Thursday March 28th, 2024
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2019 Free Agent pitcher/outfielder Vito Messina

 

 

Vito Messina

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/22/2017

2019 Free Agent – vmessina44@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield and Pitcher. Outfield is my best position. Back up pitched for team Combat.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
My father Billy Messina. His poise and control when he is on the field is something I admire.

Why do you like the game of softball?
The high level of competition, and the grind it takes to be at that level.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There are many that are coming over from high level baseball programs. Too many to pick one. It is great for the game of softball.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
V is the the only name I can think of. My name is pretty close to a nickname already.

What is your height and weight?
6' 200lbs

Where do you call home?
Simi Valley, CA

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hiking, fishing, BP, basically anything outdoors.

What do you do for a living?
I'm a set lighting technician for tv shows and movies.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played 4 years of baseball in high school. And played junior college baseball and D2 college ball as well.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Always have watched my dad growing up, so I knew when I was done with baseball I would go and play softball. Started playing a couple tournaments with a C team then got asked to fill a spot for a California all star team that was playing against Nevada and Arizona teams. Then got picked up by AZM then classic glass then Combat.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of the game.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I like to model my intensity and play after Wegman.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I like it all play every game like it's your last.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My dad taught me everything.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play a lot and always play hard you will get seen. Probably when you least expect it.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Hang two fingers off bottom hand overlap one on top hand. 28 oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Batting practice. Shag with a purpose. Workout and crosstrain.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball and the Mets

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
A million that come and go.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Old Man by Neil young

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Definitely more tournaments on the west coast.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The smokey and toys for tots
 

 

 

 

One response to “2019 Free Agent pitcher/outfielder Vito Messina”

  1. Neil Teague says:

    Good guy right there and a heck of a ball player.
    Good luck, Vito.

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