Thursday March 28th, 2024
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A new interview with Team USA’s Andrew Collins

 

Andrew Collins

USSSA Playing History

USSSA Major Player

2020 Interview:

Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past?
Dan Smith for USSSA and Monsta for USA Softball

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield and RF

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
There are several players that can be named in this. 
POWER = Connell, Harvey
Defense = Reyna, Mcclanahan, Dunn are all special but JR is still one of the best I've ever seen with the glove.
But the Best player in the game is Purcell.
Wegman is my Honorable Mention.

Why do you like the game of softball?
It allows me to play a game with meaning that I have to train for, keeps me motivated in the gym and to eat right. The game of softball has given me friendships I would have never had. And my boys love watching me play and traveling to the big tournaments to support me.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I don't really know any young guys per say. But Jason Matusik is still learning and works as hard as anyone in the game and has already found success at the top,  Bama (Daneile Cayton) is very special and has moved up the rankings very fast at a very young age. I'm challenging the younger guys on Dan Smith this year to up there games and become house hold names. I think we have some good ones.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
AC pretty simple my initials

What is your height and weight?
6'1 230 (Dad bod)

Where do you call home?
Just bought my first home in Championsgate Florida …. not leaving anytime soon.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
My off weekends are at the baseball field with my oldest he is playing U9 and they travel as much as I do. A relaxing weekend would be fishing, beach, pool or playing 18

What do you do for a living?
I'm a Business banker for PNC

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes everything in High school (literally played every sport once) College Baseball

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was playing C ball in Florida and a very close friend Ken Scobey told me I had the talent to play up if i wanted to and at that moment I changed the way i started looking at the game. Took it more serious. From there I was fortunate enough to play for some great sponsors and a group of guys that weren't afraid of competition and we joined Conference in 2012

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed the talent the intensity ….. I love it my type of competition

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I PLAY 110% with an intensity some may look at as disrespectful. In between the lines I have one goal and that's to win.  Sometimes I get a little loud and definitely play with a chip on my shoulders.  I try and implement a combo of guys ….  Purcell = drive to win … Wegman = get the job done …. Jr = Clutch and Leader

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning the Major World Series is special and the feeling doesn't get old.  Dan Smith last year winning after being laughed and talked about all year.  Every guy played a role in the outcome so that was very special.  But My first World series was incredible not because it was my first major I won but because I watched my son Kaleb being born 2 days before we started the Major so that week in general will always stand out.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I have had talks with some of the very best to ever get it done Purcell, Jr, Helmer those 3 are pillars to the game and have pushed me to become better in different ways over the years.  John Rector is the one person who challenges me every weekend.  He expects perfection out of me and can always find something for me to be better at.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play hard always …. PLEASE STOP WITH THE VIDEOS …..Don't be afraid to play up only way you'll be seen

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Pinkey overlapping on the bottom top hand same way.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I usually take a month or so off to eat whatever I want relax let my body heal then come November its back in the gym running and Bp

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
NCAA … FSU
NFL … COWBOYS
MLB … REDSOX
NBA … WHATEVER TEAM LBJ IS ON
NCAA BBALL …. DUKE

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Have to have a certain energy drink before heading to field with my roommate.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I find a song that has meaning or reminds me of something that helps me lock in. This years song will be a good one.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
This is a no win for USSSA cause there will always be someone to complain …. I love the way it is gives everyone included the chance to play the best of the best 8 to 12 times a year.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Chris Wilson's unlimited in Florida or Toys for Tots in California

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney has history but the new complex in Space coast in amazing

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I love food as long as its not fast food i'll be game.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I have had many laughs on the road But Mike Wrenn on Dirty was non stop …. BOY DID WE DO SOME DUMB THINGS.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I love to be in the water …. certified scuba diver and love to spear fish.
 

 


 

 


 


 


 

2015 Interview:
 
What positions do you play and what is your best position? 
RF but I ventured off into CF some this past year!

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play? 
I have seen some amazing players do amazing things. Long ball K.K, Greg Connell, Ryan Harvey….. All around Wegs and Bryson Baker.  But Andy Purcell is the best…period!

Why do you like the game of softball? 
I'm the most competitive person I have ever met. I love putting in the work every day to see how good I can actually become.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why? 
I'll stand by my last interview, let's look at a little B team Dirty from a few years ago!!! Orlando Castillo, Nic Santana, Steven Lloyd all on Major teams then you have Chitty Baggs and a few others who have had great starts to their careers.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it? 
AC is my favorite but I was called Lightning Rod by Red a bunch this year!!!!
 

What is your height and weight? 
6'1 225-230

Where do you call home? 
Orlando, FL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend? 
I definitely enjoy my down time now that I'm a bit older, relaxing watching sports or a day at the beach or pool works too.

What do you do for a living? 
I'm a personal banker for Suntrust or I read up on sports that are taking place.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro? 
Yes I did – Played every sport I could in high school and only played Baseball in college, Should have took the several scholarships to play football!!! OH WELL

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you? 
I'M ACTUALLY A PRETTY GOOD GUY!!!! I know I'm hated and that's ok but I feel I get judge by the cover of the book a lot…… I ask for it!!!

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level? 
I was sandbagging in FL for a year and a Good Friend Ken Scobby took the time to point out I could move up if I wanted to and challenge me to put the work in!!! As I moved Up Chris Wilson has taken me under his wing and taught me a lot about becoming a good HUMBLE ball player but more importantly being a Man and an Adult.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received? 
My first world will never be forgotten, I wasn't content with just winning one so it made me hungry.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump? 
The work you have to put in ….. There is so much talent out there!!!!

Is there a player that you would compare your game to? 
I don't really know I play 110% every play Hustle is free, I'm sure I'm similar to guys but I try and simulate Kevin Kennington ….. love the way he goes about himself and plays hard no matter what.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular? 
Easy to pick out the A world championship…..But the ASA my first year with the highly talented Nordkap the opposing team walked Steven Lloyd to pitch to me with a broken hand and I was able to hit a walk off homerun backside to win the game.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Chris Wilson on and off field he is like my father, could go to him about anything and he will always be straight with me!!! Kevin Kennington a friendship that I'm thankful for over the past 6-7 years has really help me understand how to act and play this game!!!

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level? 
ATTITUDE goes just as far as talent ….. Learned this the hard way and something I'm still working on till this day.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat? 
Pinky dropped off and 27 balanced this year!!!!

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season? 
I don't have an off season. I lift heavy and really try and push my body!!!! Back yard tourney's are always fun!!!!

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?  
I'm a diehard FSU fan, Cowboys fan, and I WILL LIKE WHATEVER TEAM LBJ plays for!!!!!!

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they? 
Yes I tape both my wrists and write a 0 on one and a 3 on the other ….. Also put the initials of the two most important people in my life ….. (they know who they are)

What would be your "at bat" music selection? 
Here Comes the BOOM …. It's a great song for the major!!!!!

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Life time ban of TM55 (j.k) It's a different era now and I know I wanted to play Resmondo and Laservision every weekend when I was with Dirty ….. real ball players want to get better and play the best, that's what the conference allows all of us myself included.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why? 
Chris Wilson's unlimited …. Great times great people and good food!!!! But I'm excited for the toys4tots this year!!!!

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why? 
Disney no explanation needed.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game? 
I love to eat so as long as it's not fast food I'm game!!!!!

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field? 
Mike Wrenn with Dirty has a book of things that made me laugh!!!!


Oldscout interview added 2016:

Do you prefer to play tournaments in baseball or softball fields? 
I like the mixture we have as an outfielder bigger fields wear me down but who doesn’t like hitting a homerun on a big field.

What's your favorite bat of all time? 
Mine would have to be the WORTH M75 but these worth/miken’s now are great also.

Do you think Worlds should be rotated around the United States each year? Which state(s) would you like to see them be in? 
Again I like the set up we have now, you can’t make everyone happy so this is a no win answer but me personally I like the worlds in sunny FL great vacation for a family if you’re smart and plan accordingly.

What is 1 thing you would change about the game and 1 thing you would not change? 
I believe in my first interview I said change the way it’s seeded, USSSA has done that by dropping the 6 tourney rule.
 

How many divisions do you believe softball should have? (Currently M, AA, A, B, C, D, E) 
Well I personally am a competitor so I hate the sandbagging in E but I do also believe not everyone is equally talented. I love the way the conference is set up I have always enjoyed playing the best.
 

Do you think worlds at all levels should go back to 32 – 48 teams only and teams should have to qualify? 
No I don’t, I’d like the major to go to 32 teams actually.
 

Where do you see softball/yourself in 10 years? 
Coaching my kids, If I’m lucky enough to still be playing I hope it’s at a high level.
 

When do you feel you will hang 'em up? 
When my body doesn’t allow me too, I’m so competitive.
 

What do you plan on doing when your softball days are over? 
Being a great Dad get back to fishing on weekends
 

What do you want to be remembered as when you walk away from the game? 
Great player more importantly Great person
 

If you were not playing slowpitch what would you be playing? 
Something competitive golf maybe
 

Who is the one player who you enjoy competing against the most? 
Oh used to be my teammates Andy, Jr, Connell, Resmondo lol (they are the best in the game so clearly I wanted to play them every weekend.) Now the battles we have with SIS COMBAT SHOPPE. Best players in the world battling it out for 7 innings is my kind of game.
 

What is your number you wear on your uniform? is it special to you and why? 
I’ve been 3 since I was playing and with softball I wanted to be different so I added the 0.
 

What are your goals for this year? REPEAT (TEAM GOAL STATS ARE GREAT BUT I WANT TO WIN)
 

Have you ever been cut by a team? 
No
 

Do you love to win or hate to lose? 
Hate to lose but love winning …. I’d do anything it takes to not lose and that usually turns into wins.
 

Bottom of the seventh, down 1, two outs, no HR's left, runner on 2nd. Who do you want batting in that situation? 
I can pick anyone of my teammates …. But I put the work in to want to be in those situations so I’m going to say myself!!!!
 

Who's the best sponsor you've ever played for? 
I have been blessed to play for some of the best sponsors in the game and thankful for everyone of them. Travis would be an easy answer and I’m grateful for everything he does but Herb Price is #1 on my list. Guy lives for this game and I will be there when he get’s inducted into hall of fame this year!!! WELL DESERVED
 

Do you consider yourself a "role model" when it comes to young softball players/kids that watch you play? 
4 Years ago I’d say no but today I know the person I want to be and I feel like I could be a great role model for younger kids. I know my two boys look up to me!!!!
 

Who are the toughest pitcher(s) to hit against? 
Andy Purcell, grateful to be behind him in the field!!!
 

Have you ever missed tournaments unannounced, team jumped, quit, etc? 
No played it close with the birth of my son this year but he came a week early and watched his dad win his first major!! BEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!!
 

What is your philosophy/routine on hitting/bp sessions? 
Work on my game, not just free swinging. Also shag balls as if it were live action!!!
 

What do you find the most challenging in playing? 
It’s going to be leaving my son at home. I have gotten a small taste in the off season and let me tell you I hate it.
 

Tell us your best travel war stories (Flights, Cars, Rooms, etc..)? 
Dirty Demarini got our coach drunk and super glued pennies to his ear lobs lmfao …. He was pissed.
 

What kind of practice do you do to get better? 
GYM, BP, LEAGUE
 

What are you concentrating on that will improve your batting?, fielding?, pitching? 
I motivate myself by saying there is someone out there putting in more work. Makes 4 am gym sessions easier on me.
 

What makes you nervous in a game? 
Five mins before the first game of the major. It quickly turns into focus and energy, live for that tournament.
 

What is your favorite position in the field? Least favorite? 
RF AND LF
 

Are you a good teammate? 
I have my teammates back 1000% Resmondo is a very tight group we are a messed up FAMILY
 

Have you ever made a YouTube video of yourself? 
Um no but I’m in other peoples lol
 

What's your feeling on bat testing? 
I want the cheaters to have repercussion I bet a few mess up and get caught it will slow down or even stop.
 

Name one mistake you've made in upper level softball and what did you do to correct/learn from it? 
Um said some things early in my career I wish I hadn’t because I’m very good friends with them now. I was young and stupid it happens!!!
 

Are you willing to sacrifice your average for the betterment of the team? 
Absolutely 3rd and 2nd less than 2 outs believe I’m going backside!!
 

Do you read and/or post on theoldscout, why/why not? 
Of course I’m the great RON BURGUNDY
 

Are the anonymous bashers the reason why more upper level sponsors and players don't post on oldscout? 
Yes as a major player it’s a lose lose My advise is if you wanted to talk to any upper guy myself included approach us we are normal guys not to big to BS and shake anyone’s hand.
 

Do you go on the old scout message and post without your name? 
RON BURGUNDY but I believe most know who I am.
 

What other message boards do you read? 
Softball Center great reads DALE
 

What do you do after the tournament is over? 
Shower Then try and eat with my teammates before we all head out to fly home.
 

Has softball interfered with your Job? 
Um takes away all my vacation but I love to play so it’s like 10 mini vaca’s for me.
 

Has softball interfered with your family? 
Yes it has, But in the same breath I wouldn’t have my two boys if I didn’t play this game so it works both ways.
 

Have you knowingly used altered equipment? 
No
 

What sort of unusual training methods have you used to improve your hitting? 
Um wood bat during the winter but nothing crazy.

 




 


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6 responses to “A new interview with Team USA’s Andrew Collins”

  1. Nelly #84 says:

    My dude CONGRATS!!!! See you this weekend and of course on Tiger Woods… G4 Fireball 2013

  2. Brett Melton says:

    One of the best young outfielders in the game! Shows up to play 100% all the time.

  3. David Garcia says:

    Pccuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

  4. RSteve says:

    Kill the caps and use spellcheck bro! Keep up the good work we love ya.

  5. Ric says:

    I I play a the c level, and watched a lot of softball especially the conference, and there is a lot great player at that level, and I dont know Ac03 personally, but I think he is the best all around player , period.

  6. Jeff P says:

    Quite possibly the best player in the game today. Gives a hundred percent every play

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