Friday March 29th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

2018 Free Agent CF/MI Phil Matte

 

 

 

Phil Matte

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 12/18/2017

Who are you playing with in 2018?
2018 Free Agent – pematte10@gmail.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Middle INF, 2B, and Outfield. Best position I would say is centerfield.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Greg Connell. He has a smooth approach at the plate and very good hands.

Why do you like the game of softball?
I like the game of softball because it helps me keep that competitive drive I grew up with and it creates great friendships with people all over the country.

What is your height and weight?
6' 1" 200 pounds

Where do you call home?
Radcliff, KY

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I like to spend my off weekends relaxing with the family and getting stuff done around the house.

What do you do for a living?
I was a K9 handler for 6 years but currently doing contractor work.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball in High School and college.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was playing in a local tournament and Bill Pinkham called me and asked if I wanted to play more competitive ball and ended up playing C with Hub City for 2 years.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The defensive aspect of the game. Non routine plays at the lower level become routine at the upper level.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I wouldn't compare my overall game to any certain player but when it comes to hitting I watched a lot of the Major players to get an idea of what the best approach was coming in to certain situations.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Bill Pinkham. Used to take an insane amount of bp and he forced me to learn to cut the third baseline and also hit backside very well.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I use a little bit of an overlap grip and I swing 26 or 27.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Stay in the gym and lift and hit in a cage and take some swings with total control balls.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Detroit Red Wings. Grew up in Michigan so I'm a huge hockey fan.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Nothing too crazy, just can't say what they are!

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Still D.R.E. by DR Dre

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
County Community in Owensboro, KY. The atmosphere and competition is unreal.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Berliner in Columbus, OH. Nothing better than playing on turf fields. But another complex I love is the Summit in Chattanooga, TN. Fields are great and overall a great complex.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Don't really have a favorite place to go and eat but I'm always looking for the best place to get a burger.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My mom bought me an A2000 when I was 13 years old and I can say that was hands down the best glove I have ever used, so I would have to say that was the best sports related gift.
 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.