Free Agent Anthony VanGrinsven
Anthony VanGrinsven
Who are you playing with in 2012?
ASA SBI Shredders and no USSSA Team – Free Agent – boton237@gmail.com
Why do you like the game of softball?
The competition and friendships made across the country.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I have played with and against all the big names in softball and it would be too hard to pick just one.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
This person has yet to be found. All players I think can be up and comers if they put in the work and are dedicated to making themselves the best player they can be.
What is your nickname in softball?
I don’t really have one.
What is your height and weight?
5’9” and 205lbs
Where do you call home?
So St. Paul, MN
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Enjoy family time with my 2 year old son and wife.
What do you do for a living?
I currently run a protective agency for a large building in Minneapolis.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball and hockey in high school, and baseball DII in college.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start in softball by playing in MN. How I got to the upper levels is by playing in a tournament called the Crystal Frolics. My small D team played Long Haul trucking. In that game I was 4-5 w/ 3 Hrs, and I had also threw out Rusty Bumgardner out at home. Later that day I was introduced to John Daniels and Gary Jost. Both of whom invited me to the 1st ever WSL tryouts in Las Vegas. There I played against the Canadian Softball team, and did quite well. From there on I played with some of the greats in Jason and Nate Kendrick’s Valdosta GA tournament with Rusty, Randall Boone, Dal Beggs, Brett Helmer, Jason Kendrick, and a few others.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
.600 is good if your average, .700 is great if your good, and .725-.750 is what makes you unique. – Gary Jost
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Maintain your attitude, and act as if you earned the right to be there, not as if you’re owed the right to play at this level. There is always someone trying to fill your shoes, and in today’s game someone can. There is a difference between confidence and cocky.
What position do you play?
I am a middle infielder and an OF depending upon what a team needs.
What batting grip do you use?
I use the palm grip not the traditional baseball grip.
What ounce bat do you use?
28oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I am constantly in the gym and batting cages. I also consistently work on my fielding. How else does one stay fluent?
What is your favorite sports team?
I am a huge St Louis Cardinals fan and MN Wild fan
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
I could watch hockey and baseball all day. I don’t care who is playing.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I always have to talk to my son before the day starts for softball. He Is my little good luck charm. And I have to always think about my at bat before I approach the plate.
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Meeting Gary Jost. He has done so much for me to be a stronger, better person, and helped me get to where I have been in the game of softball. Without him I don’t think my desire for this game would be as strong.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Motorheads The Game (I think its used for Triple H a pro-wrestler)
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Think outside the box. Open up more opportunities for players to become the next big thing.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Firemans tournament. Everyone has a blast and its just a very well run tournament.
What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
Henderson NV. Not sure why, it has always been a great park to meet.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
My hotel. I can relax after playing hard, and think about the next day’s games.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
An umpire telling one of the major players to swing the $400 bat he didn’t pay for after calling him out on strikes. Looking.
