2017 Free Agent pitcher Manny Madrigal
Manny Madrigal
Interview conducted on 4/26/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Free Agent – Manny.Madrigal@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I've been pitching for last 8 years. Can also play C and EH
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Being a pitcher I look up to the GOAT Andy Purcell, Travis Clark, Mooch, Dirty and LC.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love to compete. I'd give away trophies, T-shirts, prizes whatever. Its all about the camaraderie, teammates and the competition. Actually I live to compete every weekend!
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Hitting KP. Hands down. Steele Lewis is up there to me and Jason Magnum as well. I got to call the last two teammates recently and they are up and coming talent but they are also great teammates.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Slim. Because i'm not.
What is your height and weight?
5'6" 280lbs
Where do you call home?
Cocoa Beach, Fl
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Spending time with my wife and kids and golfing. But if I can spend some time on the field on a off weekend i'm working on my pitching and taking BP.
What do you do for a living?
I'm a software developer. I'm an independent contractor and also work for Vivid and Jon Kilburn.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played Baseball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Been playing since 1998. Played my first tourney for Randy Blakelys Horsemen in DFW. Got hooked been playing ever since. Started playing C and above with Mayhem ran by Ryan Haralson 6 or 7 years ago. Been playing up ever since.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Exit velocity of the ball and the defense. Defense is just awesome. Because you have the best of the best hitters in the world and some of the guys playing defense make just some sickest plays week in week out.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I think as a pitcher I like to take little bit from some of the best on the bump and some of their pitching philosophies and setting up the defense to their next pitch. I think I'm a little unique because I can hit for average and have some pop at the plate.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Playing the Euless major where I pitched against Baughford a few years back and had a scoreless inning and also went 4 for 4 with 4 homeruns on the black field. I kid saying I should have retired after that game.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I can't single one coach or manager or player because I am always learning every weekend. I'm always asking teammates tons of questions and consider myself a student of the game. No-one knows everything and when you stop learning you stop growing as a player.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Practice, listen to guys who have been around the block. Stay grounded. Play hard, run everything out and go hard overtime your on the field. You will get noticed and get your shot to play up.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap and I swing 28 and 27oz bats.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Lots of BP and work on my game.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Dallas Cowboys / Football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Don't touch a bat that just made an out
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Hells Bells AC/DC
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I would like to see last out pinch runners. Sub a guy on base with a guy who just got out who may be faster. I think you'd see more runs.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Snowball in Denison. Unlimited bombs and frozen softballs. Fun weekend
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
BLD mansfield, Tx
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Wingstop
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Man too many to list. But I had an outfielder named Rob Arrambide and he was running down a fly ball in the gap and missed it. Came into the dugout and said he missed it because his eyes were bouncing. lol. Same guy prob blinks more than any human I've ever met.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I'm hispanic speaking fluent spanish. And also i'm a nerd computer programmer.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My mask and Shin guards
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