An interview with Mafia/ASPNation.com pitcher Rodney Fail
Rodney Fail
Who are you playing with in 2013?
Mafia/ASPNation.com
Why do you like the game of softball?
Have always loved the competition of the game.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Seen so many great players play, but would have to say Andy Purcell.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There is a lot out of young talent out there, but would say Jonathan Lenz, Marcus Thornton, Jason Trammell and Chris Potts can all pick it with the best of them and Kevin Ballard and Stuart Snell can flat out hit with anyone.
What is your nickname in softball?
Do not have one.
What is your height and weight?
6'00" 220lbs
Where do you call home?
Pasadena, Texas
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I have 3 girls, (20, 3 and 1) the two young ones keep me very busy on weekends that I do not play.
What do you do for a living?
Sr. Accounting Manager for Oil & Gas Engineering company.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
No
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started playing leagues with friends out of High School. Have always played upper level softball in Texas. My first major tournament I was picked up by Sterlin Ibrom to play outfield for KCS/BEP/JDS/TPS at the Major World Series in Disney. Nothing like playing at Disney.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
What I have noticed is after playing in the Conference events when you play a local tourney the game just seem to be played in slow motion.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Leave it all on the field…always give 110%. Do Work!!!
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Always play your hardest and sooner or later you will get noticed.
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitcher/IF
What batting grip do you use?
Regular grip with bottom finger over knob
What ounce bat do you use?
27oz
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Gym and BP
What is your favorite sports team?
University of Houston, Texas A&M and USC (University of South Carolina)
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Football
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Playing with US Vinyl in the Smoky Mountain Classic when we scored over 50 runs in the second inning of our Saturday morning game. I believe everyone batted 7 times in that inning. It was crazy. I think it is still a Smoky record. That was the same tourney Kelly Hartman hit the longest homerun I have ever seen. It went 1/2 way up the oak tree behind the tennis courts in right field. Damn…miss those Miken Ultras
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
G&R…Welcome to the Jungle
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Like it as it is. It is no longer just a power hitters game. You now need the right mix of power, base hitting and speed to play today.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Conference – Smoky Mountain Classic
Non-Conference – Schulenburg festival
What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
Would have to say Disney, field is usually perfect until the Florida afternoon shower sets in. The BLD fields run a close second.
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Any place works for me.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Playing in Schulenburg Festival, Kenny Scobee usually runs the team and usually carries about 15-19 players because you never know who will be passed out drunk and not show up for the Sunday morning game. With that being said we had an 8 am game on Sunday and 9 players in the dugout when the umpire said play ball. Britt Hightower is our leadoff batter, he comes walking into the dugout, drops his stuff, grabs his bat and gets into the batter's box. He looks at the umpire and calls time then bends over and hurls all over home plate. Kicks some dirt on it and hit a bomb on the next pitch. Classic…
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