Pullman, Wash - Junior Griffin Smith prepares for his first season with Washington State Baseball. Smith comes to WSU as a transfer from Rock Valley CC in Wisconsin, where he was named NJCAA Division II All-American and the NJCAA Region IV Pitcher of the Year. Smith spent three years at Rock Valley, where he set a single-season record for strikeouts, wins, and innings.

We had the chance to sit down with the junior Griffin Smith and get to know him.

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because of the opportunity to continue my baseball career. I really liked the coaching staff and what their philosophies are, as well as the history of the program.

How are you enjoying Pullman so far?

I really love it. I love the small-town feel. My teammates and I are really close, it's overall a really tight-knit community here that has been great to be a part of.

What has been the most significant adjustment from JUCO to Division I baseball?

The biggest thing is definitely the facilities and resources, as well as the practice hours. At junior college we would be out there all day, we would have 5-6 hour practices and it was more of a grind. Our practices here are shorter but with more precise drills and practices get straight to the point. But overall the facilities are a lot better. 

What is your favorite baseball memory?

My favorite memory is winning 11U State in Little League. We won 2-1 if I remember, and it is just one of my favorite memories.

Any pregame super superstitions?

I'm not really superstitious, but I try to do the same things and keep the same schedule before games.

Pre-game song?

I don't have any specific songs, but I like to listen to Rap and Country music mostly.

Favorite pre/post-game meal?

I always try to get chicken alfredo the night before the game for my pre-game meal. Post-game, I am not very picky, just the chicken alfredo the night before.

What do you do outside of baseball in your free time?

I really like to golf, cook, and hang out with my friends and family when I can.

What did it mean to you to be named an All-American?

It was pretty cool, and I wasn't really expecting it. It was awesome to see that my hard work paid off.

Who has had the biggest influence on your baseball career?

I would say my brother Gage. He is one year older than me, and we've always pushed each other to be better. He played junior college as well, so that is how I was introduced to it.

If you could face any player in MLB history, who would it be?

I would have to say Christian Yelich since I've always been a Brewers fan.

How has your time at Rock Valley CC prepared you for playing at WSU?

It's prepared me a lot, getting used to pitching at a different level and maturing a little bit. It made me get to know baseball a lot more with all the experience I had there.

What do you love most about being a pitcher?

I just like being on a certain schedule, knowing when I am going to play, and being able to get my body and mind right for that day I'm gonna play.

What do you think will be the key to the team's success this year?

I think just doing what we do, staying within ourselves, and executing what we do every day at practice.

What are you looking forward to in your first season as a Coug?

I'm looking forward to honestly just winning a lot of ball games, that's why I came here. I think it will be really cool to travel to a lot more states, being from the Midwest I've never been to the West Coast so there are a lot of cool places I am looking forward to playing at.