New Team —> Pure Sports Ryan Czyz
Ryan Czyz
Interview conducted on 10/26/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
Pure Sports/Honey Badgers
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
All outfield positions are my best position. I can play infield when asked.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
At the plate, Kyle Pearson and Brad Lunda. In the field, Zach Messer.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Same as everybody else I believe; the competitive drive and the chance to keeping a ball with a bat.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Bo Andrews. First year in conf. and the kid wins a AA world title and gets on the major watch list while standing out on a team loaded with talent.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Czyzler – been my nickname for years
Niner – been my number for years
What is your height and weight?
5'11 175-180, depending on what day of the week it is!
Where do you call home?
South Beloit, IL. 1 hour southwest of Milwaukee, WI
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my family, golfing, hitting or doing yard work.
What do you do for a living?
I teach PE, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Science and Drivers Ed at Rockford East HS.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball, basketball, golf in high school. Played baseball in college and played a few years of independent baseball in the Frontier League.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Jason Wilkins found me playing in a po-dunk tourney in Streator, IL and 7-8 years later here I am. I have never played with or for anybody else in my career.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The exit velocity. When you stand in center and think you have a beat on a Kyle Pearson laser you really don't have a beat on a Kyle Pearson laser.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning a ring in GSL and when I first started I robbed Wegman of a gapper.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Jason Wilkins and Krista Wilkins. They basically took the Joe Maddon approach and said don't suck.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Go into a game with an approach. You'll be surprised at the end result.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
One finger over-lap. The ounce bat depends on the type of pitcher.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Watch video of games. I think the reason I had success this last season was I learned a lot about how to approach the best pitchers. Once you figure out the best, the other guys you can learn on the fly. Plus workout and hit.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Cubbies baseball! I like situational sports.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not enough space. Ha!
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Making sure all the umpires are on the same page with the strike zone. Is black a strike or not. Is the ceiling 8 or 10 feet. Is the basement 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet or just whatever he/she feels that day. The ball is coming in at 15-20 mph. The zone has to be consistent with every ump, every day. We all make mistakes, but it can't be for an entire game.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Dome tourneys in Wisconsin Dells. Just a fun, relaxed time at 2 in the morning!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Waukegan park district. Turf infields and the outfield is flat!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere with good chicken.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Jason Wilkins on the mound when he doesn't get the strike call he wants.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am kind of secretly good at ping pong and badminton.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
The coolest trophy ever from a tourney in Carolina. It's a second place trophy, but it's pretty sweet.
My dude right here. Czyz is beyond fast and great arm. Great teammate and great person. One of my favorite teammates I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. It’s a joke that he isn’t already with a top level team. Dude hit .700 and plays centerfield really well. Going to weird not having you in my room or rental car next year i mean who is going to make fun of you all the time.
Ditto bud!
Dude straight killed it this year at the plate. .720 batting avg and played CF. That’s not bad bud.
Thanks pal!