Paul Winner

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2018 Free Agent – pwinner68@gmail.com

2015 Interview

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
To many to list, but Being a pitcher I'd have to say Purcell or Travis Clark. Both of them are great at pitching,hitting,and gloving the middle. Great respect for what they do.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Love the competition.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
China, Good friend Rick leith gave it to me about 15 years ago and it's been with me ever since.

What is your height and weight?
6'2. 215

Where do you call home?
Warrenton, Virginia

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my kids watching them play sports.

What do you do for a living?
Electrican

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High school baseball and joined the USMC.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
When I got back from the USMC, I met a good friend Rick Leith. He gave me a shot with a local C team. Played together for a few years and eventually ended up having our own team for a few years. I owe my shot to the upper level to Barry Bunn from B&B Sears. Chris and Barry gave me a shot at pitching and we made a run all the way to 2nd at B worlds.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Conference play seems to getter better and better every year. More and more college or X pro baseball players playing in the conference. Hitting at this level is outstanding. The speed of the game is getting faster and the guys are getting bigger.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I finally won a game against Resmondo. That makes me about 1-5 against them. Almost got killed three times, beat by 30 once or twice. I don't put to much stock in March wins though. Pretty sure the next time I see them, it will be almost killed 4 times or beat by 30 three times.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My buddy Rick Leith has had a huge impact on my play. A lot of talks about working hard on hitting and pitching. How you approach the game and being humble. Being confident with your game and not cocky. Hard sometimes being a pitcher, not being a little cocky only being 50' away. Middle is a big part of the game we play now.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard at all parts of your game. Defense is just as important as hitting. And make sure you work hard through the off season.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
27 ounce with over lap

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Stay in the gym and coach wrestling.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Have to go with the Nationals. Pitching staff got a lot better this year. Hopefully we can have a run at the playoffs this year.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Insane in the membrane. Cypress hill

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I think it's in a good place right now.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Smoky is a great tournament. It's great playing with all them fans.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any place that has steak.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
B worlds battle royal with us (B&B) and pure romance.

Robby Stinton

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 10/10/2017

Who are you playing with in 2017?
I started the year with Wileys then finished the season with One Payment.

2018 Free Agent – Robstunton@yahoo.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitch, Catch, First. I would say pitching is my best position.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the competitiveness of playing the game. And how fast paced it is.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Logs, everyone called my dad Stixx, but he was skinny lol so I was nicknamed logs.

What is your height and weight?
6ft

Where do you call home?
Davenport, Fl.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hitting some bp, or going fishing, hanging out with the family.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing Church ball and league, was seen in league and kept getting asked to play up. Played with Wileys as a C team then got bumped to B.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Everyone hits in conference, teams that aren't conf don't always have a lineup full of guys that hit .700.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Pitching for Wileys and finishing 3rd in my first Conference tourney at the Space City tournament in Houston. Also finishing 2nd in B Worlds this year.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Had a friend who would take me out and we would bp 3 or 4 times a week, I would say I wouldn't be where I am without him. Also my dad, growing up and watching him play ball and him teaching me how to pitch.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Keep hitting bp and try to have a great attitude, never know who will be watching.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I drop one finger on the bottom hand and 2 off of the top hand. I prefer a 26 endload

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
A lot of Bp, and throwing pitches, started doing some cardio as well to get myself to the next level.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I like the Seahawks for football and the rays for baseball

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Superdraft in Florida, got to play with and against some of the best ball players around.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Houston at the big league field of dreams. Love playing in the stadium replicas.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Koizi sushi in Brandon fl.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis Reyna has the best glove I have ever seen, and hits it too. Also would say Andy Purcell, being a pitcher that hits and plays his position.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Chris Waterman puts in a lot of work and has a good attitude, Pat Donahue played with him and the guy plays the game. Devin Anderson and Pete Sieden both great young hitters.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Rappers Delight
 

Craig Rodriguez

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/10/2017

2017 – I played for Steel Sports/Powerhouse Sportz

2018 Free Agent – Craig.rodriguez.85@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
P/1B/C/EH. I really like the rush of pitching.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Probably Pearson with his offensive ability.

Why do you like the game of softball?
It's allows me to get my competitive fix since stepping away from playing and coaching baseball.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I was fortunate to play with a bunch of guys on Steel who are up and coming.

What is your height and weight?
6'3 255

Where do you call home?
Houston, TX

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Getting away and relaxing.

What do you do for a living?
I'm in sales

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball in high school, junior college, at Ole Miss, and professionally with the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was on a recruiting trip in North MS and Memphis and got asked to help out at Draft League in Memphis by some friends. Played softball for the first time in blue jeans and a polo and have been hooked since.
I got a chance at Upper two years ago when my BP partners Marcus Smith and Jeff Smith brought me up to Billy Ward who runs BTX/DirtyVegas a B team out of Beaumont. Then getting a shot with Mark Holsonback and Steel this year

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of the game

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Being that this was my 3rd year playing softball Winning A worlds and getting a chance to pitch at the major in my first year at this level were both awesome experiences.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
We are fortunate here in Houston to have a lot of guys playing at the top level. It last always nice to be able to lean on guys like Whaley, Maggard, Dunn, McBryde, EK and Argen.

Was lucky to meet Jeff Smith, Dean Smith and Marcus Smith when I first moved back to Houston. They introduced to me a whole new world and we all hit BP together often

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Like anything you want to do in life you have to work at it.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Baseball with a slight drop over the knob. 27 oz endload

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Take lots of BP and play league to work on things in game situations.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I enjoy watching college football and baseball. Big Ole Miss fan which is currently tough

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Mullet in Niceville, FL is always fun. Who doesn't like unlimited HR's. Budfest and the Schulenberg Festival are two fun tournaments in Texas.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Playing at the stadium for the Dual and the stadium at Disney this year for the major were probably two of the best.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any place that has wings.

John "Wheeler" Huffman

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview from 5/21/2015

2018 Free Agent – jwheelerhuffman@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
3b/1b
I prefer it at 3b, but am happy to play any position that benefits the team most.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I'm partial to my DeMarini boys Chris Larsen, Dale Brungardt, Jeff Flood, and Donovan Pokraka.  But obviously the greats like Wegman, Helmer, Purcell are among the top guys in the game.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the competition and the camaraderie. Also, I love to travel and any time i can combine softball and traveling, its a good time in my book.  I also really appreciate the friends that I've made through this game.  Overall though, I just love being on the ball field and trying to play at as high of a level as possible with a team of guys with that same goal.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Isaac Gonzales from VCH is a stud.  Brandon Traylor from Classic Glass is also real good dude and a fun guy to watch play ball. Lots of skill between those 2.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I get called all sorts of things.  It's usually Huff or Wheels tho.  I'm not particularly fast so anytime I hear "wheels" i chuckle a bit…not terribly slow for 260 lbs though lol

What is your height and weight?
5'10" 260lbs

Where do you call home?
Fair Oaks, California

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I can't find a pick up game I like to get super lazy at home. Spend a whole day on the couch playing MLB The Show or something

What do you do for a living?
I work for Kaiser Permanente In radiology processing Mammograms.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball/basketball in High School
Baseball in College

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
started playing church league with my family about 15 years ago.  eventually started playing E tournaments and then moved up to D.  This year I finally got a taste of C Conference with Toe2Toe and I have no intention of going back to lower ball.  Will do whatever I can to stay in the conference.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Nothing was really surprising because I was aware of how ball at that level was played. However, just the demeanor of the teams and the caliber of players that fill up a team is a huge improvement over non conference teams.  Theres no holes in any lineups at the conference level. I also really appreciate how serious the players/coaches take the game. Especially when sponsors are involved.  Lots of respect.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I don't like comparing myself to people.  But I've learned a lot from Larsen and Dale Brungardt so I guess I would have some similarities to those two just from spending so much time with them.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Just getting into the conference was a high point for me.  Its very difficult to break out of Northern California.  Not much upper ball out here and its tough to get seen and there's extremely limited spots on the higher level teams. So making it into the conference for the first time was cool because I was able to see my hard work starting to pay off.  Had a few good games against Major and A teams at some events as well.  Always a good feeling to play well against higher caliber teams.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Chris Larsen.  He has spent more time with me working on my swing that anyone else in the game.  I'm very grateful for that.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
If theres 10 legit ballers and you're all trying to get that last spot on a team, stand out from the pack by being a great teammate. Be a positive force in the dugout and play balls to the wall.  Hustle your butt off on every play and prove that you deserve a chance over the rest.  All things being equal, I want 12 or 13 of the best teammates rather than necessarily the biggest names or best talent. It really goes a long way.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
varying degrees of overlapping.  28oz normally

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Bp Bp Bp Bp…get in the gym as well.  Play a lot of league night and give myself a chance to develop my game a little bit. Work on getting all swings line to line.  Overall, just try to improve and come back a better player.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
SF Giants baby!!

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
some i guess. nothing bizarre.  Just some routines in the batters box/on deck circle

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Til It's Gone- Yelawolf
Welcome to my Hood- DJ Khaled

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
i'm still pretty new to upper level so I don't really have anything that jumps out at me…would love to see more West Coast teams in the conference though.  Maybe have a west coast conference or something.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys For Tots is always a fun one to get to in the offseason and play against some real good talent.  Also the Northwest Superdraft is a good time all around.  Had a blast this year.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
any BLD is usually nice.  Haven't really been to too many amazing complexes

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Chic fil-A

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Daniel Gamble trying to field grounders at the super draft.  pretty much laughs for days with that dude.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
hmmmmm despite what YouTube may say, I am perfectly capable of keeping the ball in the yard lol

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
they're all special…anytime somebody takes the time to give me something, its my favorite.  Lots of generous people out there in the softball community and i'm fortunate to know a few of them.

Conner Murray

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/10/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2017 Gorillas/starkey/syndicate

Also played for Tim Barnes on ASP and Westernson/KV Weld

2018 Free Agent – Cmmurray5@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Anywhere in the outfield. Center field

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I would say Bryson Baker is one of the best players in the game. F

Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the game of softball for the challenge and the comrodory. You have to go up there with a plan and it is hard to get away with free swinging. It’s a thinkers game. Ra

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Cory Briggs, Adam Ussery, and Brian McBryde are three of the best younger guys I’ve watched play and have gotten the opportunity to play with.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Conner Dunn is the only nickname I have gotten in my short time playing this gam. Lyf Nimmo gave me the nickname the first time I got to play with him.

What is your height and weight?
6’ 1”
185 pounds

Where do you call home?
Kansas City

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hanging out with friends and family

What do you do for a living?
Work for the fire department

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball and basketball in highschool. Played college baseball at the university of Kansas

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was born on the softball fields. My dad coached and played for the Hooters team out of Kansas since before I was born. I recently started playing league and Mike Brown and Logan Wysong saw me play and took me under their wing in a way.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
A lot more humble people were in conference. It was like going from highschool baseball to division 1 baseball.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I honestly have not been around the game long enough but Lyf Nimmo said I reminded him of a younger Ben Dunn and he has been around the game for a while so I’ll have to agree with him.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing against team USA in Oklahoma City at the border battle and going 4-5

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I’ve had quite a few people make an impact this year. Too many to name. I can say I’m extremly fortunate in the Softball world for having some great people be positive influences in just on year of playing this game.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play your harderst all the time. You never know who is watching

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Standard baseball

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout and hit

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Kansas City royals

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
My brother doesn’t look like me

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Sportsmanship award
 

Rick Cornu

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 10/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
Newbreed

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I'll play any position that will help the team achieve its goal! Any position in the outfield!

Why do you like the game of softball?
Always have been a competitor, so being able to go out have fun, compete, and make new friends or catch up with ex teammates, coaches, sponsors makes the game of softball

What is your height and weight?
5'10 190

Where do you call home?
I reside in Fallon, Nevada about an hour east of Reno, Nevada

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Family, Friends, Camping, Hunting, BBQ's, College Football, Baseball

What do you do for a living?
I work for UPS as a delivery driver

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball – Football: High School
Baseball – Two years of JC Two years D1 (Utah Utes)
Baseball – One year over sea's (Netherlands)

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Once i realized how much politics are involved with the game of baseball and due to an injury i came home and played some league which then turned into my buddy brad n i traveling over to California to play, that in turn lead to GTS, Bay Area

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Not really a surprise but competitiveness is on another level!

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I'm fairly new to the Conference game but last years '16 A worlds run was a blast and being able to receive an All World Selection was a highlight to top it off.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Can never give enough thanks to all the sponsors to help all of us players enjoy the game at its highest level!

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Stay Hunger

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Between work, gym, and hunting to keep me in shape.. Bp as much as possible

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball. I love the game so i don't have a certain favorite, i enjoy watching friends who are living their dream play!

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Country

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I don't know if its the best but it sure is nice having (GERP) Golden Eagle Recreational Park in my backyard!

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
It's nice playing in Texas, can never turn down a bbq joint in that state!

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Mountain West Conference Champs 2009 Ring and accolades!

Brian Bohanon

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/20/2015

2018 with Vivid

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
pitcher and first. I would have to say pitching is my best postion because I love knowing that I am the one controlling the game.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
It is a tough one to call. I know one of the biggest ones I look up to at learning more at is Purcell for being such a great hitter and pitcher.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Baseball has always ran in my blood and softball became part of my life once I was done with school. it is my little get away from everything.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There's a lot of young talent coming up and some that are finally getting their shots.
Adam ussery and Brian mcbride are 2 of those who play both sides of the field and get the job. also marcus thornton. hell of a defensive player and hitting for average player, he has showed me a lot on how to play the game the right way.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Pocket. got it in the first tournament I ever played.

What is your height and weight?
5'11" and 265

Where do you call home?
home for me is in Houston, Tx.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
a weekend off for me is a lot of spending time with the family and my niece.

What do you do for a living?
I am our inventory and returns manager for LKQ Corp.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
played all 4 yrs of high school and did not get the opportunity to continue after that.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start in softball in the fall of 09 and played with some of the guys from our league that were in a tournament and needed help and it hooked me from there. I got my shot in my first real taste of upper got hooked up with Marcus Thornton and Mike Martinez. They are some of the ones who brought me into the conference scene with TMT/ASP and then with BHR/ASP without their help and support along with our sponsors I wouldn't know what to say or do. 

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of the game and the challenge of seeing and playing against better competition. Knowing you are playing the best and making yourself play better.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
as for being compared to its hard to call. the hitting pitchers that I would have to say are like a geno buck or Purcell. its a hard comparison to say.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
One of the 3 would definitely have to be getting the chance to go back to back at worlds and ASA with my brothers. Having a great opportunity to play for great coaches and sponsor is another. Without them none of this would be possible 

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
3 people had a major impact on showing me how to play the game the right way, marcus thornton and mike Martinez have showed me how to take myself to a higher level I could imagine by playing the game the right way and not being one dimentional. having them show you and make you better has helped me be better than what I even thought. coach tim barnes has been another one to influence me for showing that heart and hustle will get you a long ways in this game. for having him push me along with mike and marcus has meant a lot to me.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
hustle is free and the sky is the limit.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
1 pinky off 3 finger overlap. 28oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
BP and the gym. 

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Texans and the Astros really. but the Rangers will always be my number one team because they are who drafted my dad and practically brought me into this world lol

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Beast by rob bailey and the hustle standard and busta rhymes

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Schulenburg festival or Budweiser. it is always a great time at both of them.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
hands down it goes to hall of fame stadium. the atmosphere itself is electric and shows the history of the game.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
playing in Euless this yr a teammate of mine took a shot from bj fulk and it didn't go well for my buddie and his little guys lol luckily he was ok but the look on his face was funny and even funnier when his first words were "I had it all the way" lol ball caught him more than anything. or maybe billy maggard and argen dodds in santas little helpers costumes and they were not the guy ones. the things that go on at Schulenburg.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Best gift would definitely be the opportunity to play the game we all enjoy and compete at. Without the opportunity that a sponsor will give us and the shot and doing it, nothing would be possible. With that I'll gladly thank Art Gonzalez for doing just that for the last few yrs along with Tim Barnes, Lyf Nimmo and many others. Thank you all.

Seth Ricketson

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/10/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2017 TDB/TM Sports

2018 Free Agent – sethricketson22@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Any where in the outfield, Right Field is probably my best.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Hitting wise its between Connell and KP both crush the ball and can hit it where ever they want too. Over all Purcell is a monster, this year proved he is a game changer.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the competition and meeting new people all over the country and I get to travel and see places I probably never would have gone otherwise.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
My man Tommy Melton for sure, he paved the way for military ball players to make the jump to the conference. He is one of the best infielders I have ever played with. Joe Joe Bennett is going to be in the game a long time also, kid can play any where in the field and hits it very well.

What is your height and weight?
6ft 195lbs

Where do you call home?
Valdosta, GA

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I take a weekend off, I am either spending time with my daughter, hunting, or fishing.

What do you do for a living?
currently in the Air Force, im separating in January to pursue bigger and better things.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball all throughout high school.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing military ball in 2011, then picked up with Militia (Brad Sheffield) in 2015, deployed in 2016 but was still putting in work while gone. Brad called me said there was an opportunity for me to play conference ball if I wanted to take it I said sign me up lets do it.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching, these guys pitching are there for a reason, I saw knuckleballs my whole career but when they can control it to pitch to their defense, its a big difference.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Has to be robbing two homeruns in one inning while in Columbus, Ohio.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Stay hungry, humble and don't be bigger than the game. No matter what there is ALWAYS some one better than you somewhere.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlapped, 26oz endload

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
take a lot of bp and stay in the gym

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldawgs

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Rockstar – Post Malone

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I don't think there are any improvements that could be made honestly.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Smokey or Boones

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any where that's open

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
there are too many to name especially if my man Eddie Bolden is around
 

Denis Fisher

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 10/18/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
I took a year off in 2017.  Played only local stuff with friends.  Played with Precision and Eurotech the previous seasons.

2018 Free Agent – dlfish35@yahoo.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I was a SS or middle infielder forever.   These days I'm best used at 1st or 3rd.  Or catcher…I tried to eat my way to being a catcher a long time ago.   Still didn't get to play it much.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Way too many to name.  I've played a long time.  Too many to count.   There's been a ton of really good players.   Still is.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I've been addicted to playing since I first started.  Love the competition.   Love seeing old friends.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Only 2 come to mind and I'm not sure they'd be considered up and coming.   Curt Stewart from OA last year.  He might not be the most mobile guy out there but you'll never find more effort from anyone.   Plus he hits for average and power.  Does what needs done given the situation.  Corey Tapp is another.  Seminoles last year I think.  The kid is fast, great arm.   Outfielder that reads the ball well and gets it.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Fish.   Just short for my last name.  My mom even calls me by it once in a while.

What is your height and weight?
6'0".   235lbs.

Where do you call home?
East Peoria, IL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Normally there's a cookout going on somewhere with a bunch of friends or family.  Hard to beat hanging out with either.

What do you do for a living?
A little bit of everything.   I'm a maintenance man who does home remodeling type jobs on the side.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball/Basketball.   Played both forever and for a while in college.   Had a pro tryout for basketball for the old CBA before it became what it is now.   Got close…didn't make it though.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
An old college buddy talked me into playing a league game.  While we were still playing baseball.  Next thing you know baseball is over and I'm still playing softball.  Never went back to baseball.  The next season I get asked to play with Snap-on ran by Mike Kluever.  I stayed with him for the next 9 years or so.  We played B most of that time and ended up playing A and Major the last couple seasons.  He was always putting us up against the best he could find.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Besides talent level and how fast the ball moves, I don't think there's much difference.  Guys in any level still play hard and play to win.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really.  Not in softball anyway.   Maybe Kareem Abdul Jabaar?   You know, those last couple seasons when the whole planet wanted him to retire but he still loved playing even though he had to pick playing offense or defense because he couldn't run the floor?  Hahahahaha.  Glad my body isn't in that bad of shape yet.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning B World Series with Precision 2015.  We should have won the A also that year but didn't get it done.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Lots.   I had a lot of help.  Mike Kluever (mentioned above).  One of the best sponsor/coaches ever I think.    There wasn't anywhere he wouldn't take us.   He'd load us up in his RV, his wife would have the fridge stocked and dinner cooked for the drive and we'd be off.    Jeff Ott spent a lot of time with me taking BP and showing me how to hit a softball better.   He'd pitch to me until my hands were bleeding.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Practice.  No such thing as too much practice.  Play hard.  Don't quit.   Eventually someone will notice and you can move up.  It also helps if you don't play for a sandbagging team afraid of teams a level above you.  Play the best you can find.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap?  Hammer?  Hell I don't know what it's called.  Two fingers on my bottom hand hang off the knob.   Too hand sort of rests on the lower.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
When I'm not feeding my face or at work I'm in the gym.   Then at least once a week I get some swings at the cages until we can get back outside.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Football.   Atlanta Falcons.   Baseball I really don't have a favorite.  I'm in the middle of the whole Cubs/Cards thing in the Midwest.   I kinda like em both.  I root for the opposite of whoever I'm with most of the time just for fun.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not that I can think of.   I pretty much have the same routine no matter what the situation is.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I'd have to think about that.  I've used Stone cold Steve Austins WWE entrance music in the past.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Not real sure.  Seems it's been doing pretty well lately.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Other than playing some beer fest with my friends I don't really have one these days.  It's all a good time to me.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I always enjoyed Disney.  Probably because I was always down there for almost 2 weeks at the end of the year.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I have no preference.   After playing all day, I'm so hungry I'll stop anywhere almost.   If there's a Wendy's around…that normally wins.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I was playin for an A team about 15yrs ago.  Give or take.   Thoroughbred in Lexington KY.   We're playing Benefield Electric, ranked 3 in the nation at that time.  It was a good game for 4 innings.   Then they got sick of messing with us.  We needed like 12 runs just to avoid the run rule.  We come back. 2 guys on.  Need 3 to stay.  2 outs.   The guy coming up to the plate who has been egging us on to ruin their day by making them play another inning says "Watch this!"   Instead of the bomb we all expected, he swings at the first pitch and dribbles it to the pitcher.   The ball stopped before he picked it up.  Never let that die until he quit playing.  Still funny.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I sat at the kitchen table for over 6 hours when I was a kid.   Parents were trying to make me eat liver and onions and wouldn't excuse me until I cleaned my plate.   I fell asleep sitting there.  I won.  Never tried to feed me that again.  Still won't eat that stuff.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I was put in the Illinois Hall of Fame a couple years ago.  One of my best buddies gave me an engraved bat with all of that information on it.   Besides my incredible fear of public speaking it was easily the best sports gift.
 

Jared Hunt

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 2/28/2016

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2017 Pure Sports

2018 Free Agent – J-hunt7@hotmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield/infield.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis reyna

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love playing the game because it still allows me to play the game I love coming off my baseball career.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Ryan Mcclanahan and Isaac Gonzales. Ryan picks it in the field and Isaac swings it with the best of them.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
J. Just being on teams with friends and being called J all my life.

What is your height and weight?
5'8. 190

Where do you call home?
San Diego. Ca.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Somewhere on the ball field.

What do you do for a living?
Construction/plumbing

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball and football in high school. Baseball in college and baseball professionally for 2 years.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Henri Nuber gave me a couple chances to play with oc swats

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pace of the game.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Usssa worlds in Florida throwing a guy out at third to help win the game.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I cannot pinpoint one person, everyone is out to help, it's just a matter of opinion.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Relax and play your game.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
2 finger over lap. 27 oz end load.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Train in the gym year round.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Texas Rangers. I love football.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Grip on my bats. They have to be perfect.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
California love.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I love the game how it is.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys for tots

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney in Florida.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Applebee's happy hour

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Played on a team where the first baseman didn't have his glove on and the ball
Hit him right in the chest.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Played on the USA all star team in 2011

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Having my own bat model with a company called jaw bats.

2015 Toys for Tots Worth HR Derby Champion!

Nick Hill

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 10/10/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2017 Played with Worshams/ BF Cattle

2018 Free Agent – nickhill@scfbins.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Any OF position. Corners are my best.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Big fan of Wegman and the way he carries himself. True Professional of the game.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Same as everyone else. Competitiveness. Gives you something fun to work at.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Gotta say one of my buddies Jackie Corn. Humble guy that plays the game the right way.

What is your height and weight?
6'2" 195lbs

Where do you call home?
Boiling Springs, SC

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my family of course. If their busy then I hit up the golf course lol. 

What do you do for a living?
Insurance Agent

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
4 years of baseball and football in high school. 

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My friend Ryan Wilkins got me into the game and just competitive nature took over. I wanted to move up as fast as possible and did what work needed to be done. Got my break through with Worsham/ BF Cattle. Great group of guys and a great learning experience. 

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Consistency. These guys don't miss much! And also the persistency, you better never take an inning off. NO lead is safe!

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing in the Smoky. Something I always wanted to do.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Put in the work! Anybody can hit homeruns these days with the technology. Work on playing the game and work on your defense. Defense can def set you apart from another player.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
overlap. pinky drop off.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Hit, Hit, and Hit.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Clemson Tigers.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Smoky and the Chance Crawford

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Market Commons, Myrtle Beach

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
BWW

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Huge Clemson Tiger fan. So after the National Championship just gifts pertaining to that.

716-679-6619

Matthew York

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 10/15/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
Free Agent – 2018  Mattyork@hotmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Middle and SS. SS is my best position

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Man there’s to many to name. But if I was to pick defensively, I’d go with Aaron Sandoval and Offensively I’d have to say Bryce Olivera.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Love the preparation that it takes to be able to compete at this level. N also love the friendships that you build on and off the field.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
To name just a few. Aaron Sanduval, JB Jennings there hands are smooth n can absolutely smash. N have great attitudes towards the game.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Don’t really have one. A lot of people call me midget.

What is your height and weight?
5’6….180lbs

Where do you call home?
I live in Hinesville, GA but I’m from Upstate New York

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my wife and kids

What do you do for a living?
I’m active duty in the Army

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played football, basketball and baseball. Went to college at Monroe community college and Alfred state.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Got stationed in Virginia and I went down to the ball fields n asked if one of the teams needed a player. Been playing ever since. Haven’t had the opportunity to show what I’m capable of yet. But hope to get there soon.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Everyone can hit and play defense.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing in AWS in Vegas 2016 and went 10-10 with 1 HR. Never batted 1.000 so that was a good accomplishment for me.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Rob Bailey, he taught me that homeruns don’t mean anything. N that anyone can hit a HR. Can u get on base without it. I still to this day try my hardest to do just that

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Stay humble, u never know whose watching.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Baseball grip, 26oz EL

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout, lots of BP and ground balls

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Buffalo Bills, love Golf, basketball and football

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Anything Rick Ross

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Nothing

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Smoky’s

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Columbus, GA when it doesn’t rain.

Windy City

Disney complex

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Texas Roadhouse
Buffalo Wild Wings.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Justin mooch kicking the ball to 2nd base was prolly the craziest thing I’ve seen on the field.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Love to golf and I think I’m pretty good at it. 

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Took 2nd place at a 16-18 year old Babe Ruth World Series n had a trophy bat signed by babe Ruth’s daughter.
 

Chris Stamper

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2018 Free Agent Pitcher/Outfielder  606-481-4324  chrisstamper216@yahoo.com

2015 Interview

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Starting Pitcher and Outfield in Conference A/AA

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Wegman 

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the game and I would rather be on the field then eat 

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I would say Santana tons of skill kid can go get it 

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Stamp my last name is stamper 

What is your height and weight?
6"3 200

Where do you call home?
Richmond ky

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I'm not playing ball then I'm 4 wheeling somewhere 

What do you do for a living?
Heating and air 

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball and basketball in both high school and college

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Shawn Ballard from the scene stuck his neck out for me and got me a chance 

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Woukd have say the pitching 

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I just play 100% up 20 down 20 don't matter 

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Hit a walkoff against H auto in Detroit is the best so far 

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Shawn Ballard he is always on me helping me make my game better 

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just take anything you can get and run with it 

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
26oz balance 

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Hit all winter in the cages 

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Uk basketball all the way

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Just have a lucky shirt i try to wear 

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Started at the bottom 

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Learn the strike zone better 

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Scotty Morgan it's a local tourney that is for good cause and great people 

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Oklahoma City hall of fame stadium

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I like subs

Cody Pack

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2018 Free Agent – rcp24bb@gmail.com

2015 Interview

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Brett Helmer. He's one of the first guys I got to meet and see hit when I got into softball. I have a ton of respect for him and he's a great ambassador for the game.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Softball gives me the ability to still play ball and compete at a high level.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Everybody has always called me "Pacman".  It's a nickname that sticks pretty easy when your  last name is Pack.

What is your height and weight?
6'2  210

Where do you call home?
Clinton, TN

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I usually just like to unwind and relax with family and friends.

What do you do for a living?
I currently work for the University of Tennessee as a research/teaching assistant while I work on finishing my PhD in materials engineering.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
4 years of football and baseball in high school
4 years of baseball in college

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Some of my buddies got me to come out and play some tournaments after I got out of college ball where I worked my way up locally to C. P&P 333 asked me to fill in for them at the Smokey in 2014 and afterwards to finish the year. I'm still thankful to Josh Onstott, Tracey Flack , the P&P crew, and Combat for the opportunity they gave me.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The high level of competition, talent, and the intensity everybody plays the game with.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard and take advantage of an opportunity when it arises.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Drop pinky off the knob and overlap the top pinky.

27 or 28 oz endload

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Lift weights 5-6 days a week and take BP in the cage as much as I can. Also, I try to take advantage of nice weather when it happens and get out on the field.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Favorite sport is baseball and I am big Cincinnati Reds fan. College wise, I have to root for my hometown Tennessee Volunteers.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Don't step on the line and I do the same routine with my batting gloves on deck.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
"It was my walk up song in college but I'd still go with it.

The Only Place That I Call Home – Justin Moore"

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The smoky mountain classic. It's in my backyard and it has the best atmosphere around.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney is really nice and hard to beat. Another one of my favorites is the Summit in Chattanooga.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Growing up, I used to get an autographed baseball every Christmas from my mom and dad. I still have all of them to this day.