2022 Free Agent pitcher Dustin Midyette
Dustin Midyette
Interview conducted on 11/30/2021
Who are you playing with in 2022, and who have you played with in the past?
2019- Beckham Brothers A team
2020- Maroadi/SNI A team
2021- MPT rentals
2022- Free Agent – D.midyette@icloud.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Skilled at every position on the field but mainly been used as a pitcher.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Steven Lloyd
Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the friends and atmosphere the softball community has brought me.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I think there are way too many to name. I think the best thing about softball is like why people love college over professional sports. The ones without a name yet will play their butts off just to show you they have what it takes. They will lay it on the line. Few names that come to my mind just out of pure hustle and playing their games to the best of their ability is Joey Simmons, mason farmer, and Matt Brady.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Baby Lee. I got it cause they called my father D. Lee and since I started my career off playing with my dad they needed something else to call me an it stuck ever since.
What is your height and weight?
6’2 and 195 lbs
Where do you call home?
Jacksonville, FL
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Watching football with friends or going golf.
What do you do for a living?
Contractor for interior and exterior home renovations
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played high school baseball mostly and went into the navy after I graduated.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I played in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas with my dad and few teams he knew of when I was getting out of high school. I wanted my team to never worry about players playing positions they’re more comfortable at so I made sure I knew how to play them all. Including pitch at times, one day I got offered by billy register to come pitch for his A team Beckham brothers and I’ve been in the conference ever since. I love the competitive side to upper ball and learning how to beat the best in the game. I have a lot more to work at but I’m determined.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The consistency is different. That’s what separates the men from the boys as they say. Conference play it usually comes down the least mistakes and you win. Other levels below it you can get away with more mistakes and still pull out a win. The most consistent team in each division is usually the top dog!
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I’m not sure honestly. I’ve been compared to others before but I think each player is different and especially for the younger guys like myself still learning. I’ll do things you see others do just to see how they do it or why they do it an see if it works for me. At the end of the day the style is still different.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Getting my helmet taken off by a line drive and still covering second to get the out from my ss who caught the ricochet at the major last year. I love it cause no matter what the play wasn’t over when I got hit and the energy I play with allowed me to still make something happen.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
So many I can’t name them all but 2 people who have always supported helped me with my problems and just talked to me about the way to do things has been Kelly Lang and Billy Register. Both have known me for awhile and helped me a lot in my softball career.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
When your time comes enjoy it and make the most of it. I’ve seen some people not get the shot again so definitely enjoy it. You were brought up for a reason and someone liked your game enough to put their name to the back of yours. It’s your game, play it how you do best.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
25 or 26 Balanced preferably. Grip doesn’t matter, all else fails athletic tape.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Rest my body, do yoga, run and keep playing league and backyard tourneys to let loose and keep your craft.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Georgia bulldogs. Miami dolphins. New York Yankees. I love to watch golf and baseball but I’m a sport fanatic and can watch anything.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not really but I know others are so if they have some we do as a team I’m game
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Tyler Herro by Jack Harlow
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I know it’s a grey area for most but I wouldn’t mind seeing safety bags at first in the upper level of softball. That’s all I could remotely think of off the top of my head.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Turkey tournament in Jacksonville, FL I make sure to play in it every year.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Colorado Springs. Beautiful view and weather every time I have played there. Mountain View in the background of every field.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Big fan of BBQ.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I’ve seen some outfielders try to scare off geese on a field and got chased by like 20 of them
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I prefer to eat at small businesses even when I travel out of town. More home style meals or even a random hole in the wall with some amazing food.
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