Billy Messina
Billy Messina
2011 Interview
Why do you like the game of softball?
I Love the game of softball, but it is a double-edged sword. I enjoy the competition, strategy and comraderie of the game. The downside for me has always been the time away from home and loved ones.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I believe that Andy Purcell is the best softball player that I have played against, due to the domination of his position for so many years.
Where do you call home?
Simi Valley, California
What do you do for a living?
I am a studio lighting electrician for TV and motion picture.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High School baseball but never actually stepped on a field for a high school team.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing softball in 1981 for a local church team. In 1983, I started playing USSSSA softball tournaments on a D team. Over the next several years, I moved up divisions by playing with different teams. I started playing in the upper division in 1990.
What batting grip do you use?
I wrap my bottom two fingers over the knob of bat
What is your favorite sports team?
NY Mets
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
baseball
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None.
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning the 2002 USSSA World Series on a AA team, Chase Reece Roosters, which had only been done once before. Holding Dan Smith, a Major team, to only 8 runs in two separate games, was probably my foundest memory of that championship.
Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
It's a sport.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Go back to aluminium bats.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Dudley from Friday to Sunday the fans
Softball Man rescues Smoky!
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Saw you at the dudley this year, too bad about the rain. Looking forward to seeing you in Maryville at the Smokey. Good luck to you and your team.
Mr.Messina, this Sonny hopefully u remember me when you played for me on my team in ’80’s.I had seen u on TV about 2-3 wks ago you were n Florida playing in the Nationals against the team RACKS.I would very much would njoy talking to you and to hear all about your very blessed family.As well if you have stayed in touch with our team members of SONNY’S SOFTBALL TEAM. Hopefully that I will hear from you very soon.My congratulations to you in the INDUCTION SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME.I have bragged about at our timessage playing softball tournaments as much more of a GREAT LEADER AN INSPIRATION that you are.MY blessings to you and all of your beautiful family. My BLESSED wishes and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to your wife Cheryl and your Very blessed mom.God Blessed you my brother. Hopefully I will from you soon.
Hey Sonny give me a call when you get some time. 805-304-1200
Mr.Messina, this Sonny hopefully u remember me when you played for me on my team in ’80’s.I had seen u on TV about 2-3 wks ago you were n Florida playing in the Nationals against the team RACKS.I would very much would njoy talking to you and to hear all about your very blessed family.As well if you have stayed in touch with our team members of SONNY’S SOFTBALL TEAM. Hopefully that I will hear from you very soon.My congratulations to you in the INDUCTION SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME.I have bragged about at our times playing softball tournaments as much more of a GREAT LEADER AN INSPIRATION that you are.MY blessings to you and all of your beautiful family. My BLESSED wishes and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to your wife Cheryl and your Very blessed mom.God Blessed you my brother. Hopefully I will from you soon.
Billy,you probably don’t know me but I grew up in Simi Valley. I graduated in 83, so your a couple years older than me.When I first started playing softball, I ended up on one of your teams. I think we played in Pacoima or Sun Valley? I must of been probably 20years old maybe? Anyway years went by, I played on some pretty good teams, Lil Rascals, Sports Canyon,Superior, etc. Made it to USSSA B. I would play against you every once in a while, Newhall! BTW, I used to be able to hit it in the tree’s, you are the only player I’ve seen who would hit it over the tree’s. Newhall park! One of the highlights of my playing days, was at the S Turn. I think it was Church League on Monday Night, probably 2000-2001? I hit a Home run off of you.It was just league, but you were one of the best pitchers I ever played against. I would see guys struggle all the time against you.I told my team that night that you were by far the best player that we would probably ever face. Best player ever to come out of So Cal in my opinion! Congrats on your Hall of Fame Induction! There is someone else I won’t mention that played in the Major’s that I played against over the years from Simi. I my humble opinion, no comparison! You always were a class act, whenever I came across you.
Keith Blank