Getting to know Brian Goodwin-CF

Brian is the centerfielder for the defending 3A State Champions the Rocky Mount Gryphons.

What is your earliest memory of playing baseball?
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I remember being out in the front yard as much as possible throwing around a little and even hitting the ball off a tee. Those are my earliest memories of baseball and T-ball. [/FONT]


When did you start playing travel ball?
I started playing AAU and traveling around when I was about 12. I believe with Rocky Mount United and Stretchlon Stars.

What do your do the night before a big game?
The night before a big game is nothing special. I just lay back and kind of play it in my head and imagine how it should go. I listen to the IPOD a little and just relax.


Who is your favorite major league player?
I have actually started taking a liking to BJ Upton and everyone loves Manny.

What was your showcase experience like?
It's hard to sum up in words, but it's a lot of fun and enjoyable. But basically you have to love the game to enjoy it as much. I just love stepping out on the field before people and playing my game.

What has been your most memorable game?
Last years final 3-A state championship game of course because it is once in a lifetime you get to share a moment like that with all your boys and even make the last out.

What are your future baseball plans?
I am not completely sure what will happen in the future I just plan on playing ball be it at UNC or somewhere else.


What is your favorite uniform number and why?
24, I don't exactly know why, it's just something that draws me to it.

Are you dating and what does she think of baseball?
N/A

Who are your parents and siblings?
My mom is Brenda Goodwin, my dad, Sylvester Goodwin, and my sis Monica Goodwin, they are all very supportive and helpful.

What music do you listen to?
I listen to anything other than country. I have yet to get into it.

What are your favorite movies?
Friday Night Lights and Next Friday.

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
My parents, sister, and my coaches who all have helped me when I was down and reminded me to keep my head on straight.

What was your recruiting experience like?
It was exciting. It's something you will never forget as far as the visits and meeting players and filling out all the questionnaires.



What Stretchy knows: Brian is a great football and basketball player. He won the MVP of the Babe Ruth State tournament when he was 13 or 14 years old. He batted leadoff for the Stars when he led his 12u team to the State Games Championship in Winston Salem. His nickname is Goody and he loves to have fun on the field. He was the MVP of the Aflac Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last year.

 

Exciting

This is exciting times for Brian, Richie Shaffer and others that have the potential of hearing their names called during the MLB Draft. I wish them all great success and very happy for them. Enjoy this time as it goes by fast and you have great options.

 

This would be a great honor for Goody

http://www.mymlbdraft.com/MLB-Mock-Draft-2009
I understand this link won't open up for some?? anyway it has Goodwin being drafted by the Yankees in the first round.

 

What a GREAT PERSON Brian is

Brian's athletic abilities are obvious - none of us need to question the talent he brings to the field. But off the field, he is courteous, quiet, unassuming and just a great kid to be around. Anyone who knows Brian can't help but wish all the best for him, whatever path he chooses. He's got so many wonderful opportunities ahead of him, and he deserves all the best. We are rooting for him!

 

This should tell people what they need to know about Brian Goodwin: During preseason conditioning before season RM coaches require all players to run a 6min 30 second mile. There were some JV players that had not completed the mile in the required time so they were running again. As a 9TH grader (nameless) had 1 lap to finish it looked impossible for him to complete the mile in the required time. Goodwin ran out onto the track and told this 9th grader "Come on man--you can do it!-just get on my hip and keep up--we gonna do this together." Goodwin proceeded to basically sprint around the track and this boy stayed on his hip and the jv player finished the mile in 6:29 as the entire varsity team cheered them on. Enough said!!!

 

BTW Stretchy: Great job on creating this thread on Brian Goodwin---but his nickname is NOT Goody---it is BGOOD.

 

Gatorade Player of the Year in North Carolina

Congrats on another special award Brian. Previous winners of this award in North Carolina are: Tyler Hanover, Madison Bumgarner and Lonnie Chisenhall. Good luck at the next level.

 

From UNC to USC

Palmetto Sports is reporting that Brian has committed to the USC Gamecocks for next season. He is having a great year at Juco Miami Dade this year. Mock drafts have him going in the first round in next month's draft. Very interesting if he ends up at South Carolina!

 

I'm surpised by this USC stuff, but really if Brian does go in the 1st round, I would expect him to move on to the minors. ( The money & the team drafting him might have the biggest sway over his decision I guess, but the same will come up again next year also.)