Updated 01-04-2006

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Carlos Gray & Family

BASA STAFF: How are you Mr. Gray

Carlos: I’m doing well.

BASA STAFF: There is a lot of buzz in the Super Rec Division right now?

Carlos: So I’ve been reading. I think its good for the game, its definitely going to make it interesting this coming season

BASA STAFF: Some of your players and many others across the country don’t feel that Graystone is getting the respect they deserve. What are your thoughts on this?

Carlos: To be honest we really don’t worry about that, we just go out and play & whether we win or lose we earn our respect on the field.

BASA STAFF: There have been many roster moves in the division as well; can we expect to see any changes to Graystone’s roster?

Carlos: We’ve made a couple of changes, I think you have to in order to remain competitive. Our nucleus is still in tact and we’ve added some very solid players to go along with a pretty strong nucleus. Change is good.

BASA STAFF: You also have a pretty extensive fan club, what does that mean to the team?

Carlos: I’m not sure I understand, our fan club consists mostly of the players, coaches, & sponsors wives & children, the support we get from them means everything. We feel they are as much a part of this team as the players themselves, we couldn’t do this without their support especially considering the amount of ball we play.

BASA STAFF: There has been a lot of talk about the game between Derrty and Storm at Worlds and the atmosphere around it; however the game between you and Derrty in Indianapolis was also well attended I am told. Describe that experience to us.

Carlos: We did have a pretty good sized crowd in Indy which is a great tournament, but it wasn’t the size of the crowd that they had at the worlds when they played the Storm, I’ve never seen anything like that at a softball game. That’s kind of what makes traveling to tournaments fun. 

BASA STAFF: You are one of the premier sponsors in the game, besides great advertisement for your successful mortgage company, what else do you get out of the game.

Carlos: I get the same excitement out of the competition that the players do. It’s a great experience being around friends and family every weekend.

BASA STAFF: Graystone is known for going to play anyone at anytime, do you care to discuss what is your teams budget.

Carlos: Let’s just say that it’s a good thing that I’m a softball junkie!

BASA STAFF: Graystone beat one of the best A teams in all of the country last year, despite your success at that level, you guys love the BASA circuit which we REALLY appreciate. Describe the differences between the experiences.

Carlos: On the other circuit, we get just as charged up about the game. It’s almost an “us versus them” attitude about the whole thing. We compete against some of the best teams in the country, just to use as a measuring stick for our success. On that circuit, all the games are like “road” games. On the BASA circuit, no matter where we play, all the games are like “home” games!

BASA STAFF: You guys were one of the favorites to win BASA Worlds this year and came pretty close. How disappointing was that?

Carlos: It was very tough, we felt it was our game to take, down by 1 with 3 Home Runs left in bottom of the 6^th Inning, we all still get sick just thinking about it. We’d won so many other tournaments during the year by coming from behind and double-dipping teams that we thought for sure it was a done deal, but, it just wasn’t our time and that’s what keeps us playing this game because no matter how good your team is you can’t win them all…..but we sure do try!!! That’s what’s being a competitor is about!

BASA STAFF:  Despite finishing second, you guys still have a big target on your backs.

Carlos: I think anytime you're considered one of the top teams you're going to get everyone’s best shot because its just human nature to want to beat the “so called best”. We welcome the challenge, we just try to stay focused & play our style of ball no matter who we’re up against.

BASA STAFF: Looking at some of the pre-season rosters, do you still like your chances in ’06?

Carlos: Of course, the guys are still very hungry, they feel as though they let one (BASA Championship) slip away, so they are very anxious to make amends in 2006.

BASA STAFF: How long has the team been around?

Carlos: This will be our 2^nd full year together.

BASA STAFF: How is Graystone different than some of the other top teams in BASA?

Carlos: With the exception of two ball players (Roe & Neal) we are a "local" team, we all live within a 15 to 20 mile radius of each other which goes along way in developing team chemistry & unity, two things that are definitely important if you are trying to create a winning attitude. That's something that I take pride in, the fact that we have a very good team without having to import guys from all over the country to be a part of it.

I'm not knocking what those other teams do, because its their recipe for success and there is good talent everywhere, however, we knew there was good talent here in our city, so my goal was to combine it all together on one team and go play any & everyone.

BASA STAFF: How did you get started?

Carlos: A couple of my employees talked me into sponsoring a softball team a few years ago.

BASA STAFF: So you have seen some of the growth of BASA?

Carlos: I’ve definitely witnessed some of that growth first hand. We played in 11 BASA tourneys last year.

BASA STAFF: What are your thoughts on the present state of BASA? 

Carlos: Nothing but positive! The BASA is taking this game that we all love and incorporating new ideas and outlets for all of the players and fans.  It is truly a great experience every weekend!

BASA STAFF: If you could make one rule change, what would it be?   

Carlos: That’s an easy one. I don’t think there should be a time limit in championship games. If you have endured to make it that far, you should be allowed to play it out.

BASA STAFF: What is the first BASA tournament can one catch Graystone in action in ‘06?

Carlos: We’ll definitely be at the Kick Off tourney in Aiken, S.C.

BASA STAFF: Most memorable BASA moment in ‘05

Carlos: Like they say, “What will make you laugh will also make you cry!”. It has to be coming up in the 6^th inning with three bombs left and trailing by one run(and the time limit was up). The feeling of wrapping up a world championship to being snapped out of shock when they passed out the consolation golf towels for finishing second. The whole year was a great year, but we definitely look forward to the start of the 2006 season.

BASA STAFF: That just about wraps it up, as always we appreciate Graystone and their loyalty to BASA.

Carlos: I appreciate you giving me this time and I want to commend you and the rest of the BASA staff for the excellent job that you all are doing!

BASA STAFF: Any shoutouts?

Carlos: I hope everyone in our BASA family had a very merry CHRISTMAS and hope that everyone out there has a safe and happy new year. God Bless.