An interview with Eurotech/Elite Media Design outfielder Mark Harvanko
Mark Harvanko
Interview conducted on 3/15/2016
Who are you playing with in 2016?
Eurotech/Elite Media Design
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play mostly outfield… where it's safe. But I plan on dominating the mound eventually.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Most people say Purcell and Wegs here but for what Geno Burdick and Chaun Demars accomplished all those years on a pair of 12 year girls legs is more impressive to me.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Compared to baseball it's a lot faster paced. I quit baseball because I was tired of only getting 1 or 2 balls on defense.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Pat Elwanger-kemper and Colin Bartmann. And it's about time….it was getting lonely at the top.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Harv, because my teammates were too lazy to say my full name.
What is your height and weight?
6 – 185
Where do you call home?
Lifetime
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
On an island in the sun
What do you do for a living?
Rake
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High school- softball
College- softball
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Gene Burdick was on his 5th or 6th plate at the old country buffet when he heard the noises of the crowd at the Crystal frolics over some skinny blonde haired kid wearing a headband and pooka shells hitting bombs over the tennis courts for outs. The next year, 2004 I played with O&S/Pov's.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
I thought it would be a lot harder
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Ken Griffey Jr.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Taking 10 guys from my high school (champlin park) and walking through the 2012 ASA B. Taking 3rd in 2011 at the utrip C with the same guys is a close 2nd.
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 think I can speak for most of the xtreme guys and say Pat O'Connell taught us a lot about the game.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Grow your hair out you'll get noticed easier. Guys like breezy and myself have no talent but a lot people know who we are.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Standard homerun grip. 26oz.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I disconnect my power steering for strength and catch flys with chopsticks for hand eye cord.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Resmondo. Pickle ball.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I need to have 3 dews in me before I step on the field.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Super bon bon – soul coughing
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Start the season in January so I can get out of the cold more/earlier and be done by mid summer.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Natalia Nelson draft tournament. It helps out a family in need every year.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Clyde Andrews. It's 4 minutes from my house and there's 40 ft. Fences.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Subway is the best place to eat on the road or at home. During a game or after.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I think it's funny that canuck holds his pee in until he gets to the garbage can in the dugout. And can't go until 3 guys are looking.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I have a black belt.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Todd Volkers game worn jersey
8 responses to “An interview with Eurotech/Elite Media Design outfielder Mark Harvanko”
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Greatest teammate a guy could ask for, defiantly leaves it all in the field. Fascinating off field work ethic and amazing personality literally out of this world !!! It’s been a pleasure.
Nastiest flow in the game.. Literally
Also known as the duck whisperer
Hahaha. My Jive Turkey! Absolutely fun to watch! Plays league just as hard as he play Conference Ball.
Reminds me a lot of myself lol JK but he is a blast to play with in the draft tourny’s when possible
One of the sweetest swings around an a heck of ball player. Can play any position on the field an a great dude. Really glad ive been able to get to know him over the past few years
Funny guy when he actually speaks……must be why he prefers texting
A Fierce and Competitive player. Plays at a high level no matter if it’s league or Worlds. Truly one of them 5 tool players. It was an honor and privilege to coach him. Good Luck Harv!!