Getting to know Bryan Bass-Infielder

Bryan is a 5’ 9” 165 lb. SS for Northern Durham High School. Bryan is currently ranked as the #7 prospect in NC by Impact Baseball and has signed his NLI to continue his career with the Pirates of East Carolina University.



What is your earliest memory of playing baseball?

I guess I was about two years old. I can remember sitting across the living room floor with my dad and we would roll the baseball back and forth to each other.


When did you start playing travel baseball?

My first travel team was a coach pitch team called Rod’s Sporting Goods when I was 7 years old. I began the AAU scene when I was 10 with the Durham Diamondbacks.


What do you do the night before a game?

The night before a game I usually try to relax and listen to country music or watch a funny movie. If I’m not doing those two then I’m already knocked out asleep.



Who is your baseball hero?

Many people would pick a major league player but my hero is definitely my dad. What can I say the man practically taught me everything I know. He always pushed me to get better. Although there have been times when we wanted to beat each other with a baseball bat, he is definitely my hero.



What was your showcase experience like?

Showcase was a great experience because it exposed me more than any other type of baseball I ever played. I was fortunate to be a part of the Dirtbags and Coach Partin was great to play for. The Dirtbags gave me the opportunity to play with and against some outstanding players and competition and I became a better player because of it.


What was your most memorable game?

Probably last year when we were playing our cross town rivals, Riverside, which we have never beaten. I had hit a single and a double and in the fifth I hit a solo shot to tie the game. In the seventh we were down two with a runner on and two outs and they had brought in Blaze Tart, one of my friends I’ve known since little league. I hit another home run to tie the game. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Riverside loaded the bases and we walked in the winning run. Oh well, there’s always this year.


What are your future plans in baseball?

Like everyone that plays this game my ultimate plans are to make it to the “Bigs”. But right now I just want to enjoy my senior year and hopefully be a part of something special at ECU.


Why did you commit to ECU?

I’ve always wanted to play division one college baseball and when I visited ECU I just knew in my mind that was the place I was meant to play. I keep a scripture under my baseball cap which is Philippians 4:13. When I walked in the locker at ECU, that same scripture was posted above the door. They have great coaches and ball players already there. They also have a nice stadium and great fans. I know it will be a perfect fit for me.


What is your favorite uniform number and why?

My favorite number is 7. My mom has always wanted me to wear it because of its biblical significance so I picked it up in middle school and stuck with it ever since.



Who have been most influential in your baseball career and why.


My father probably had the biggest influence on me. He always pushed me to become a better ball player as well as a better person. Plus he played at NC State so he knew what it would take to get to the next level. Chipper Jones has always been a big influence on me. He is my role model, I have watched him since I was about 7.


Are you dating and what does she think of baseball?


I am dating and she plays softball so she understands that baseball is what I do. Unfortunately she does get pretty annoyed by me when I even bring up the word baseball when we are hanging out.


What is your favorite movie?


My favorite movies are Field of Dreams, Dodgeball and Old School.


What is playing on your IPOD?


I listen to a lot of music like rap and country and some classic rock. Right before a game I usually listen to some “hype” music like Lil Jon.


What Stretchy knows: Bryan's dad was a stud college player years and years ago at NCST and now he is a WHIG-TV announcer for Impact events as well as a TBR chat room addict. I am looking forward to watching Bryan play next year at ECU.

 

Brian Bass

What Kevin Knows: That Brian Bass, contrary to his own beliefs is capable of getting SUNBURNED!

This is a great young man that is a terror on the baseball field, you watch him in the box the first time and you think slap hitter, and then BLAM! hits a jack and you know he is a special hitter!

We had the best times of our baseball summers hanging out with Brian, Nick, Willie and their families, and others.

I can't imagine his dreams not being fulfilled, Talent, work ethic, and personality, who wouldn't want this kid at any level!

Good Luck to you young man, it has been our pleasure to have spent time with you and your family. I look forward to keeping up with you for many years to come!

 

All the tall and short girls at ECU...

... better watch out with McBride and Bass comin' to town!



I'm sure they'll spend a lot of time "studying" together!

 

Bryan is a great kid and an awesome player... wish he were playing for me!! He will be a superb collegiate player and I wish him noting but the best!!

 

Bass

is a great kid. His dad has a long way to go though! One word of advice.. Never stand behind either of them if they drop a quarter! I will just say it ain't a pretty sight...

 

I can't wait to see Bryan play this year. I wish him all the success in his senior season, but I'm really looking forward to seeing him play at ECU.

From reading his interview you can tell he hasn't "fallen far from the tree", but I've seen him, so thankfully Bryan looks like his Mom.

Great interview, Stretchy, and thanks, Bryan, for doing this

 

great kid

had the chance to work with bryan at nhs , he is a great kid and is very focused when it comes to baseball, he turned out to be one of my favorite kids that i never got to coach see i worked with the jv program and he just blew by me , i know that he will do great at ecu. great quility in this kid is he never seems to let his sucess go to his head this is a great tribute to his parents good luck this season coach t

 

GO PIRATES!

#23

 

What a classy, gutsy player!!!

Bryan played his tail off tonight against Person. He led off the bottom of the first with a HR and played hard throughout the game. After the game I had the real pleasure of chatting with him for a few minutes. I have the utmost respect for Bryan and I know for a fact that ECU is getting a gem of a player, but more importantly, a gem of a person.

I have always pulled for Bryan from the first time I saw him play at a Freddy Suggs showcase in Wilmington as a freshman. (Of course except when he played us) I knew then he would be special. His dad (Danny) is a heckuva person too and I hate i did not get the chance to see him afterwards.

Best wishes to an outstanding player and young man!!

Coach E