Gregg Matthews

Gregg Matthews

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 11/10/2016

Who are you playing with in 2017?
La Famiglia

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
SS,3B,2B,MM 3rd or SS would have to be what i think i am best at.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Too many to name.

Why do you like the game of softball?
The Competitiveness. It looks like such a simple game but it really isn't.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Brandon Doughty. The guy just continuously works on his game and every time i see him play he gets better and better. A true gamer who loves to compete.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
There are so many but i would have to say Little Dude

What is your height and weight?
5'9 200

Where do you call home?
Pittsburgh, PA

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Anything with my GF and our two Pitbulls.

What do you do for a living?
I work in Logistics for GT Worldwide Logistics

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball and Basketball

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing in the south in a pick tournament and i have been hooked ever since. First played conference with B&B and most recently played with ALL IN.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The amount of talent on each team.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No. I just try to do the best that i can at every aspect of the game.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning GSL B worlds in Cincinnati, OH with ALL IN

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Shawn Hale / Tommy Wiz. They gave me my first chance to play above D for a competitive team.No

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Make sure you learn how to hit to all parts of the field.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
26oz end loaded

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
BP, tee work, and the gym.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Pirates/Penguins/Steelers. Baseball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Haha, pretty sure every baseball/softball player has at least one. I don't touch home plate unless the run counts and not stepping on the foul line.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Rob Bailey – Beast

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Any tournament that is North or South Carolina. It gives me the chance to play with all my friends that i first started playing the game with.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
There are a lot but as an infielder, any complex that has turf makes for a good weekend.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Chic-fil-A

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
There are too many to just pick one. Anytime you get together with your team on the weekend it typically leads to a good time.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am the oldest of 6 and my youngest brother is 13

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
A wooden bat with engravings for winning the WPIAL batting title my junior year of high school.