An interview with All Army’s Marshall Woods!
Marshall Woods
Who are you playing with in 2015?
JTF Hawaii while on the island and whoever else needs a pickup
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Best position by far is 1B but if I'm needed in the corner outfield or P I can fake the funk there too. I also played 3b in Arkansas this year and that was a lot of fun haha.
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's fun. I get to meet new people and travel around while still doing something competetive. I've developed friends for life through this game.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Well I'm obviously going to be biased towards military ballers on this one, and I can't name just one. Clayton Shaw, in my opinion, is the best all around player in the military. Wiggs is probably the best righty hitter, Tre Campbell and Leonard Myers are both lefty's that can dust off a softball too. Best pure athletes are probably Myers, Melton, Kenny Turlington and Johnny Allen. Dex Avery is someone who I've always thought was a killer at the plate too. There are a lot of other military ballers on par but I ain't trying to write a book. No disrespect to anyone that felt left out!
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I have several. "Woody" is probably most commonly used
What is your height and weight?
6'0 255lbs
Where do you call home now and where are you originally from?
Originally from Appomattox, Va. I've been stationed in Hawaii for the past 3 years.
What is your branch of service and are you active or retired?
US Army, Active
How many years did you serve?
6 years so far
What do you want to do when your military career is over?
I'm not sure yet. My bank tells me to be a contractor. My heart tells me to go back to my hometown and help my Dad run an indoor hitting facility. Only time will tell!
What is your highest military softball achievement?
By far winning our third straight Gold Medal this year at the Armed Forces Tournament. A close second is probably taking third at ASA A Nationals with the All Armed Forces team in 2013. That was really my first time playing against the "big boys" and doing well there made me realize that us military guys can play with just about anyone.
Who do you consider to be the best military player of all time?
Tough one. I've only been playing for a handful of years, but I always hear Albert Kemp (US Army ret.) was one of the greats.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football and Baseball in High School. Even though I was better at football, I played baseball at Kent State University
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I was born with a broken collar bone. Also, I was run over by a car when I was 18 months old and sufferd a broken femur and split open both legs. At the time, doctors said I would never run or live a life filled with sports. I think it's worked out ok so far.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My Dad was always really good. I guess it was just the next best thing I could do after baseball was over. A guy named Scott Feterl saw me playing on Ft. Bragg in 2011 and he was an All Army Softball assistant Coach. I've been playing All Army or whatever the highest softball I can play ever since.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The level of play at the skill postions and the pitching.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I don't compare myself to anyone but I do study people to see what they do. I'm a big video guy, I reckon it carried over from college ball, but I like to watch tape to see what I'm doing compared to other people to get the results I want. I can learn a lot from myself and other people by putting it on video.
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 Dad always gives good, honest advice. Vic Rivera has opened my eyes on the type of player I can be. He always tells me to go with my strength and not to let the defense decide what I want to do with the ball. I don't always give him what he wants but he's been a great mentor to me in softball and in life. I've also been fortunate enough to be around some of the best baseball minds in the game, so I try to carry over the mental and physical toughness that I picked up along the way.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
27el, pinky over knob and two overlap
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
BP and golf
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Yankees, Panthers, Flashes, Hokies
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Oh man, I have a "process" that I do every at bat. I don't mean to, but I'm not comfortable if I don't. Guess you'll just have to see it, it's kinda hard to explain haha.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Business, Eminem. 30 second of that song and you'll know why.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Armed Forces Tournament, PACWIDE, Cat City Toys for Toys
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Chick-Fil-A
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Michael Dochwat's last at bat in the 2012 Armed Forces tournament. He's won everything there is to win at the military level and his last at bat was priceless. If you were there you know what I mean, or you can youtube it! lol
Woody, one of best players in military and deserves a opportunity to play at highest. He help change and shape how military softball players are view throughout softball community. This Soldier – athlete is one of the most respectable guys you will ever meet. Good Luck to your future endeavor.
Doc
Great to see the military ballers being recognized. Have a lot of respect for the military athlete trying to balance service, family and working your athletic craft.
One of the best guys on and off the field I’ve had the pleasure knowing and playing with / against. Plays as hard as anyone in the game. Nothing but respect for you bro! Best of luck in the future and I look forward to seeing you on the field for years to come.
DK
Thanks for the kind words fellas. Hope to see yall at the park sooner rather than later!!
We are so proud of you Marshall! Awesome article! We miss you!
Woody is one hell of a ball player. Kills it at the plate and I don’t know if theres a better first baseman defensively out there. Kid picks everything!!! Great person and always a pleasure to be on the field with him or against him!!!!
So much love from the Cartrett Clan 🙂 Love you and so proud of you!
Flat out stud!! Nice interview bro!
So proud of you buddy! Much love,xoxo. Momma and Daddy
Man, thanks for the respect bro. Respect gives respect. Surely a classy ballplayer. Something that softball needs more of. Would love to play with this guy sometime. Good luck this year.
No doubt, thanks for the shout out. Great guy on and off the field. I’m sure once you get back to the main land, it won’t take long to land a home with someone. Until then, keep cutting the rock….
Great interview Big Man, keep doing your thing and keep that intensity, you are a rising star in this game, good luck this year bro..
Great ball player and friend, even when he shows up at your door with BL Chelada’s at 1230 in the morning.
I appreciate the words everyone. Good luck to each of you this season I hope we can all get up for some Cheladas soon haha!