Billy Messina 

 ASA Playing History

USSSA Playing History

 Major Players List 

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2011 Interview

Why do you like the game of softball?
I Love the game of softball, but it is a double-edged sword.   I enjoy the competition, strategy and comraderie of the game.   The downside for me has always been the time away from home and loved ones.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I believe that Andy Purcell is the best softball player that I have played against, due to the domination of his position for so many years.

Where do you call home?
Simi Valley, California

What do you do for a living?
I am a studio lighting electrician for TV and motion picture.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High School baseball but never actually stepped on a field for a high school team.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing softball in 1981 for a local church team.   In 1983, I started playing USSSSA softball tournaments on a D team.   Over the next several years, I moved up divisions by playing with different teams.   I started playing in the upper division in 1990.

What batting grip do you use?
I wrap my bottom two fingers over the knob of bat

What is your favorite sports team?
NY Mets

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
baseball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None.

What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning the 2002 USSSA World Series on a AA team, Chase Reece Roosters, which had only been done once before.   Holding Dan Smith, a Major team, to only 8 runs in two separate games, was probably my foundest memory of that championship.

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
It's a sport.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Go back to aluminium bats.

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Dudley from Friday to Sunday the fans

Who are you playing with in 2011?
Combat, Laservision