2017 Free Agent Ryan Dacko
Ryan Dacko
GoSoftball.com Player Page
Interview conducted on 10/8/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
For Asa I am playing with monsta, but for usssa nobody as of now.
2017 USSSA Free Agent – Ryandacko@yahoo.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Catcher/dh/1b best position is catcher
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Brett helmer has paved the way for softball players and he is the best slowpitxh softball player i have seen play.
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the game of softball because I was able to pick up right where I left off when I stopped playing baseball. It's still very competitive, fun, meet new people, and travel doing the thing we love!
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There are many up and coming players. this game is turning into a younger sport! Too many to name.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
People call me Dacko which is my last name or d-train given to me on the long haul bombers tour
What is your height and weight?
5'11" and my weight is 235
Where do you call home?
Yucaipa, CA
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Relaxing at home watching baseball or football, gym, Xbox, or going to the field to work on my game
What do you do for a living?
I am part owner of monsta athletics, build bats, r&d, etc.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball through college at the university of Massachusetts then at cal state San Bernardino.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My start came from a local team out of baseball, then monsta athletics has given me the opportunity to do many things!
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching is a huge difference, but also how well a defense can read swings. You cannot be one dimensional.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No there isn't. I believe every person has their own way of playing the game.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Me hitting on the long haul is definitely up there, but I would have to say that the highlight that sticks out to me was not about me, but how our team came together at the supers to battle all day Friday to force an if game against the best team in the tournament.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Definitely Brett helmer, being able to talk with him and pick his mind about certain situations. He has a ton of knowledge and very approachable.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard and play the game the right way.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
The overlap grip either 28 or 27.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Gym and batting practice. Have to be able to hit to all fields.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta braves, falcons
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Only when playing, we have a certain order who grabs the bat and who put it in the trash can
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Gone by afrojack, or the red by chevelle
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Nothing at all.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys for tots in Palm Springs and because it is a big tournament for a great cause
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The Charlotte knights AAA field was beautiful!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I would have to say ramanos or bww
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
When Ryan Mcclanahan went to glove a line drive one hopper in okc and flung it into the stands
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I used to be a switch hitter in baseball, now I can't hit a softball righty to save my life.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My name on the DNA had to by far the best gift! Ever since I was able to see the big leaguers names on the wooden bats, that gave me a goal to achieve and I know I had to work very hard for it.
Played with Dacko in OKC this year, Def a good young up and coming player. Could definitely help a conference team out. 🙂
Thanks branch! Means a lot buddy!