An interview with Newbreed/GTS/Beus Excavation/DirtySportswear.com/Worth manager Ryan Lekness!
Ryan Lekness
Interview conducted on 1/13/2016
Who are you managing/sponsoring in 2016 and what teams have you been with in the past?
2016 Newbreed/GTS/Beus Excavation/DirtySportswear.com/Worth
2015 Newbreed/All American Athletics/DeMarini
2014 West Coast Newbreed/Worth
Why do you like the game of softball?
I like it because of my competitive nature. It also allows me to make new friends that all share the same interest in a game we all love to play.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen (by decade if possible)?
Brett Helmer
Jeff Hall
Johnny McCraw
Kevin Filby
Greg Connell
Andy Purcell
Where do you call home?
I live in Bothell, Washington. It's about 30 minutes north of Seattle
What do you do for a living?
I'm a foreman for DR Drywall Inc.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing on a friends work league team. That led to meeting Adam Russell and Jose Sanchez
In 2014 I was asked to join the west coast newbreed team along side Jose Sanchez, Kerm Stricklin, and Aaron Poysky
What is your teams goal for 2016?
To win and compete against all levels of teams across the country and play with 100% effort in every inning of every game.
Where do you look for talent?
I'm always watching for up and coming players whenever I'm at the park.
How do you evaluate players?
By the persons hustle and heart. It's truly the only things that anyone can control on the field. I look for players who take team swings and play the game the right way. Homeruns are cool and fun to hit but I'm more impressed with double and triples.
What is your favorite sports team?
Seattle Seahawks
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
The one superstition I have is I always try to be down in front on one knee for a team picture
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Getting a chance to play softball with my dad
Winning ASA B's with GTS in 2015
What improvement/changes would you like to see in upper level softball that could bring in more sponsors?
Being sure that all games are live streamed with official score keepers for all the major tournaments
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Kings of the Northwest. It's the first main tournament in the Seattle area each season and usually draws around 50 teams of all levels.
Who was the best team in softball history?
Ritch's/Superior
If you haven't heard of them google the team. They were impressive back in the day
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Sean Boldt ….. just kidding buddy!
Tell us something about you that most would never know?
I'm colorblind. So now you know if our uniform combo doesn't match up it's probably my fault
What is your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Anything that helps me stay busy. I enjoy spending time with family and friends along with hunting, fishing, camping, and working in the shop.
What advice can you give a young player who is trying to move to the upper level?
Respect the game and the players around that have played or been apart of upper ball. If you're a good player you'll get noticed by your play. Always push yourself to play against the best players in your area. Be a good teammate. Be able to look at yourself in the mirror at the end the day and know that you gave it your best effort in helping your team have success.
2 responses to “An interview with Newbreed/GTS/Beus Excavation/DirtySportswear.com/Worth manager Ryan Lekness!”
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Congratulations Ryan! I’ve had the privilege to play against you for years and you are one of the classiest acts on & off the diamond. I look forward to seeing you around the fields for many more years.
Calling the rent a car place every weekend to tell them your scam
Good luck this season
Interview seemed like u were nervous