Ryan Goodman
USSSA Playing History
2018 Free Agent – goody2199@hotmail.com
2013 Interview
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's the escape from reality and do something fun. Spending time with great friends and enjoying laughs, and making memories.
What do you do for a living?
Sales with a electrical supply distributor. Platt Electric in Olympia WA.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Don't be afraid to play against the best. Play cocky, play arrogant, play with fire, but never show up your opponent.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Don't be afraid to play against the best. Play cocky, play arrogant, play with fire, but never show up your opponent.
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play middle infield. You put me anywhere and I'll give you my best.
What ounce bat do you use?
27oz Balanced
What is your favorite sports team?
Cubs & 49ers
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning B worlds in 2009 with NW Combat,
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Mike Ford King of the Northwest, Smokey Mountain Classic
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Cracker Barrel, chicken and dumplings are always good.
Added Oldscout interview questions 1/26/2016
Have you ever missed tournaments unannounced, team jumped, quit, etc?
I team jumped in 2009 from Casey Bail bonds C team to NW Combat Conference B team. Both of these teams won their respected Worlds.
I have never no call no showed on a tournament, I owe it to my team to be there. I am committed to them, and I hope they are committed to me as well.
Name one mistake you've made in upper level softball and what did you do to correct/learn from it?
I used to drink heavily, and I have made some DUMB choices due to drinking.
I woke up one morning almost 8 years ago and decided that it was time to make a life adjustment and it was the single greatest decision I have ever made.
Are you willing to sacrifice your average for the betterment of the team?
Without a doubt!!
I will go 0-21 in a game if we win.
Do you read and/or post on theoldscout, why/why not?
I read it and mostly shake my head about some of the stuff that's on there.
What do you do after the tournament is over?
Depends when we are done. Either rush to the airport, or go the hotel get cleaned up and do a team dinner. I like spending time with my guys.
Has softball interfered with your Job?
There was a time when I put softball in front of everything else in my life. And that was a terrible choice by me. Maturing and really looking at priorities I corrected that behavior.
Has softball interfered with your family?
Softball has always been in my family. Some of the greatest things that have ever happened to me were because of softball or people in it. Softball hasn't interfered with my family. It has made my family just a little bigger.
Have you knowingly used altered equipment?
Yes. And they were awesome. But the thought of me hurting someone because of altered equipment is something I wouldn't be able to deal with very well. So instead I shave my glove, no one ever gets mad about that hahaha.
What kind of practice do you do to get better?
BP, Ground Balls, working out, I don't run unless I am being chased or playing ball.
Are you a good teammate?
YES!!! Being a great teammate doesn't start when you arrive to the ball park. It starts in the offseason, taking BP, working out to get ready for the season. I genuinely care about each and everyone of my teammates, and I am there for them on and off the field. They all know they can call me if they are having a bad day and I'll say something completely messed up to cheer them up.
Do you think Worlds should be rotated around the United States each year? Which state(s) would you like to see them be in?
I think it would be a great idea to move Worlds around, but it might take away from the atmosphere of playing @ Disney. It will be something special when USSSA moves to their new location.
What is 1 thing you would change about the game and 1 thing you would not change?
I wouldn't change a thing. It's a great game. Playing against the best week in and week out is an honor, and I want to beat everyone every weekend.
How many divisions do you believe softball should have? (Currently M, AA, A, B, C, D, E)
6: M, A, B, C, D, E
Tell us your best travel war stories (Flights, Cars, Rooms, etc..)?
Last years B worlds weekend was fun.
What do you plan on doing when your softball days are over?
I plan on spending time on the golf course. Traveling to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubbies play as often as possible.
But most important I plan on spending even more time with my daughter. She is the best person I know.
Have you ever been cut by a team?
I have been cut by a team. Classic Glass technically cut me before the season started one year.
Do you go on the old scout message and post without your name?
I have, yes.
Do you consider yourself a "role model" when it comes to young softball players/kids that watch you play?
I would consider myself a role model. I do get fired up and my emotions get the better of me at times. I show lots of passion for my team and what we are trying to accomplish. If I would have been asked this question 10 years ago I would have said no I am not a role model. I am wiser than I used to be.
Where do you see softball/yourself in 10 years?
10 years? I don't even know what I am doing tomorrow. But I know I will not be playing softball in 10 years, I will be spending my time on the golf course.
When do you feel you will hang 'em up?
I feel like I have 3-4 great years left in me. But never know, 2016 might be my last go at it.
Has softball opened any doors for you?
I have met some of the dearest friends because of softball, and no matter when my softball journey is completed, those people will still be in my life.
Do you prefer to play tournaments in baseball or softball fields?
I prefer the Softball Fields. It's my best chance to hit a homerun.
What is your philosophy/routine on hitting/bp sessions?
Don't just swing, have an approach, work on all your swings, don't just see how far you can hit it. HIT STRIKES!
What's your feeling on bat testing?
Test em, cut em open. And if they are cheating then make it known.
What do you want to be remembered as when you walk away from the game?
When I walk away I want to be remembered as a great teammate first, someone that plays for the guy next to him, and second I want to be remembered as a fierce competitor no matter what the score is.
Have you ever made a YouTube video of yourself?
No, but maybe I should if it makes me a better hitter. I'll let you know. HAHA
Who is the one player who you enjoy competing against the most?
Victor Cordova: He is a great guy to play against, but even better guy to have in your dugout.
What are your goals for this year?
Control what I can and let the rest go.
Get to Sunday every weekend we play (anything can happen on Sunday)
Win AA Championship
Qualify for the Major WS and at the least get a top 3 or 4 finish.
Do you love to win or hate to lose?
Yogi Berra said it best; I hate to lose more than I have ever loved to win.
What do you find the most challenging in playing?
I am a high energy guy. And keeping that energy for my team can be challenging at times.
What makes you nervous in a game?
Standing on first or third base when pull hitters are batting. I have been hit too many times.
What is your favorite position in the field? Least favorite?
I LOVE playing defense. I get bored when I have to play the same position all year long. So I venture to the outfield on fun weekends. My favorite is playing middle or second. My least favorite is the position the ball doesn't get hit to.
What are you concentrating on that will improve your batting?, fielding?, pitching?
I am working on all of the above, I wouldn't be a good teammate if I only focused on one aspect of my game.
What is your number you wear on your uniform? is it special to you and why?
05
I started as 5 (like my dad) but had to change it because someone on my team already had 5.
Bottom of the seventh, down 1, two outs, no HR's left, runner on 2nd. Who do you want batting in that situation?
I want to hit in that situation every time.
Who's the best sponsor you've ever played for?
Phil Weaver: Haras Softball.
Aaron Poysky: Newbreed
Tony Albicocco: The Scene
What's your favorite bat of all time?
My favorite bat of all time is 2012 Easton Synergy 100W Brian Wegman.