Freshman first baseman Soloman Williams joins the Golden Lions from Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. A native of Long Beach, he helped lead the Bruins to the CIF Southern Section Semifinals in 2011 batting .329 with a .467 OBP. While at WHS, Williams was a multi-sport athlete lettering both in football and basketball.

What made you decide to come to UAPB?
I could tell that this program is making a move forward, and I wanted to be apart of it.

Who is your favorite MLB player? Why?
James Loney because he has the inside-out swing that I try to mimic and is smooth at first base...also playing for my hometown team doesn't hurt.
 
Which do you enjoy more: hanging out at the beach or at the yard?
Although I have a great time at the beach, baseball is my favorite thing to do.
 
What are your favorite hobbies outside of baseball?
I enjoy playing basketball, football or pretty much any sport with friends. I also like hanging out at the beach and playing MLB '11.
 
You also played Football in high school. What position did you play, and what was your most memorable moment?
I played tight end and receiver, and my most memorable moment was when I scored 3 touchdowns in one game.
 
How many times on campus have you been mistaken for a basketball player?
At least once a day...the first thing people ask me is "you play ball?" I always answer "yes..but baseball" and they reply, "You're too big for baseball." I always get a good laugh.
 
Who hits the best fungo?
Leo is the best of the players, but I think Coach Mac wins that one.
 
Being from Southern California, who would you want to have at the plate with the game on the line: Matt Kemp, Torii Hunter, or Soloman Williams?
That's a tough one between Matt and myself, but after the year Matt Kemp just had, I have to give him the nod.
 
What is the biggest difference between the West Coast and the Southeast?
The weather is a big difference. First the humidity then the cold. I'm used to the consistent 80 degrees in Long Beach.
 
Knowing you are a Dodgers fan, Shotton, Lasorda, Torre, or Mattingly?
I have to go with Mattingly even though the other coaches are great. I have confidence that we're going to do damage in the future with our young talent.
 
Your roommate is from New York City. Describe some the differences the between the West and East Coast that the two of you have shared with one another?
One thing is the environment. Southern California has the busy freeways, but New York has the street traffic. Also in Southern California we play baseball year around, and my roommate is not used to that.
 
What are your goals/aspirations for this year at UAPB?
The main goal is to bring a SWAC Championship to Pine Bluff. Another goal is to make a huge impact as a freshman for our team.