An interview with manager Shawn Long of Team Combat/AML25 (Columbus, Ohio)
Shawn Long
Why do you like the game of softball?
I like softball because it has allowed me to meet so many good people from all over. It has also given me the chance to explore numerous cities and States that I would have never been to. I like the competition and the close friendships I have developed over the years.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen?
I would have to say Rick Baker for a all around player, I would also pull for Wegs
Where do you call home?
New Holland, Ohio
What do you do for a living?
Im a Outside Salesman for the Fastenal Company
What is your softball background as a player?
I started when I was high school just playing some with my family, Then started playing competitive ball with my uncle Chris Long.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
By watching and growing up around the sport with my family is how id say I got into the sport. My highest accomplishment in this sport is winning the 2005 Great Lakes C Nationals. My goal is to have my team competing in the Conference within the next five years.
Who are you managing/sponsoring in 2011?
I will be a coach/player for Team Combat/AML25
What does your roster look like?
Very solid id say I put alot of thought in my recruitting process and I really think it will pay off.
What is your teams goal for 2011?
To win not only the Nationals but to win a world title.
Where do you look for talent?
All over id say, my players are scattered all over the state of Ohio
What is more important, talent or attitude?
Attitude….. A bad attitude will ruin someone
How do you evaluate players?
1. Attitude 2. Talent 3. How can they benefit my team, and in what areas can they do that in.
What is your favorite sports team?
Cincinnati Reds
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
College Basketball
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
No not really
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Was when I was little and was at a tournament with my dad and he was on first base and they batter behind him had got a hit and my dad was rounding third base and the third baseman stuck his foot out and tripped my dad well needless to say he fell and went back to third base and decked the third baseman. Yep and they both got ejected from the game.
Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
Sport.. You gotta love the game
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make to bring in more sponsors?
Lower the cost of the tournaments
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Cincinnati Major
What can be done to improve the Conference Championships?
The bat checker needs to be more accurate
Is the game better or worse with homerun limits and why?
Mixed feelings about that, I do think that fans love to watch bombs getting hit, on the flipside of that the better players do come out with there versitlie bat control.
Who was the best team in softball history?
I remember going to the Strohs Tournament in Springfield Ohio when I was a kid and man was there some good teams. Hague was always a favorite id say. But throughout the years Resmondo and Dan Smith has put together some great teams throughout the past years
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
A guy had hit a missle with bases loaded back to the pitcher and the ball literally hits the rubber which was sticking above the ground and comes back to the catcher and he turns a triple play.
DW note: Why does USSSA not use the temporary fence shown in this picture for all games at the ESPN (Disney) main diamond? This fence looks a lot better, and is higher.
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