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Step Up to the Plate: Q&A with Batting Stance Guy

Erin posted 5/22/2008 from ballhype.com

Ten years ago, if you had a talent like Batting Stance Guy, a god-given gift that entertained and impressed your friends, you'd be called upon to perform at summer barbeques and during commercial breaks for big games. Heck, even two years ago, the most you could hope for was to end up a one-hit wonder.

Now, though, the time is right for Batting Stance Guy. In the last few weeks his videos, which he and his friends first started posting a year ago, have caught on big with sports bloggers and even Bill Simmons. Fortunately for us, Batting Stance Guy took a break from his rising internet stardom to do a Q&A. Here are the results — feel free to hit him up in the comments with your questions and autograph requests.

So ... you watch much baseball?

Enough to know who Shooty Babbitt and Blake DeWitt are.

How did you get started doing the impressions?

My family has told me I used to crouch over with a tiny bat, Pete Rose Phillies pajamas/costume and fake chaw in my mouth when I was 7. Prolly there.

What made you decide to post them to YouTube?

A Yankees fan friend videoed me last year and posted it. Then one month ago, same thing with a Red Sox fan/buddy.

Describe the process for developing an impression.

I generally focus on one trait: McGwire's jaw, Klesko's uncertainty, Sheffield's chaw, Jeter's eyelids, Ivan Calderon's unbuttoned jersey and subsequent chesthair and heighten that. Not simply focus on the bat/arms/legs.

Is watching a baseball game different for you now? Can you just enjoy the game or are you looking for every foot twitch and groin adjustment?

This past month I have watched more intentionally for the quirks. However, I don't have any of their quirks written down. I either know Ryan Braun does that strange jersey/pants adjustment or I don't.

Have you ever been recognized from one of your videos?

Only from old friends from school after reading the SportsGuy's Page 2 column. Not in public.

Which player is the easiest to imitate?

Jack and Will Clark. So much there.

Are there any that you haven't been able to get right?

Paul O'Neill and Carlos Delgado took more work than normal.

What did you do before you became a theoretical internet millionaire?

Wait, am I supposed to be doing more than this? Ok, well then attempting to see a home game of every team in every stadium. Houston two summers ago finished that goal.

Congratulations! How long did that take, and which park was your favorite? And which stadium, in your estimation, is the worst place to see a major league game?

30 years. Lots of roadtrips. An incredibly disappointing rainout in Three Rivers Stadium was the lowlight because it only counts if they play the entire game (when am I gonna be back in Pittsburgh, I lamented). Fenway and Wrigley are fantastic for overall experience. Call me a fool but I really liked the Royals stadium. Seeing the freeway, a hotel and hills reminded me of a Little League field. Come to think of it, the crowd was about the same size. Hmmm. San Fran Giants play in a work of art. God bless the Expos and Rays but both Domes seemed dreary.

Are you available for birthday parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs?

Never been asked that. I'd have to do some serious research if I was hired for a Tampa Bay Ray influenced bar mitzvah (gulp).

Who wins in a fight between Batting Stance Guy and Star Wars Kid? How about if you aren't allowed to use your weapons?

Light sabers always trump a wiffle bat and 3 Topps' Razor Shines cards. No weapons? Hmmm, the charisma of Lando Calrissian outshines any ballplayer. Star Wars Kid wins.

Is there any truth to the rumor that 2K Sports will be using you to model hitters for MLB 2K9?

Wow! I truly never considered making money off these imitations. That would be awesome.

I've always felt that today's little league coaches spend too much time teaching kids how to throw, catch, and hit--at the expense of working on a distinctive batting stance. What do you think?

What 8 year old kid wouldn't benefit from crouching into Jeff Bagwell's crouch fresh with hands literally in the strikezone. Gold.

Could I request Pops Stargell for a future video?

We start most videos around 1980- so you are cutting it close for the Pirates video. Will he beat out Spanky Lavalliere? Stay tuned.

And finally - about the change in facial hair (appears now to be close to handlebar mustache unless my video resolution sucks) over the course of your videos... Coincidence, or is a complete physical transformation inevitable given the level of dedication?

Brushing up on my Cards I watched the '82 WS Game 7. It appears they strapped on those staches in the dugout before each game cuz eeeeeeverybody had them. The 82 Brewers looked like 24 Eckerslys and a Molitor. It goes well with my train conductor flat top Pirates hat. Officially: beard in Cards video for Ocquendo. Nasty Handlebar in honor of Piazza and Gibby. Gotta get clean shaven for the Reds and Indians.

Thanks again to Batting Stance Guy for spending some quality time with us. Be sure to check out all of his videos on the BattingStanceGuy's YouTube channel.