2020 Free Agent pitcher/infielder Dustin Wager
Dustin Wager
Interview conducted on 10/10/2019
Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past?
2020 Free Agent – Dwager@teamwager.com
Regulators, Levels, Big Ten
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher and 2nd base. I’ve played all around the infield and enjoyed some 1st base this year. 2nd is probably my best position. I’ve spent the last few years on the bump.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Bryson and Andy
Why do you like the game of softball?
It’s a simple game that keeps me working to get better.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There’s a lot of young guys out there that can really play seems like more and more every year.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Waggs. Had a buddy start calling me that before I ever played softball and it has just followed me.
What is your height and weight?
5’11 220
Where do you call home?
Elizabeth, CO
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my wife and daughters usually at the ball fields with them or at a team roping.
What do you do for a living?
Main job is a real estate agent, I’m also a partner with a cryotherapy unit and trying to expand a real estate photography company from Arizona up into Colorado.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football, basketball and baseball in high school.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Had a buddy that always wanted me to come play league. I finally agreed and liked the beer drinking. Got asked to play a few tournaments and decided if I was going to play on the weekends that I should start taking it seriously. I few guys got me hooked up with Joey Garcia who was running Big Ten and they gave me a shot. Played in a few conference tournaments and never wanted to drop back down.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Pitching 100% guys are trying to get you out. Not just trying to throw strikes. The whole game is just bigger, stronger and faster.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really. I try to watch guys that get the job done and try to do the same.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Hitting a walk off double at A worlds with 2 guys on and 2 outs. Also being all tourney at the Houston Major a few years ago was an honor.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Brian Therkildsen always kept me motivated and when I was trying to move up he always had me out hitting bp and holding me accountable. Joey Garcia with Big Ten for giving me the opportunity to play with one of the best teams and the the best sponsor around Colorado. He gave me the never say die attitude didn’t matter if you’re up or down it’s softball and anything can happen. Anthony Wehr always getting me out when I was a nobody and getting me seen. Losson White has always helped me when I decided to start pitching. There’s been a lot of people that have helped and I appreciate everyone. Obviously my wife taking care of stuff when I’m gone or out trying to get better she has been nothing but supportive.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Give it your all and understand the commitment.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Overlap and 27 end load
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Stay in the gym and I like to play in the off season tournaments. Gives me an opportunity to try different things and see what works.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I enjoy college basketball and football. Love watching the good teams battle.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I just have routines that I like to stick to. Maybe a dopio from Starbucks thanks Shock.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Nightrain by Guns N’ Roses
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Probably a more consistent ball.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Jarrod Chacon does a super draft here in Colorado that has really taken off and toys in Palm Springs.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Aurora Sports Park outside of Denver perfect field conditions always and 320ft fences all around.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any good steak house
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I was catching a game and a guy hit one off our pitcher. Jake Stock was playing playing 2nd. The ball was going by Jake and he spun and kicked it right to our 5man. The umpire had no idea what had just happened. It was funny and impressive at the same time.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I rode bulls for about 10 years
Great pickup for any team. Versatile player who will leave it all on the field.
Hits the hell out of the ball for average and power. Great guy on and off the field, and big add for any team!
Dustin works hard off and on the field very smart and team first type player.. above average hitter at the conference level .. Dustin will help any team at any level with no drama!