2015 Free Agent Michael Tarwater
Michael Tarwater
Who are you playing with in 2015?
Finished the year with OC Swats for 2014
2015 Free Agent – Miketarwat@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I like to think I can play anywhere and have played both infield/outfield but I have been at 5 man for the last couple of years.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
All around I have to keep it local with a guy we call Caca…he doesn't even try and will hit .800 and can track about anything in the outfield down. On a national level I enjoy watching Bryson Baker play it just seems easy for him.
Why do you like the game of softball?
It gives me an outlet for my competitive nature. I hate to lose and nowadays the only way I can get my competitive fix is through softball.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
This is a tough one because there are a lot of talented players out there and I haven't really done anything myself to judge anybody but some guys that can just play are: Jake Conroy, Beau Polvorosa, Brian Knight, Chris Russell, and of course for a guy with one eye Aj Montano is someone to watch when he plays. That's just a few lol
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Oh man with a name like Tarwater there are a lot but the two main ones are TarTar and Mike Jones.
What is your height and weight?
6'4" and 200lbs
Where do you call home?
Mesa, AZ
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
That's easy! With my three kids.
What do you do for a living?
I run a carpet cleaning business.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played a little bit of everything.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started in E's just playing for fun where I could and when I could..then a buddy of mine got me on a C team called Los Guys. From there I played with RMS and we won C worlds and then I got my first Conference shot with Demarini the following year. And have bounced around from Conference and non conference B teams ever since.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of the game in the infield! It was insane how quick balls would go by.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I'll save the embarrassment and ridicule and say no.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
In my short time playing winning C worlds would have to be the highlite.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Ron Seaton who was the RMS sponsor. Just let his players play and was there to pick us up if we struggled.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
I think I am still in the process so not really sure on that one.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Pinky off bottom and overlap
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Hit when I can and play a lot of baseball with my two boys.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I'm a homer so I like the AZ Cardinals, Suns, ASU, and unfortunately the DBacks. Favorite sport would football.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No not really.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Mettalica- Blitzkrieg
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
T4T
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney Complex when it's not sitting under water.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Cracker Barrel
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I can't think of one thing but anything I can think of would involve AJ Montano and probably him taking his eye out.
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