Here is a Q&A I did recently with the Saltdog's Brett Cooley.
Five minutes with….Brett Cooley by Brian Reetz
If you talk with Brett Cooley, the Saltdogs’ first baseman, you recognize right away that you are meeting with a man from the south -- Texas to be exact. The Austin native found baseball success in his home state. After a stellar high school career he went to San Jacinto Junior College and then on to the University of Houston, where he played in two super regionals. Cooley was drafted three times in college – after his junior year, his senior year (as a pitcher) and following his redshirt senior year (as a hitter). He signed with the Cardinals after the 2004 draft but never played a game due to an injury. He played last year with San Angelo in the Central League and was hitting .323 with six home runs and 32 RBIs before a play at first base broke a bone in his arm, ending his season. He’s kept his average above .300 more of the year with the Saltdogs.
What has been the reason behind the team’s first half success?
Good pitching and timely hitting. It’s a good group of guys and we get along well. The pitching has been solid all year while the hitting, sometimes a group of guys are hitting and some aren’t. We’ve got a great offense but our pitching has kept us in a lot of games.
What is the difference between the American Association and past leagues that you have played in?
I see a lot of older players that have been around the game and know how to play the game. It’s very good competition. Last year in the Central League it was good competition but this is a step up and there are nice ballparks and great atmospheres wherever we go.
What is the best part about playing in Lincoln?
The field and the fans. There are great fans here and great facilities. It’s hard not to enjoying coming here every day and playing. It’s a beautiful field and we get a lot of fans every night. It’s a fun atmosphere to play in.
If you could be a professional in any other sport, what would it be?
I’d love to be a professional golfer. I kind of hit my growth spurt a little late but if I had been bigger in high school I would have loved to have played football and been a quarterback. But I’ve always loved golf and I still play golf a lot. I think that would be the next best thing to be playing golf every day of my life.
What is your at-bat song and why did you choose it?
“It’s a great day to be alive” by Travis Tritt. I just like it. It relaxes me and gets me going. I like country music and I like that song.
What is the off-season like for you?
I live in Houston. I graduated last year as I had surgery and I was in school. I received my major in advertising.
Quick facts
Favorite music in your iPod?
Bob Schneider, he is a local artist out of Austin that is getting bigger. I’ve been listening to a lot of Johnny Cash lately. Randy Rogers, who is another local Texas guy. It’s just another good ol’ country band. It’s kind of rock/country.
Most recent movie you’ve seen and your grade?
The last movie we saw on the bus was “The Thomas Crown Affair”. I guess it is a few years old but I hadn’t seen it. I liked it and thought it was really good. It made the trip from Sioux Falls go a lot quicker.
Best meal you’ve had recently?
When we went golfing on an off day we had steak, corn, potato and salad at the pro’s house from the College Heights Country Club in Crete.
What is the latest book you’ve read?
Deception Point by Dan Brown. I’m going to start reading the DaVinci Code.
What is your favorite TV show?
Sportscenter -- that is what I watch the most.
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