Wednesday March 27th, 2024
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An interview Shoppe/TPS outfielder Billy Moore

Billy Moore

USSSA Playing History 2006-2008 and 2011

USSSA Playing History 2009-2010

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Who are you playing with in 2012?
Shoppe

Why do you like the game of softball?
I have been in athletics since I could walk, so softball is just a way in which I can satisfy my competitive nature.  I love the friendships that I have made through softball, and the memories that I have gained from it.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
We all know the obvious answers that we read on every interview, but I really think that Brian Blount needs to be mentioned somewhere in this category. I played with him a few years back, and the preparation and intensity that he brought to the table was insane.

What is your nickname in softball?
When I first started playing, my teammates called me B-Moo.  The guys on that team still call me that, but I haven’t really been given any since.

Where do you call home?
Fort Myers, FL with my wife, Katie and our daughter, Reese

What do you do for a living?
I am a Physical Education teacher and director for a line of Charter Schools in SW Florida.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball, basketball, and golf in H.S.  Played baseball at Murray State University.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
After I was told I was done playing baseball, I went and played a couple church league games with my high school buddies.  Even though it wasn’t the best league in the world, the competition had me hooked.  I began taking BP with some friends I met through softball, and played on a local D team in 2006.  I jumped one level each year after that until I was playing with Jeff Schmitt of Columbus Pipe in leagues one year.  During that following winter, Jeff called me and asked if I wanted to come play with Pipe the next year.  I jumped at the opportunity and have ran with it ever since.

What position do you play?
OF, but I have also been dubbed the “fastest catcher in the conference!”

What batting grip do you use?
Standard baseball grip, dropping the pinky off the knob.

What ounce bat do you use?
27oz endload.  I have never swung a bat other than an Easton, so this winter I will be adjusting to TPS bats.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Living in Florida, there really isn’t an offseason.  The league structure down here is opposite of everywhere else.  Leagues start up in the winter and run throughout the spring, so I will play in a few of those locally.  I also hit the gym 4-5 times a week, and hit at least once a week starting in January, which gets more frequent as the season draws near.

What is your favorite sports team?
THE Ohio State University, Boston Red Sox

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
College basketball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I am a teacher, so I am all about routines.  I wouldn’t call it a superstition, but I do have the same exact routine before every at-bat.

What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning the 2010 USSSA B Worlds with AJS.  The Desert Falls game in WB finals is by far the best game I have ever been a part of.

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
In the upper levels, it is a sport for sure.  With the amount of dedication it takes to play at the upper level, from conditioning to game improvement, it is much more than just a game.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I actually like the way it is.  I like the idea that there is a big dog, and everyone is fighting to knock them off.  Gives you extra motivation to improve your game and compete at your highest level.

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
I love the atmosphere at the Smokies and the Dudley, but I really love playing in the Cincinnati major.  Since my wife and I are originally from Ohio, it is nice to be able to play at home and see friends and family all at the same time.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Too many to mention!!! I played a season with Doug Shanyfelt Sr., then followed that year up with playing with Columbus Pipe.  Every game I played in over those 2 years had something that was talked about for a couple weeks happen.  Playing with Squ, Mongo, Tommy Atha, and Jeff Schmitt is something every player needs to experience!

 

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