind the plate when Jeff launches those bombs. Good luck this season.

 

Jeff May

Jeff is one of the finest young men that I have had the pleasure of meeting. Coach and his wife have done a fine job raising a great ball player and fine young man.

I once asked my son how come I never saw him shaking Jeff off during a game. He said that when he looked in and saw Jeff giving the sign, he knew it was the right pitch at the right time in the right spot.

College workouts will probably be a break for this young man in comparison to "MAY'S BOOTCAMP" on a daily basis.

We look forward to great accomplishments from this young man for years to come.

 

I have a little different perspective from most because Kenny and I have coached against each other for going on 13 years.I remember Jeff being in the dugout or close by for all of those games.I remember him as batboy.He was sitting right by kenny's side when the old Harrison vs.Ellington battles took place and believe me,they were battles.Jeff would have been 12 the last time those two hooked up.You could tell then that he had a high baseball IQ(why wouldnt he?) and now he is a stout stud hitting bombs.But the thing about Jeff is his maturity and the person he is.You will not find a better young man than Jeff and the earlier poster who said Kenny and his wife have done an excellent job hit it on the head.I wish Jeff only the best and hope he wins all but 2 games this Spring.As many of you know,you will not find a better prepared team than SG and I know they will have another good year.Best of luck Jeff.

 

Congrats Jeff

Having watched Jeff grow and mature over the last couple years in the Dirtbag organization, Kenny and Rhonda should be very proud of his accomplishments. He has grown into an outstanding baseball player and person and I know UNC is excited to have him. This shows everyone that with hard work and dedication to a goal, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!! Have a great senior season.

 

The son of "Da Man" speaks

Jeff: tell us something/anything interesting about your Dad that we don't know?

 

I don't know if you want him to do that!!!