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Matthew York
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.
