Friday March 15th, 2024
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2019 Free Agent outfielder Ricky Carlson

 

 

 

Ricky Carlson

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 10/23/2018

Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 Free Agent – catchcinco@yahoo.com

2018 – Played with Wiley’s last year. (Rick is the man!)

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Anywhere in the OF. I would say my best position is CF.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Daniel Quartararo (dude makes some plays)

Why do you like the game of softball?
The competitiveness, I’ve always loved competing and testing my abilities. It keeps me active. And the friendships that you gain.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I would have to say little Joey (Simmons). If he continues to work on his bat  and spark a little fire. He just has raw talent and can play anywhere on the field.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Ricky Bobby, Superman (from Jimmy Leger), SauceBoss (I have the sauce…??)

What is your height and weight?
5’9” and 185

Where do you call home?
Crystal River, FL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hanging out with my beautiful wife and daughter (Cassidy and Cami). Taking my boat out. Shooting guns. Sunday dinners with the fam

What do you do for a living?
Lineman

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played HS football, baseball and weightlifting. Played college football (all American punt returner senior year) college baseball senior year until I got picked up to play arena ball. Played pro football for the Tampa Bay storm, Lakeland raiders (arena), team America (over in Poland) and St, Pete Tide (league only lasted one year and folded)

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
"Played in a couple summer rec leagues when I would come home from college. After I moved back Tanner Tapley asked me to play.
Pat Donahue asked me to play with Wiley’s this past year. (Thanks for leaving us Goodtimes boys…??)"

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The overall consistency..

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not very good with names and don’t know many players besides those that I’ve played with

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning my first ring with a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 7th (thanks Robbie…lol) or batting 1.000 vs major teams this past year..

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Bert Werneth (Bertski). He taught me MANY aspects of the game. How/What to think in certain situations. He was also the first sponsor to give me a shot and I’ll always be thankful for those years.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Always work on the weakest part of your game. Play the game the right way because you never know who’s watching. HUSTLE! (It’s free). When you get your opportunity make the most of it. Don’t play timid, approach it as another tournament with the boys, relax and ball out.  Always show gratitude towards your sponsor/coach’s. Most don’t understand what they have to go through so you can play this awesome sport.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Regular grip and 27oz

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout and hit

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Florida Gators, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves.
Football

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
If I’m on or the team is on my bat bag goes in the same spot of the dugout every game. If not…onto the next one

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Disturbed- down with the sickness or Limb Bizkit- break stuff

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Start tournaments late Friday night or earlier Saturday so guys with the normal jobs don’t have to miss so much time. Gets tough.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Fireman (awesome atmosphere), turkey tournament that Milstead puts on (get to play with my wife and friends) or SuperDraft (I mean it’s superdraft)

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Viera (love the turf and size)

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Hooters…

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Our catcher gets a dribbler right in front of the plate, acts like he flips his mask off, screams INSIDE…INSIDE, and soars it to right field

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I played for Team America over in Warsaw Poland in front of 50,000+ fans. The stadium was one of a kind. Is def in the top of my best sports moments. 

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
2011 All American

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