Texas Tech University Athletics
Baseball Coach Larry Hays Answers Your Questions
June 21, 1999 | Baseball
March 2, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Q: Larry, I have always been impressed with your sportsmanship, ethics, and values both on and off the diamond. I am curious about how many times you have been ejected from a game by an umpire. I remember when I was a student at LCC (before LCU) your team talking about you being ran from a game (I think at Highlands) for no reason. How many times have you had to take an early shower?
Name: Dr. James Johnson; Albany, Gerogia
Coach Hays: I don't know. Three or four times.
Q: Do you think mark austry will be a key ingredient to the lineup this year?
Name: darren wood, tuscaloosa, alabama
Coach Hays: He already has been a key ingredient to our team at first base.
Q: This is not a question for Larry but a note for your biographical data on him. How many coaches have had their university named after them? Lubbock Christian University carried the name of Larry Hays University (or maybe College) for a day. All incoming telephone calls were answered accordingly and signs were placed proclaiming the new name.
Name: Dr. James Johnson; Albany, GA
Q: You have had a lot of success at Texas Tech. What do you attribute that success to? Also, your assistant coaches have had a major impact on the program. How do you rate them?
Name: Bob Ralls, Lubbock, Texas
Coach Hays: We've been a success because of the good players that we've had and because of our good assistant coaches. We've probably got the best assistants with Frank Anderson and Greg Evans. They're also two of the reasons why we've had good players.
Q: What are some things i would need to do if i wanted to play baseball at texas tech? It has been my dream to play at tech. That is all i really wanted to know. Thanks!
Name: Cole Kinnibrugh, Artesia, New Mexico
Coach Hays: Just be one of the top players in the state of New Mexico. That would get you a good chance.
Q: Larry, Hope all is well with your family. How do you scout JUCO players from places as far off as California?
Name: Gary Housouer Dallas, Texas
Coach Hays: First of all, we have a lot of contact with JUCO coaches out in California. But the easiest and quickest way is to scout the All Star Games out there. There's a North All Star Game and a South All Star Game over a two-day period. Every university in the country is there to watch the top 100 players in the state over a two-day period.
Q: What drills do your young pitchers do to improve their breaking balls? Also, what do your hitters do to improve bat speed?
Name: Brent Landrum, Houston, TX
Coach Hays: We don't have any secrets. We try to recruit players with good bat speed and pitchers with good breaking balls. Then we give them a chance to let them use their God-given talents.
Q: What kind of advice can you give to a high school kid who is hoping for an oppurtunity to play college baseball?
Name: Garrett Luft Midland, TX
Coach Hays: Practice and hard work are the only ways to get there.
Q: Do you attribute all your success to the knowledge and information provided to you by your prize son-in-law.
Name: JEFF CHRISTMANN, COLORADO SPRINGS,CO
Coach Hays: You'd better be good to my granddaughters if you want to be a success.
Q: Coach Hays, I saw Marco Cunningham play in high school and I knew he was a great athlete. What do you think of his talent? Can you see him getting drafted and making it to the next level?
Name: Michael Romero, Durango, CO
Coach Hays: I think he's got the potential to play for awhile. He's got the talent. He's just got to get the work in and he seems to be putting forth the effort.
