Friday March 29th, 2024
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2019 Free Agent pitcher Brandon Wessner

 

 

 

Brandon Wessner

USSSA Playing History

 

Interview conducted on 9/25/2018

Who are you playing with in 2019?
2019 Free Agent – bwessner@ntsnational.com

2018 Wileys/ Alpha Prime

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitch, Catch and First Base. Pitching would be my best Position

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Tough choice but I would have to go with Jeremy Yates.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Its a great game that allows you to meet others all over the country who enjoy the game as much as I do. The talent level has grown so much the past few years and  its a blast being able to play with the best in the world.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Another tough choice but I would have to say Pat Donahue. He has only been playing a few years. He went from D to B and then B to AA in just those few years. He has some of the best hands in the game and now he is also able to pitch and lock down the middle. Sky is the limit for him.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Don't really have a softball nickname  Everyone just calls me Wess for the last name.

What is your height and weight?
5'11 225

Where do you call home?
Tampa, FL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If it's hunting season out in the woods. if it's not hunting season then out on the boat fishing.

What do you do for a living?
I am a Regional Manager for National Title Solutions. 

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball in high school and 1 year of college.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I received my start after a few people saw me play league ball and thought I would be a good fit for their tournament team. I worked hard and practiced and was lucky to meet some great friends along the way that were playing upper ball and here I am now.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The quality of players. There isn't a hole in any lineup or in the field. You have the best of the best out there and you have to hope for a mistake on their part. Its a blast playing with all the best of the best.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really.  I play the game hard and want to win and will do anything possible to make that happen. I feel there are many players out there who play the game hard every inning and every pitch like I do.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
This was my first year in the conference and I ended up hitting 732 which isn't great but a decent first year, room for improvement for sure..  Also hit a walk off home run to win Freedom worlds two  years ago which was a cool feeling.

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 been lucky  growing up in the Tampa area where I have been able to play with Luis Reyna, Ryan Harvey Davis Bilardello and Pat Donahue  on a consistent basis in league night and picking their brain on what they did to get where they are today. As for coaches I have had two that have helped me along the way and they are Dean Parmentier and Rick Wiley. They both have been around the game for years.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Hit consistently and practice. Its a whole new world up here and generally when you first make it up you are not one of the better players so you need to consistently work hard to become better or you will not last long. I think egos are getting in the way of the young players coming up and you need to leave your ego at the door.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
My top hand will slightly overlap by bottom hand. I must use a knob at the bottom of the bat.  I use a 26 oz balanced

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I will hit frequently with friends and play in league to stay fresh facing live hitters. 

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Atlanta Braves. I grew up a Chipper Jones fan.    baseball would be my favorite sport other than softball.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
If we are winning I will make sure to hang my bag in the same spot for every game

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
AC/DC  THUNDERSTRUCK   

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I really don't have any complaints while playing upper softball this past year.  But if I had to pick I would say more consistent umpires meaning the strike zone.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Vegas for sure. Not only are the fields great but you're in Vegas!!!!

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
There are a few. Vegas Field of Dreams Love the concept of playing on replica Big League fields. The new Vierra fields are by far the nicest fields and Disney will always be one of my favorites just from playing worlds there in the past..

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I guess it would depend on where we are.  I am always down for Buffalo Wild Wings.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Tough one I would have to say watching a league night allstar (so he thought) talking smack to a girl hitter and then her blowing him up at third. Priceless

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am not a fan of heights. so no sky diving or cliff jumping for me.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I have received a few autographed memorabilia signed by Chipper Jones. that I still have to this day including a jersey, bat and a glove.
 

 

 

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