Exclusive Interview: Kansas State Second Baseman Brady Day
While Kansas State may not get the respect it deserves on the baseball diamond, I am here to tell you that this team is for real. Right now, the Wildcats are in first place of the Big 12 conference, and I even had them at the top spot of my weekly Big 12 baseball power rankings.
One of the big reasons why the Wildcats are playing so well is because of Brady Day. The redshirt junior from Hampstead, New Hampshire, has gotten off to a tremendous start this season with a .415 batting average and 34 RBIs. Brady is in the top five of every major offensive category in the Big 12, and I got the chance to talk with him about his hot start, as well as answer a few other fun questions.
How did you get into baseball?
“I have been playing baseball for as long as I can remember. I remember starting in tee-ball, and I ended up throwing a ball to first, and the first baseman wasn’t paying attention. The ball hit him in the face and then I ended up moving up that year. I played farm league and little league growing up as well. Anything with a ball that I could go outside and play with is what I was into. I always loved baseball from an early age.”
How did you end up in Manhattan, Kansas?
“My sophomore year of high school I committed to Bryant University. Going into my senior year, the coach there left and all I had was a verbal commitment. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, and I played well at a tournament and Kansas State ended up reaching out to me. It just ended up falling in my lap and I just jumped at the opportunity.”
What is head coach Pete Hughes like?
“He’s funny, he’s smart, and he’s a players coach. Everyone loves being around him, and he’s a great guy. He is fun to hang out with, and he knows what it takes to succeed and get better. He pushes us to get better and he is a great all-around person.”
What is it like playing with two All-Americans with Kaelen Culpepper and Tyson Neighbors?
“It’s awesome having these two guys on our team. They are the best of the best, and they really help. They give us confidence and make everyone else around them better. We are a tight-knit group, and it helps as a whole.”
You have played multiple positions during your career at Kansas State. Which is your favorite to play and why?
“Probably second base. I have played a little bit of third, first base, and even outfield for a few summers and scrimmages. Second base feels like home to me, and I feel like I play it well. It’s just a fun spot for me to be with KC (Kaelen Culpepper) up the middle with me.”
You were selected in the 12th round by the Atlanta Braves last year? How did that feel, and why did you end up coming back to Kansas State?
“It was a surreal moment. It’s something I have wanted to happen my whole life playing baseball. When it happened, it was a shock and didn’t feel real at first. Being from a small town and working my way up, getting drafted was an honor. The decision coming back was that I loved the culture. I loved the guys on the team, and I thought there was stuff I could work on before going pro. I decided to come back and work on my craft and get better in any way I could. And I wanted to make a postseason run with these guys.”
You put up some good numbers last season, and this year, you are averaging .415 with 34 RBIs and 6 home runs. What’s been the secret to your success so far this season?
“Our hitting coach (Austin Wates) is such a knowledgeable guy. It seems like he has the answer for everything. We worked a lot this offseason and in the fall to help with my power numbers and hitting the ball harder. There were a few adjustments we made with my swing and with my mindset at the plate. He definitely played a huge factor in me making that jump that is paying off now.
Kansas State hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since 2013, what would it mean to you and for the university to get back to the postseason?
“That has been our goal all year and our goal all four years I have been here. It would mean a lot for everyone, and we all work our butts off every day to get better and to prove to everyone that we are worthy. It’s definitely a goal for everyone and I don’t think it is very far off with the way everyone has been working and preparing.”
Rapid Fire
Any superstitions you have?
“I wouldn’t say I am very superstitious. Obviously, I have a routine before every game, but nothing like a pitcher would do.”
Favorite MLB team
“The Red Sox, of course.”
Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in college?
“TCU pitcher Ben Abeldt. He’s a tough at bat and he’s a three-quarter leftie with a good slider. He’s got a good fastball and he’s a really tough pitcher to face.
Favorite place to eat in Manhattan, Kansas?
El Patron. I am a big Mexican food guy, and they have some of the best nachos and burritos in town.”
