Follow Friday Q&A with Tag Bross

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This is the 15th installment of the Arizona Baseball 2020 Follow Friday series, in which we highlight each member of the incoming 2020 class of student-athletes looking to make their mark at Hi Corbett Field. Get to know our newest Wildcats with the below Q&A, and when you're done be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected.

This week's feature focuses on incoming freshman Tag Bross, an outfielder from Notre Dame Prep High School in Scottsdale.

Previous editions of Follow Friday: Jacob Berry  |  Kyle Casper  |  Chase Davis  |  Riley Cooper  |  Daniel Susac  |  TJ Nichols  |  Austin Smith  |  TJ Curd  |  Ryan Kysar  |  Chase Silseth  |  Jack Grant  |  Mason Millett  | Tanner O'Tremba  |  Nik McClaughry
 

Q: What made you choose Arizona?
A: I chose Arizona because I wanted to be part of a winning program, I just wanted to win. Also, the coaching staff is unbelievable and I wanted the chance to win a College World Series with them here.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in your first year at Arizona?
A: For sure just getting out there and competing and seeing where I stand in college baseball because it's such a big jump in competition from high school. Going from being the guy to now having the same talent level as everyone is really mentally challenging.

Q: What achievement from your baseball career so far are you most proud of?
A: Committing to the University of Arizona. That was always one of my big dreams and when that finally happened it was just unbelievable. The moment I committed it was, not shocking, but more just a sense of gratitude. 

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: I would say my hit tool. If I'm going good at the plate, I think can hit with the best of them. Over the course of my high school career I developed a lot at the plate; I used to be more of a defense-first outfielder and now I look at myself as more offensively tooled.

Q: Who influenced you to get into baseball?
A: My dad for sure; his name is Terry and he played Major League Baseball and I always wanted to be like him when I was younger. He played for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants and in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He coached me growing up and then he kind of stepped back in high school and wanted to let me figure it out on my own, see if it was what I really wanted to do.

Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you most want to play?
A: This sounds weird, but I would be playing hockey. I played growing up in Arizona, I played for one of the best teams in the country actually. I really liked the speed and physicality of hockey, it was refreshing. I played hockey until I was 16, but at that point I had to choose between hockey and baseball and baseball was always my dream.

Q: If you could have one MLB player's skill, what would it be?
A: Freddie Freeman's hit tool. His ability to hit the ball to all parts of the field and to have power to all parts of the field is remarkable.

Q: If you could face one Major League Baseball player right now, who would it be and why?
A: Aroldis Chapman, just because I want to see what his speed looks like, but also he has a nasty slider at 90 MPH. I think if you gave me a couple of at-bats against him, I could get a hit.

Q: What are some of your non-baseball hobbies you enjoy spending free time on?
A: I'm a big outdoorsman, so I enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, all of that kind of stuff. I love going to the lake and tubing too — Lake Pleasant is my favorite spot.

Q: What does your pregame/gameday routine look like?
A: First thing after I wake up is eat steak and eggs, always. My dad made them for me one day my junior year and I played really well so now it's kind of a superstition for me. Then I like to stretch for a little bit, take a nap, and then get mentally prepared for the game.
Quick Hits:
Favorite baseball player: Andrew Benintendi
Favorite MLB team: Boston Red Sox
Favorite baseball movie: Bull Durham
Favorite gameday snack: Corn Nuts (ranch)
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite movie: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith