Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Free Agent pitcher Nathan Newman

Nathan Newman

USSSA Playing History

Who are you playing with in 2015?

Free Agent 301sports@gmail.com
2014 played with 4 The Fallen / Miken

2015 Started with Toe 2 Toe

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I am a pitcher

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I have to go with a hometown guy, Denny Crine. He always plays the game the right way. However being a pitcher I spend a lot time watching other pitchers. With that said the easy answer is Andy Purcell. He is a game changer.  Also guys like Brian Wegman, Luis Reyna, & Greg Connell are always fun to watch. 

Why do you like the game of softball?
For many different reasons. The opportunity to travel to places I wouldn't normally get a chance to see. The bonds and friendships that are made with teammates and other players. And the fact that it keeps me competitive makes it all worth it.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I have to go with two former teammates. Nick Sansone & Ryan McClanahan. Not Sure Nick is an up and coming player with the 2014 that he had. I would say he has arrived. However he is still young in my eyes. Nick plays the game the right way and is a great teammate. Ryan just turned 21 and the kid has a ton of upside. Great hands in the infield and will even step on the mound and flip.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I do not have a nickname that I know of.

What is your height and weight?
6'-3" and 290 pounds

Where do you call home?
Las Vegas, Nevada

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Husband / Wife time which usually consist of batting practice.

What do you do for a living?
I am a project manager / estimator for a concrete company.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball in high school.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing league night right out of high school. A few years later I got asked to play in a Tuesday night league in Henderson, NV. It was an upper league that had announcers and walk up music. It was a cool experience and a great time. I met guys like Tony Verdugo, Denny Crine, and Chris Adams.  In 2010 I was asked to come join Team Chub / Combat and I have been doing my best to play at that level ever since.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Its the level of play on both sides of the ball. The game is faster and more challenging. The pitching is better and there are no easy outs in anyone's lineup.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
There isn't. I am a fan of the game and like to watch softball. I find something I like in someone's game and apply to mine. 

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
In April 2014, 4 The Fallen put on a military homerun derby in San Diego, CA. The winners of this derby won the chance to hit with Longhaul Bombers Denny Crine & Ed Vega at Petco Park after a Padres game. I was fortunate enough to pitch in both the military derby and at Petco Park. It is something I will never forget.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Denny Crine. He personifies the word coach. Being from the same place I get to go hit with him. It would be very easy for him to get his swings and get himself ready to go play and not put any thought into my game as long as I threw him strikes. However he takes the time to help me with my swing, even before we were teammates. When I first started working with him and Chris Adams, they wouldn't let me out of the box until I could effectively hit the ball the other way. It made for very long and frustrating bp sessions.  It has made me a more complete hitter and player. 

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
R E S P E C T !  Respect the game. Respect your teammates. Respect your opponents. Respect yourself. And most of all respect your sponsors. If it wasn't for them there wouldn't be an upper level to go play in. Also don't worry about what others are getting. Some have bat deals, some get envelopes, 9 out 10 cases they have earned that. Play the game as hard as you can and you too might get that opportunity.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I drop my bottom two fingers off the knob and overlap my bottom two fingers on my top hand. I swing a 28 oz bat.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
This offseason will be a little different for me. I will be hitting it very hard. Kettle Bells, Battle Ropes, Weights, and a lot of Cardio.  I will also get out and get some swings once a week.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball. I am a Baltimore Orioles fan. 

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I say the Lord's Prayer before I step on the mound.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
"I Stand Alone" by Godsmack

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I am not sure I have been involved at the upper level long enough to make an educated suggestion. 

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys 4 Tots in Palm Springs.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The Canyon's Complex in St. George, UT.  The fields are always in good condition and it has a small town feel. 

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Texas Roadhouse

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
A friend and teammate of mine pulled an ass muscle or something in that area mid swing and face planted himself in the batters box as the ball he just connected with went over the fence. He is a big dude so it took a few guys to get him off the field and into the dugout.  After we finished playing we took him back to the hotel and being that he couldn't walk we asked the front desk for a wheel chair. They didn't have any so we improvised and laid him on a luggage cart to get him upstairs.

 


 

9 responses to “Free Agent pitcher Nathan Newman”

  1. Sansone #14 says:

    Great teammate and hard worker right here!!! Keep doin your thing Nate Dogg!! Love ya bud!!!

  2. J5 says:

    Great guy, great player, great teammate! Go get ’em next year big fella!

  3. Tespland32 says:

    Nate dawg is the man! Great pitcher, hitter and teammate. Good luck buddy!

  4. john tilton says:

    I still have the video of Gator in the luggage cart too…Nate would be a great pick up for any west coast conference team.

  5. Jc3 says:

    Nasty Nate is the man! Hell of a person/teammate/player. Always gives
    It
    His all and loves to compete and lay it all out on the line! Get it big fella!

  6. NNewman25 says:

    Thanks for all the support boys!

  7. Wheeler Huff says:

    great teammate, great ball player and over all great dude…was a pleasure playing with your for the short time we were teammates. best of luck buddy

  8. adam Smylie says:

    Great teammate and a better friend. Works very hard and can help out any team.

  9. Gillyshaw says:

    Great Guy, Great Teammate… Best of luck Nate Dog…

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