Monday March 25th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

An interview with Combat infielder Zachary Messer!

 

 

 

Zachary Messer

USSSA Playing History

USSSA Playing History 2012-2014

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Interview conducted on 11/18/2015 

Who are you playing with in 2016?
Team Combat (Major)

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I play infield any where from shortstop, middle, and second… I think my best spot is shortstop most years there 

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis Renya shortstop for Ressy now some of the best hands in the game when playin defense and he is always in a great position to make plays 

Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the game of softball just like anyone else who plays it… its the closes thing to baseball and yet its such a easy game anyone can play… but yet not everyone has what it takes to make it…  

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Kyle Pearson from Smash it… he is a freak when it comes to hittin the softball and not to many people know he can also glove it not just hit the long ball

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Mess… or Messy

What is your height and weight?
6'2 …205lbs. 

Where do you call home?
Massillon, Ohio 

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Just relaxin maybe a little BP work or hang with the nephew and family plus the friends i dont get to see when i travel thru out the year

What do you do for a living?
Concrete

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I wrestled and played baseball in highschool….
I played college baseball for 2 years..
I also have 2 years of semipro baseball playin for the Lake Erie Crushers in the frontier league

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got my start playin with a few local D teams Guy Owens and Jack Gardner then after a few years i moved on to a team called Tailgaters and then last year with CA Compound Athletics and now a year later playin for Team Combat

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitchin the defense…. all way better pretty much everything about the conference is better then non conference ball all the way

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No not really but i know i want to be as good as the best infielders out there today so i try to do what i see them do, it has worked for them for years…

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Goin to the Major World Series for the first time and winnin yhe first 2 games to make it to primetime game Friday night in Disney… That was a great weekend and highlight….

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 have alot of people that impacted my approuch in softball such as old time coaches Guy Owens and Jack Gardner… to all my buddies who push me on off days to work harder and get out there amd work on my game so i got alot of people in my corner 

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Be Humble… Team ball is more important then the Me Me Me guy

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
26oz and a 2 finger over lap

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
alot of hand eye drills for defense and alot of BP 

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
The Ohio State Buckeyes….. College Football 

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not really but my big one is this… It is bad to split objects…Like walkin with people and 3 go on oneside of the pole and 2 stay on the other side lol i hate that

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Watch me do my step..

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
To be honest i really dont know i enjoy the game as it is… I have nothin to complain or change about it 

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Columbus Major…. because its the closest to my hometown and family and friends get to come and watch

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The major at disney… Nothin will top that 

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Steak house 

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Playin at the Cajun last year and when the night games started the turf was so wet that every inning someone from either team was slippin and slidin trippin it was a great time lol

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I use to play outfield just got moved into the infield a few years ago

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Was pretty cool to get All World team for B usssa last year that was great award…

 


5 responses to “An interview with Combat infielder Zachary Messer!”

  1. Ross H says:

    One of the best all around players I have ever played with. Great up and coming player. Flip it backside and then drop a bomb Mess we have a patent on that bro. Good luck this year.

  2. jgard says:

    Hands down the top infielder and hardest worker I have ever coached and played with. Makes his teammates bbetter can do it all at the plate. You deserve all this mess. Good luck in 2016. And always remember “go hard”

  3. Myles "Chilly" McPherson says:

    That’s my dude! “MESS” you in beast mode brother! Stay humble and keep working hard! Good luck next season! Peace. Chilly

  4. Steve Naff says:

    Mess, I met you at LAS baggage claim. Took a chance and looked you up. I will be passing along your cards to my coach buddy. Hopefully he will be able to work with you for 2018 season
    Blessings

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.