Sunday March 24th, 2024
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An interview with Nightmare’s Marieo Foster

 

 

 

Marieo Foster

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 12/19/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
Nightmare

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
C, DH, PH

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
There are quite a few players that execute the game at a high level in different ways. I don't think there is a individual player that I could mention above the rest.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the competitive nature of the game.  I am a fan of the "Team" concept.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Agent 23.  The significance of the nickname came from a combination of multiple things.  I've spent over 27 years in law enforcement and was a Special Agent. Also the number 23 has always been my number in every sport I played.

What is your height and weight?
6'4", 260 lbs

Where do you call home?
Born and raised in Athens Georgia. Now residing in Virginia.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Using my platform to raise funds and provide support for Military and First Responder Charities.

What do you do for a living?
I'm a current Chief of Police and former US Army Veteran.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes. High School baseball and basketball. Military, multiple sports programs.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing softball in the Army.  That carried over into civilian softball at different classification levels which eventually led to upper level Conference USSSA.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Without a doubt the Conference umpiring makes a huge difference.  In particular with regard to pitching.  Non-Conference umpires let pitchers get away with throwing the ball really flat and fast, its almost modified fast pitch. In Conference play you can't get away with that.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not that I can think of.  I've never really given that a lot of thought. I consider myself to be different than most.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
To date I'm most proud of winning the 2017 Police World Series in the Men's Major Division with my team the Mid-Atlantic Lawmen.  Our coach/sponsor Terry Dugan is one of the best human beings I know.

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 truly believe I've learned quite a bit from all of my coaches in some fashion.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
As a former soldier and current law enforcement officer, I believe the most important part of your pursuit of excellence or success is to remain humble, focused and honorable in your actions.  Do not comprise your standards or waiver with professionalism.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
My grip has recently converted to a two finger overlap grip.  I prefer an endloaded 26 oz bat because I generate a lot of swing speed.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I do a great deal of hitting (indoors and out) and cardiovascular exercise to keep my heart rate up.  Strength training is incorporated but not to the degree of becoming too heavy and less nimble.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I'm from the State of Georgia so its really simple.

1. University of Georgia (NCAA)
2. Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
3. Atlanta Braves (MLB)
4. Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Don't cross bats and do whatever you were doing when we scored a bunch of runs and played great defense 🙂

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
It varies based upon the season, but right now my walk up/at bat song is "Fat Joe and Remy Ma" – *All The Way Up*.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Continue to grow the program and maintain standards of excellence in all facets of operation and execution.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Dudley or Smoky – Because its fun to see and be a part of the scoring battles.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I really enjoyed being the first to play in the new Space Coast complex during the Conference Championships.  It is a top rate facility and every field is spectacular.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Pretty much every crazy defensive play my buddy Mooch has executed.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I'm a pretty boring person.  I have a straight laced personality which doesn't make me very interesting as it relates to having any fun facts 🙂
 

14 responses to “An interview with Nightmare’s Marieo Foster”

  1. Tommy Melton says:

    There is no such thing as a down/quiet dugout with Agent 23 on ur team. He is uplifting and positive go the sake of the team. You can’t help but to get sucked in. I found myself losing my voice right next to him. Lol. C u soon brother. Looking forward to a productive season as ur teammate.

  2. Thank you for the kind words and support brother Tommy! I can’t wait to keep back on the field with you and our other Nightmare brothers!

  3. Daniel Gambill says:

    Great friend and a great ambassador for the game of Softball. Love the talks we have and the the level headedness you bring to the game.

  4. JD Kasper says:

    Good stuff Mario. Thank you for the attention you bring to the military.

  5. Dustin Bunting says:

    Great Indicidual to be around and talk to.

  6. Will Santiago says:

    Stand up guy!!!

  7. Train says:

    Do I even need to comment? Can’t say enough about this man and the player and ambassador he has become. Friends for the past 15 years…and friends for the next 15 and beyond!

  8. Brandon Morris says:

    Who are you playing with this year agent 23. Don’t see you on nightmares roster

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