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Brian Wegman

 

Brian Wegman

USSSA Playing History

Major Players List

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2011 Interview

Why do you like the game of softball?
Softball offers a release for my competitive drive and provides the camaraderie I lost when I finished playing baseball. 
Softball has a place for everyone regardless your talent/skill level. 

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
There is no way to pick a best player in my opinion.   However, there are a couple players that have the ability to affect the outcome of games.  The one that stands out is Purcell.
Andy "DB" Purcell has influenced more big games than anyone I've been around.

What position do you play?
Outfield or MI/2nd

Where do you call home?
Ross, OH

What do you do for a living?
Self-Employed (Owner of Mid-America Ballyard in Cincinnati, OH)

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball, Basketball and Golf in High School.   2 years Baseball at Southeastern Illinois CC and 2 years Baseball at University of Evansville

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing competitively in 2002 with Watanabe/Perkins Roofing at the A level.   In 2004, I played USSSA with Creative Stucco/TPS and won the USSSA A World.   Benfield Electric/Reese/Easton picked me up to play in the WSL Major and USSSA Major.   Benfield Electric/Easton picked me up for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.   2007 Bell Corp/Easton, 2008-2010 Dan Smith/Menosse

What batting grip do you use?
Standard baseball grip with 2 fingers over the knob

What is your favorite sports team?
Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Hunting

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Probably should ask Helmer.   He has hit before or behind me for the past 5 years…I’m surprised he has not bounced the stick-um can off my melon yet!
Let's just say I have a list of antics to do before each at-bat. 

What is your most memorable softball moment?
Here are a few…
In 2006, Benfield Electric/Easton won the last NSA Major World by beating Smith/Resmondo.   Dan and Travis had one of the most talented teams ever assembled.   They were beating us by 18 in the 5th with runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs, and 2 HRs left.   We ducked the 20 run mercy rule with a force out and a double play.   We scored 17 in the 6th and won the game in the 7th.     

Winning the USSSA Major Title in 2008 after losing our first game.
Receiving the invitation to play on Team USA. 

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
Sport

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Smoky Mountain Classic

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
-The 1st USA event in 2009.   It was a week of torment for me, but the jokes were endless for 3 straight days.
-Dave McDonald is one of the funniest people I know.   In 2005 he was 5'10" 440lbs.   We picked up Brett Helmer for the ASA Major World.   Brett and Mac shared jersey #44 for the tournament.   Big Mac is coaching 3rd and Helmer is stepping into the box.   Big Mac yells, "Hurry up and hit it Helmer, you are stretching out my jersey!"   Classic!

What is more enjoyable, a top weekend tournament like the Smoky Mountain Classic or hitting in the Long Haul Bomber's tour at a Major League Stadium?
In my opinion, a good weekend tournament is better.   Don't get me wrong, I enjoy hitting in front of the stadium crowds but we travel for 2 days to take 15 swings.   The competitiveness of each weekend tournament keeps me in softball. 

What are your thoughts on the .52 core ball used at the ASA Nationals?
I like the ball.   The ball speed through the infield slowed and gave fielders more chances to make plays.   Also, the bat seemed to have less influence on the ball.   Usually the hotter the bat…farther it flies.   This ball seemed to eliminate some of advantages to altering a bat. 

The ball is still a little too hot and a little bouncy but those changes will eventually be fixed by the manufacturers.  

Is Team USA coming back to Cincinnati's Mid America Ballyard for another exhibition series this summer (2011)?
We are preparing to host another event in Cincinnati.  As soon as the team is selected and we can be certain it works for the players' schedules, we will announce a yes or no.

What is the most difficult part of being an owner of a softball complex?  Maybe something you didn't realize going into it?
Maintaining the field conditions during the season is more difficult than I imagined.   Playing games 7 days a week on a field takes its toll.   It is a daily sprint to make upgrades, repair damages and prepare them for the nightly games.  

Who are you playing with in 2011?
Laservision/Combat




 



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One response to “Brian Wegman”

  1. Gary Thom says:

    What high school did you attend. You said you live in Ross. Gary Thom

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