2017 Free Agent pitcher James Boyle
James Boyle
Interview conducted on 11/1/2016
Who are you playing with in 2017?
No one as of right now
2017 Free Agent – usmarine1385@gmail.com
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I can pitch, play first and second base, catch and eh. Best position would be pitcher.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Umm, honestly would have to be Luis Reyna, has a really smooth glove when fielding and can hit the ball anywhere he wants to.
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's a great way to relax and spend time with all your buddies and then it's a great way to make new friends.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Kyle Pearson to me, he's young and he can absolutely just smash the ball and his a good first baseman.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Mongo and got when I started playing military ball, I walked up to tryout for the team and started hitting the best I ever had and just smashing the ball and one of the other guys just started calling me Mongo and it stuck.
What is your height and weight?
I'm 5'10" 275
Where do you call home?
Stephenville, TX is where home is for me currently
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Either visiting my parents and brothers or going hunting and fishing!
What do you do for a living?
Currently finishing my teaching exams to coach and teach at the high school level. As work I'm doing ranching and construction.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High school I played football, did powerlifting and track and field. College I did track and field and played football as well.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Really started getting into softball when I was in the Marines, we would start playing in February and play every other weekend until worlds in August! As far as upper level in military softball I've made it to the A level and as for civilian softball I'm at the C level now trying to make the jump up!
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Career highlight happened a few years ago at Military state when was named MVP of the whole tournament, didn't realize it until after the tournament that I had only recorded one out the whole time,so was a great tournament for me.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My good friend Ethan Stuckly, he really helped me become a better hitter and enjoy the game a lot more and he was always willing to help me practice fielding the middle cause he likes hitting at me!
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Just give it time it will happen, the few that are able to start at the high level really have a lot of god gifted talent in them.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I drop my pinky finger and just keep top hand normal. I swing a 28 & 30 ounce endload bat.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I spend majority of my weekends hunting and continue my workout regiment throughout the year.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
The All Balcks from New Zeland, they are a rugby team and love watching rugby! I
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I never play a game without wearing my dog tags!
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Out of my Way by Seether has a lot of sentimental meaning to me from being in the military!
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Snow ball is always a great one and the Halloween Howl in Clovis, NM it is always a great tournament. Both of these tournaments are great and very laid back and just fun softball.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Panama City Beach was great when I played Military Worlds there, after every game the fields were dragged and watered and chalked again and it was ran smooth and on time!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
If it's not too late then Buffalo Wild Wings is always a great choice, if it's late then it definitely has to be Whataburger!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
During a military game we had an outfielder run into the fence while trying to catch the ball as the ball hit his glove he hit the fence and it knocked him down the ball somehow went off his glove and then landed on his chest and never moved and the impact knocked out outfielder out for a minute.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
One thing people are surprised to always find out is the fact that I have a Masters degree and going to start work on my doctorate beginning of next year.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
I surprised my buddy who I play league ball with on his birthday with a new bat and it's the only bat he will swing now so it was nice knowing a did good.
Play with ABN!