Richard Black
Interview conducted on 11/29/2021
Who are you playing with in 2022, and who have you played with in the past?
2022 Free Agent – blackrs06@gmail.com
Unknown. Played local B for the past few years in Oregon. Just moved back to the Midwest
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Middle Infield(Short, Second, Wheel) can play OF as well
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Hitting Greg Connell and Defensively Luis Reyna. But I'm partial to my local buddy Dale Brungardt
Why do you like the game of softball?
Played college ball so it keeps me competitive and I've enjoyed the friends and families I've created a long the way
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Cam Pollick and Mason Wambold. Both young and very talented boys just waiting for their turn
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Umm my name gave me one but you'll have to guess based on that lol
What is your height and weight?
5'9 180lbs ish
Where do you call home?
Lakeville, MN now but Home was Vancouver, WA
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Golf with friends. Hanging with my wife and little girl. Spending time with them and watching her grow
What do you do for a living?
I'm a Relationship Manager for Bank of America
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes college baseball but thats it
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
A couple guys from bowling league way back got me started and Dale Brungardt got me into some more competitive teams
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Only played a few conference tourneys but I love the competition and dedication
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Probably not. Every one is so different. That's what makes this fun
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Been runner up 2 times in national events. ASA C and GSL C. Looking to maybe get that monkey off my back
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Dale, helped me grow to a competitive player and still helps me square my swing out if I'm in a funk
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Take chances and be true to yourself. Play cause you love it not because you want to impress anyone
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Normal baseball style grip and a 27oz bat sometimes 26oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Bp with friends and just rest and recover
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
The Boston Red Sox and I love to golf and bowl in the off-season and sometimes during the season
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
The way I get dressed for the games is all I can really think
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I honestly don't know. I like a lot of music
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Not really sure. Haven't thought about it. Just love to play and not think too much about that kind of stuff
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Fireman's or Corkys in MN. Can't beat the atmosphere
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Okc Nationals. Just love how true the fields play
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Depends on where I'm at but I love something fresh not super heavy
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
My buddy throw a ball into the stands from the outfield after it slipped out of his hand at nationals
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I have dual citizenship with USA and Germany
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