Free Agent infielder Matt Odom
Matt Odom
Interview conducted on 4/8/2015
Who are you playing with in 2015?
Free Agent – Utowng35@gmail.com
Only our local NSA team
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Infield, pitcher, catcher, best position would be third or second.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Brian Zirkle, have seen him play the most out of anyone on the national or futures team due to him being closest to me geographically.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Grew up watching my dad play it, played baseball since I was 4 years old, and I have an extreme love of the game.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I'd say Brian Zirkle, great speed, great bat, amazing defensively.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Oh-Damn, had my name misspelled on a jersey from Boombah
What is your height and weight?
6'1" and 220 pounds.
Where do you call home?
Urbana, Illinois
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Playing softball of course
What do you do for a living?
Service Adviser at a Ford Dealership
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Urbana High School
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Was picked up by local teams with guys that I played high school baseball with on it, then just got better and better, was noticed by better players/teams. Have never competed at what I would call the "upper level" as of yet. Highest I've ever played would be ASA C or GSL/UTRIP C.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Hit a ball at NSA worlds last year that went about 380 feet and hit a car driving by on the road.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Joe Yager. His intensity and passion for the game is so contagious that you can't help but get excited about playing.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Take risks and fail. You learn the most when you fail.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap my top hand with two fingers. 27oz balanced or endloaded.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Lift weights, do cardio, take BP, tee work, field grounders.
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?
Have to stretch while holding the bat behind me with both arms.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
"Far From Home" Five Finger Death Punch
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Haven't played upper level yet.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Milford Fun Days. All of the studs in the area come into a small town to flash some leather. That and the Swinging Bunt are the best. The Bunt is the largest blind draft charity tournament of its kind and it's for a great cause.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Lou Berliner park in Columbus, OH. Turf infields are the best.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Ruth Chris'
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Streakers.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I can't do anything without turning it into a competition in my mind.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Autographed baseball from Ozzie Smith
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