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2018 Free Agent Anthony DeJesus

 

 

 

Anthony DeJesus

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/22/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
I played with One Payment in 2017

2018 Free Agent – antdejesus25@yahoo.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I can play anywhere on the field. I started in the outfield and then transitioned to a 5 man. The 5 man would be my favorite position to play but i can hold down any position.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Wow, there are so many that qualify. I have taken so many pointers from players all over the place. My brother was definitely one of my favorite to watch play. When he took the game very serious he was hard to get out, and he gloved everything. Very fun to watch play the game.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the game of softball because its honestly the closest i have to baseball. I played baseball my whole life and things didn't turn out like i'd hope out of high school. Ever since then i took up softball and fell in love with the game and met some great people along the way.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I cant really pin point 1 person who is the best up and coming ball player. I will say that there is a lot of talent out in the softball world and some players you know who you are need to venture out and start showcasing your talent in the more competitive divisions.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I just recently got a nickname from my teammate Gabe Caride. He called me Just One More LOL. He called me that because i would always say NAH LET ME GET JUST ONE MORE while we take a "quick" BP session. A lot of people just call me ANT.

What is your height and weight?
6'1

240

Where do you call home?
I reside in beautiful Southwest Florida. Fort Myers to be exact.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my wife and kids. I have two boys and one on the way. We spend pretty much all of our free time and off weekends at the field anyways. Whenever we get away from the ball fields we like to go to the beach and theme parks.

What do you do for a living?
I work for Trane HVAC. I do inside sales.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played high school baseball. Played a lot of backyard football,basketball and baseball.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My uncle Mike played with Dirty Dozen and he asked my brother to play in a tournament and didn't ask me. I gave him crap for it and made him feel bad so he invited me too. I got there and did not start the first two games. I took BP in between games and the sponsor never sat me on the bench again. I do feel Bruce Blocker had a lot to do with me getting some time on the field in C ball. I just ran with it from there. I knew right then that i wanted to play at the highest level possible.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The knowledge of the game. The game doesn't change. But there are a lot smarter players in conference then non-conference. That is what separates the levels.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I don't feel like there is. I like to take pointers and constructive criticism from whoever but i don't ever compare myself to others.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
My careers highlight is definitely winning U TRIP C worlds with One Payment last year. Those games stand out to me most because my coaches told me i had to be the power in these games which were played at fortune road. in the last two games against RDD i did not make one out and hit 3 home runs.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Curtis "Wolf" Wilson. When i played ball i just went out there and winged it. It was a whatever happen, happens type of attitude. That was until i joined Reebok/Dudley. Wolf opened my eyes to a whole new game of softball that i knew nothing about. He is also the one to thank for turning me into an infielder.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!! Don't take BP just to hit home runs, take BP to work on your game. Use league to work on your game. Just always be hungry and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
i use a tape made knob and i swing a Freak 30 26oz.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I WORK!! Season never ends for us Floridians. I go out and work on my cones, i work backside and then the occasional home run swing which doesn't change from my cut swing. I also have my buddies hit me ground balls and do some infield work.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta Braves
Florida State Seminoles
Dallas Cowboys

Football is definitely my second favorite sport.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I only have (1). Im sure its like everyone else. Never step on the line when warming up.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Danza Kudoro by Don Omar & Lucenzo

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I don't feel there is much that needs to be improved with Upper ball. I honestly don't dip into that field. I show up, play ball.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Super draft. I've only done it once but it was one of the best tournaments i have played in. Also, get to see and play with a lot of friends that you wont play with on the regular.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Sanford turf fields is a great complex, The sports complex here in fort Myers is very nice as well.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
CRACKER BARREL no question!!!!

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Man where to start HAHAHA. I have sen way to many funny things. From people falling, to dropping fly balls, to swinging and missing.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I played C ball with Easton/Blockers. That is actually where i started my first very competitive softball career.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I received a gold necklace and charm for my 18th birthday from my parents. The charm was a glove bat and a pearl as the baseball.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got started playing ball for dirty dozen a team based out fo Fort Myers Florida. My uncle asked my brother to play and not me and I gave him crap for it. He felt bad invited me out to the tourney. I sat first two games and in between games I took a round of BP and never sat the bench again. Vicente Gomez, Evelio Lopez, Jorge Cazadilla is who I owe the world to for getting me noticed in the softball world. THey brought me on for One Tournament and they never let me go!! A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THISE GUYS FOR MAKING MY NAME WORTH SOMETHING.
 

6 responses to “2018 Free Agent Anthony DeJesus”

  1. Papo says:

    Anthony for sure one of the best upcoming players.

  2. Tulio says:

    How is Carlos throwing off his glove and catching that fly ball with his bare hands not the funniest thing you’ve ever seen!?! Lol I’m still laughing

  3. Ray says:

    Love you bro do your thing best player I ever played with

  4. Rich Mueller says:

    This kid can flat out play anywhere on the diamond with a cannon.. Can hit for power and drive gaps!! Definitely an up an comer.. Would pick this kid up on any A team.. A gamer with a great attitude.. For sure deserves a shot!!

  5. Matt Skutt says:

    Anthony is a Great all around player you can put him in any position and have nothing to worry about.. also a great guy he has taught me a lot about the game just from playing in local tournaments, league and practice… and yes I’m talking about practice!! Glad to call him a friend! Go do work big dawg!

  6. Mario Gonzalez says:

    Anthony is one of the best talents in the sport, he can play!!! Keep on grinding Anthony.

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