Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Donnie Munford has passed unexpectedly

 

It is with great sadness that I announce that Donnie Munford a long time Conference sponsor, successful business man and friend has passed unexpectedly due to complications from covid-19.  I will update his interview page here with information and pictures as I find and receive them.  Send to dw@softballcenter.com.  Donnie sponsored multiple teams at many levels and was in the trucking and restaurant business and will be missed by all of the softball family that he built.

 

Donnie Munford

 

2013 Interview

Why do you like the game of softball?
It gives me a chance to get away from home, travel a little, get away from the daily grind, meet and greet people and mostly the comradiere of teammates and the softball community.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen (by decade if possible)?
Personally, I don't think it would be fair to try and single someone out because there are so many. For every name I put out there, I am sure that someone else could put 2 more out there. I am hoping that my team's roster for 2013 will add a few more names to the list.

Where do you call home?
Newnan, Ga.

What do you do for a living?
Transportation

What is your softball background as a player?
Me personally, was a good recreational player back in the day at Brandon Park in College Park, Ga., Independence Park in Riverdale, Ga and the right field wall back in the day in Hapeville, Ga. [Shout out to Wayne S.]

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Rick Gosser, Chad-Mizuno,Greg Barton-Mizuno/Easton  John Love and "LOVE'S JEWELERS", Los Toribios[Ray], J.W. Const.[Teresa] and many more, "THANKS GUYS"!!!!

What is your teams goal for 2013?
2013 – Compete, Have Fun, Represent All of Our Sponsors, "BELIEVE"!!!

Where do you look for talent?
Word of mouth has been a huge tool for me over the years. Also, just the way that I carry myself and how I respect others and the "GAME". And remember at the end, IT'S JUST A GAME, THE SUN WILL RISE TOMORROW"!!

How do you evaluate players?
I look for character, first and foremost. You can have all the talent in the world but, CAN YOU BE TAUGHT AND WILL YOU LISTEN? Constructive criticism can sometimes be the best teacher!

What is your favorite sports team?
1st-Ga. Bull Dawgs, close second Atl. Falcons. "RISE UP:!!!!!!!!

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I am just blessed to be able to do some of the things the Good Lord allows me to do.

What is your most memorable softball moment?
I have many, so I won't cheat any.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make to bring in more sponsors?
I don't know if upper level softball has as much to do with it opposed to the players themselves. A lot of sponsors have soured on the game because of the greediness of the players, give an inch and you want a mile. Let's be real, the E, F, Rec Players are the ones who make it possible for the upper level guys to enjoy all the rewards that are sent their way. The lower level guys are the one's who buy the products and look up to the upper level guys and want to be like them, use what they use and wear what they wear. It has gotten to the point where if you can't spend $25k or more, "YOU WILL NOT COMPETE" on a regular basis. I am just being real, so let me stop. I know I have ruffled some feathers. Go back 5-10 years and see how many sponsors have left the game!!! I would love to see more African-Americans given an opporunity on the upper level but "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". I have tried it, but for whatever reason it just has not worked out. God gives you "TALENT", YOUR "WORK ETHIC, YOUR DESIRE, YOUR COMMITMENT, YOUR DRIVE, YOUR BELIEF THAT NO BODY OWES YOU ANTHING COMES FROM WITHIN"!!!!

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Smoky

Is the game better or worse with home run limits and why?
Not sure, it's all about the equiptment!!!! Gosh, could you imagine Bruce Meade, Freddie Trice, Carl Rose and many others swinging todays bats and hitting todays balls, "WOW"

Who was the best team in softball history?
Can't name just one, would not be fair. There are different teams in different eras. Steele's, Alfords, Pace, etc. and so on.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Too many to mention.

 

 

 

 

3 responses to “Donnie Munford has passed unexpectedly”

  1. bear says:

    class act coach..good luck

  2. T.K. says:

    Good dude. So sorry to hear of this. Prayers and condolences to him family. R.I.P.

  3. Bubba Kierce says:

    Good Man, A real class act. RIP Brother.

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