Aaron Lewicki
Interview conducted on 2/8/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
I will be playing with Backman/ S&S / Dr. Pepper / Louisville Slugger
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
obviously being a pitcher it is hard not to say the game changer Andy, but there are lots of amazing players out there. BB, Pearson, Yates, Con, Hags and Harvey to just name a few. All can change a game in a hurry.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love traveling, meeting new people seeing all the new talent week in and week out. I love the competitive games that get really intense. I love the family away from family that softball creates.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Like mentioned before wk in and wk out there is new talent everywhere. There is so much untapped potential in our game, that really shows the strength of the program. But hard not to say KP, that guy is earning it right now.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Lew10, just started when I was playing local in MN and has kinda stuck with me through the years.
What is your height and weight?
5'9" 200 lbs
Where do you call home?
Blaine, MN
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I love being outdoors and camping with my family and friends. Love coaching hockey and being at the rink and ice fishing.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Property Manager
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played Football, Hockey and Tennis in High school, but in MN you start playing softball at age 14 in the summers. I played a little Junior Hockey for the Owls outta MN.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start at 14 and have been to the worlds every year since. I have played in 16 and under worlds 18 and under worlds and played at every level up to A, I got my start from Pat Oconnell and playing for Kevitt Easton. That was my first look at pretty competitive ball and I got my start in the conf. thru Xtreme/Combat and Mike McGowan the best sponsor in softball.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
How good EVERY player is, as a pitcher its nice to know where outs are in lineups and at the conf. level there are not too many of those, gotta work for every out.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I would say Mooch and Andy. hard not to model and steal ideas from the best out there.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Being named Tourney MVP at this seasons Atlanta Major, also being the MVP in back to back tournaments last season at the Firemen's and Frolics, 2 big MN tourneys.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Jerry Tollefson in MN, he was my first ever softball coach and allowed me to travel the country and really start to love the game. Taught me the fundamentals and the way the game should be played at all times, with 110% effort. Also Pat Oconnell really taught me what I need to know for playing upper ball, this guy is a proven winner and only teaches you how to be the best you can be.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just put yourself in good situations, play Hard all the time and talk to as many people as you can. You never know who will lead you to your next step.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use the 1 finger under and use the New Louisville Slugger Z4 EL. 26 OZ
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I train 6 days a week kick boxing and strength training. Also play as much and hit as much as I can. MN weather pending
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I love the MN Wild and the New York Yankees
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Too many to list…
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Magic Stick by Lil Kim and 50 cent
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
keep getting better at showing games on line. this brings in more people to the game and allows families to watch from where ever…
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
the Dudley in MN, great atmosphere and very very well run.. Thanks to Warren B. Also The firmens ASA in MN is pretty close.. So much fun
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Hard not to say Disney, amazing work goes into those fields that allow us to play to the best of our abilities
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Said it before, anywhere on the road that Kyle Decker suggests. Guy knows his food.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
So many funny memories and great memories to share. Met lots of great funny dudes over the years Billy B, last year on Backman was pretty hilarious.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I love the outdoors and playing anything outdoors.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I received a LX7 from my wife, it is a pretty sweet fish locator for ice fishing.
