2016 Free Agent Makenzie Lee “Mack”

Makenzie Lee "Mack"

Interview conducted on 6/2016

Who are you playing with in 2016?
It's US on BSC,

2016 Free Agent Mack081680@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
1B and OF. I believe the outfield is my best position

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Filip Washington. I've never seen anyone work @ his craft so much but willing to help others around him. I did BP with Flip daily when I first moved to Las Vegas, to see the level he's on is amazing

Why do you like the game of softball?
It keeps me competitive and focused.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Reggie Barker puts the work in and I've seen tremendous leap in his approach @ the plate. 2nd is Ron Fryer because his talent all talent he just needs a SHOT.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Mack-10 or Big Swole

What is your height and weight?
6'3 235lbs

Where do you call home?
I currently reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I usually spend my off weekends with my CREW lol, they consist of my 2 daughters 9 and 7, and my nephews 8 and 6. They are involved in many activities which I'm pulled in every direction but I enjoy every minute of it

What do you do for a living?
I'm an Assistant Manager of a Juvenile Detention Center / Behavioral and Psychiatric Care.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes I was a 3 year letter winner in Basketball which led me to college. I played baseball, track and cross country.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I started playing on a family team in a league.  I've played my way up to an upper level.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed and efficiency of the game.  I live for competition

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Last Border Battle tournament in Portland. I really had a monster tournament and my wife was able to watch it live. She was impressed on how much I improved

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Willie Goolsby taught me the game.  He preached hitting will get you playing time and use the whole field.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Put in the work and no wasted at bats. Every at bat be situational hitter.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Original baseball grip, I usually swing a 28oz because it slows my hands down

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
This past offseason I dropped 55lbs to make a serious run @ playing conference or playing comp. I usually BP 2-3 times a week, working on my craft.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Basketball, The Los Angeles Lakers !!!

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I must eat Oatmeal before games it settled my nerves and stomach.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
One More Chance by Biggie Smalls or any song by E-40

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Always willing to work on weaknesses and make necessary adjustments when needed.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys 4 Tots in Palm Springs, the turnout is amazing.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
BLD Las Vegas and I believe the Commons in Chattanooga

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any place that has Blue Moon

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Toys 4 Tots a really good friend of mines was smashing in the OPEN and the team protested him. Per the blog they call him "RONNIE" lol

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
That I'm a HUGE history lover, I'll fly a day or two before tournaments to go to museums or prestigious areas of the city to see why they're so intriguing.