Aaron Middendorf
Aaron Middendorf
Why do you like the game of softball?
It fills my competitive needs. It's also a great way to get out and be social and a good reason to go hangout with the guys!
What is your nickname in softball?
Middy unless you talk to James Troupe or Nate Staats! They'll come up with something interesting!
Where do you call home?
Waverly, Iowa
What do you do for a living?
High-school P.E. Teacher
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football, Basketball and Baseball. I played basketball at the University of Northern Iowa and 2 years of Semi-pro ball in the IBL with the Waterloo Kings and Cedar Valley Jaguars!
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started out playing in grade school. After high-school I started playing with some friends from around the area of where I grew up (Caledonia, MN the place where Miken was started and still is produced!) I played with the same group of core guys for about 10 years before some guys decided to go a different direction. In 2008 Pipac asked me to play in the Dudley go play with them in A Worlds! I been playing upper level ball since! Thanks for giving me the opportunity guys!
What position do you play?
I will be playing 1st base this year and utility on the infield if needed!
What batting grip do you use?
Standard
What ounce bat do you use?
27 ounce
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I work out with our girls high-school team and try to take bp 2-3 times a week when time allows for it!
What is your favorite sports team?
Minnesota Vikings and any team that plays the Packers.
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Taking 2nd @ A Worlds. So close, our chemistry was so good and we were playing so well. Congrats 454, well deserved! Also making All Tournament Teams for the Major and A Worlds! What an honor.
Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
Sport @ the higher levels and game @ the small town beer drinking tourneys, where you can just go have blast and party with your buddies. Very few can do that @ the upper levels, to dangerous.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Go back to the aluminum bats and core 47 balls!
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Firemans in Bloomington, MN. By far the funnest tournament I've ever played in. If you ever get a chance to go play in it I suggest you take that opportunity. You won't be disappointed.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
When I was playing C ball with Eitzen State Bank our pitcher Reggie Schwartzhoff had skittles in his back pocket and decided to pitch some with the ball. The batter hit a groudball to me @ short and I threw him out! The other team started complaining and one of their players went out onto the field and showed the Umpire the skittles on the field. The ump says "redo, redo, no out! You can't throw skittles while you're pitching!" So the same batter goes back to hit and Reggie reaches into his back pocket and the other team starts yelling "he's getting skittles, he's getting skittles!" Reggie smiles and starts laughing and says "what? I'm just eating them" as he throws them in his mouth still laughing! Needless to say the batter again grounded out to short and was thrown out for the 3rd out! Reggie looks to their duggout laughing and says "I don't think it was the skittles" as he grabs some more skittles out of back pocket and starts eating them! We all bust out laughing and the other team was quite pissed!
I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to Roger Tomtkins of R&M Metals, James Troupe, Shannon Jones of S&R Metals, Greg Saul of Pipac, Brett Helmer and Easton and all of the sponsors, coaches and teammates that I have and had throughout my playing years! I couldn't be where I'm @ today without you! Also DW your time and hardwork covering softball is much appreciated! Again Thank You and God Bless!
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