Thursday March 28th, 2024
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2018 Free Agent Ryan Tallon

 

 

 

Ryan Tallon

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 1/22/2018

Who are you playing with in 2018?
I currently am not playing with anyone in 2018

2018 Free Agent – ryantallon@icloud.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play 1st C DH and can Pitch.  Best position is 1st.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I have to say that Andy Purcell for his control of the game both defensively and offensively over his career and Brian Wegman for his pure ability are the 2 best players I have seen play hard to choose between them as to who would be the best.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the environment of the game the bonds you make with players and the fact that you still get your competitive juices flowing in a charged setting.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I feel the best up and coming player is Steele Lewis.  I may be biased but his work ethic his ability to play great defence and flip it to offence with power or placement with speed will separate him from others.  There are other obvious choices like KP etc.  But I also see the growth that Filip Washington is having and it is great to see his development and work ethic as not only a player but ambassador of the game.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Talz is the nickname pretty simple carry over from hockey.  Drop letters and add a Z or a Y and that’s the sum of the creativity that goes into it.

What is your height and weight?
I am 6’ 2” 230lbs.

Where do you call home?
I call Windsor Ontario home 20 minutes from the Detroit airport.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Favourite way to spend an off weekend would be at the Camp relaxing fishing and doing what needs to be done.

What do you do for a living?
I am a Strength Coach Personal Trainer.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played Basketball and Hockey throughout Highschool and after then transitioned into Coaching high Level hockey at 22.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start in softball as a transition from fastball made a deal to have a guy be my Catcher if I played on his league softball team.  At the end of the season I showed up and our game was cancelled.  Teams from the upper division were short in their playoff game asked me to play I did then did pretty well in the 3 games a guy asked me to play A Super Series Tournament here in Canada for the next year so I said yes.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Having not played conference but playing B Worlds last year was the consistency of players.  Watching conference play at the Major AA level was seeing the consistency of defence.  The plays were made and the batters did the right thing situationally for their team.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I have been that the player that I would most be able to compare my game to is Scott Kirby.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Career highlight to this point I have 2 being able to compete for 3rd at National Championships with a team built of close friends. Experiencing the atmosphere at B Worlds last year and having a great tournament with Doughboys that added me the week before.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Without a doubt Mike Pin McColmen growing up in the same small town and being guided over the years by him and his experiences with Ritchs Superior during their huge seasons SunnyVale and LongHaul Trucking to this day he is one of my closest friends and family.  He will tell me exactly how it is no sugar coating no fluff.
The past few years I add Steele Lewis to the list same mentality no fluff just brutal facts.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work hard head down be humble and hungry.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use a small overlap with a Pinky drop.  I use a 27.5 EndLoad Worth model.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I am in the fitness industry so Training is a non negotiable as well as hit hit hit.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
My favouritesports team and sport other then softball is Hockey and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I have zero superstitions.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I have to go with Trapt Headstrong my best friend that passed away favourite song.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I cannot comment on this as I have to play it.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
My favourite tournament is our Thessalon Family WoodBat Tournament.  36 different families put in Men’s teams using wood bats and only 3 non family pickups.  There is a 24 team Women’s division as well.  This tournament just celebrated its 40th year and brings not only a whole town together but a whole area of Ontario.  It is charity based and celebrates the memorial awards for people in our community like my Mom this past year.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I enjoyed playing at ESPN as there is so much there at such a close proximity to watch and experience great games.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere that serves a great steak.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I witnessed a player loose his pants to his knees rounding first and still leg out a triple did fall on his face on the turn at 2

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am an avid reader and love to devour literature.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Volunteer Coaching.   Without a question both the favourite gift I have ever given or received.
 

 

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