An interview with player/manager Dan Goldberg
Dan Goldberg
Who are you playing with in 2013?
Enjoying my retirement and getting some hacks on Fine Design, my stacked league team.
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's a physical and mental activity. You stay in shape to play best and work your game like golf, different swings for different situations.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I've seen a lot, so I'm going to stay local on this one;(Defense) = Dennis Rulli, Matt Pesso, Bo Miller, Jimmy Torres, Eli Aguilar, Jimmy Salas, Brian King, (Pitchers) = Billy Messina, Rob Sena, Brendt Newbill, Brian Martin, Jeff White, Danny Lopez, Carl Blank, (Hitters) = Johnny Bailey, Julio Salazar, Timo Mataalii, Cal Ford, Tim Baker, Jason Kreider, Manny Liriano, Ronnie Salcedo, Bart Hakeman, (Utility) = Lex Ramirez, Carlos Vasquez, Jon Oram.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Steve Lopez and Aaron Martinez are going to be good upper players for a while. Ed Lovato brings it in the infield with a cannon arm. Trevor Young is one of the best outfielders I've ever seen, a gazelle with a rocket launcher arm.
What is your nickname in softball?
Goldy
Where do you call home?
Northridge, CA
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
No Limit Hold Em!
What do you do for a living?
Real Estate Appraiser & Investor
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Jimmy Torres hit me up to help run WCS/LCV when he was primarily playing.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Conference ball is just outstanding players on every team. Everyone brings it every game.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
As a player, it was to focus on the holes when hitting, not the defense. As a coach, it was to never let your team get too high or too low.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work your hitting non-stop. Bring a game plan to your BP, like you would in a game. Perfect practice makes perfect.
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
In the uppers, it was coaching third. I played some outfield in the lowers when younger but did the least damage as the catcher/AH!
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Loved the Demarini chute trainer. I don't think guys liked the way they looked swinging them so they went away but it was the best at increasing bat speed.
What is your favorite sports team?
All the Chicago teams and UCLA.
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
College and Pro Basketball
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Never stepped on the chalk between innings
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Coaching WCS/LCV in the 2008 Major, back to back 3rds in the B in 08-09', and winning the ASA Hooters Championship in 2004.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
The Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin – but instead of during an at bat – I would have liked to have heard it when I came out to argue a call.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Keep exposing the younger guys and lower teams to the uppers. Some of them will be your next generation of stars.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Dudley – Hundreds of fans and great food & atmosphere
What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
The West Covina Field of Dreams – Six nice replica fields and no plane flight needed!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
For us, Boston Market always got our business.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Back in my D ball days, on open fields, our big lefty hits a bomb in the gap. Running round the bases he's losing steam fast. Slides into home head first, winds up five feet from the plate, catcher walks over and tags him. The third base coach says, "that's ok, you missed second and third any ways."
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