Tuesday March 26th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

Steve Zemanek

 

Steve Zemanek

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

 

2014 Interview

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I usually play 1B but if the guys want a good laugh at my expense I go to the outfield.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I am still new to the softball scene so I am not really sure about this one.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Being around a good group and guys and the competitiveness.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
We have a good group of young talent on our team.

What is your height and weight?
6'4" 230. 

Where do you call home?
Willowick, OH

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Going out with friends or relaxing with my family.

What do you do for a living?
Test Engineer for a company in Cleveland.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball in High School and College

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was playing in league one night and Monte Taylor asked me to come take some swings with Elk & Elk.  That weekend Robbie Whitehouse asked me to come with them to play in a tournament up in Michigan and have been playing with them ever since. 

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The talent level is exponentially better.  It is a lot more competitive and a lot more fun playing conference ball.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I wouldn't compare myself to anyone.  I like to go up there and just swing hard in case I hit it.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I am not sure if I would be where I am without Monte Taylor asking me to come out and take some swings with the Elk & Elk guys.  Robbie Whitehouse took a chance on me and it has been a great experience ever since.  Kevin Thompson has also been a great sponsor and person to have around the team.  The last one is Bob Lawson because he has kind of taken me under his wing and taught me many things and different perspectives to look at.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Listen to the guys that have been there and take in all you can.  Work hard and it will pay off.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Just the standard grip with a 27oz end load.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout and take some swings

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Cleveland teams are my favorite disappointment and baseball is my favorite sport.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I will defer to Ryan "Neck" Roppel on this one. 

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
I enjoy the atmosphere of the Cincinnati Major.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Since I play the infield, Berliner Park in Columbus is pretty nice with the turf field.  Nice true hops all the time.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Just about anywhere.  BW3 usually does not disappoint.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Watching Scotty Shantery try catching a pop up in Maryland and tumbling on a couple different occasions.  Or the swing and miss up in Michigan.  Sorry I had to bring those up.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

5 responses to “Steve Zemanek”

  1. The Neck says:

    I approve this interview. good luck to your neck steven….solid neck

  2. Brett Melton says:

    I only got to play with Steve the last half of this year but probably one if the better fielding 1B I have seen on a long time. Also he is a GREAT GUY and PERSON as well as a GOOD TEAMATE! Good luck buddy!

  3. Z. Trammell #51 says:

    Unbelievable player and teammate. Makes anytime better. He will be a steal for any team.

  4. Rob Whitehouse says:

    Steve is every bit of the kind of player that gets completely over looked now. Does all the things that a hitter and fielder needs to do to put his team in a position to win. If a manager just looks at his hitting stats you may say, “He doesn’t hit enough for a first baseman”, but I can tell you that what he does well- makes all his teammates more productive. Rarely ever swings for the home run because he wants to let the guys hitting behind him swing loose. Runs the bases hard and fast. Lock down first baseman means he probably saved about 25 throw aways with picks or jump tags. Please feel free to call me with any questions.

    Rob Whitehouse
    CashHouse ATM

  5. Bengie says:

    HELL of a player even better teammate. Premier fielder. Good luck brother.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.