An interview with Midwest Swing/Miken's Todd Mazzier
Todd Mazzier
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Why do you like the game of softball?
Softball is great for me at this point in my life because it still allows me to compete on very high level. It also allows me to get to spend time with some of my best friends.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I have seen so many great players over the years it is hard to pick out just one. If I had to pick a team right now, I guess I would start with Purcell, Wegman, and the Bakers (Rick and Bryson).
Where do you call home?
I live in Evansville, IN with my wife Rachel and three kids Reece, Jake, and Ryan.
What do you do for a living?
I am a territory manager for Stryker Instruments.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I didn't start playing softball until my middle 20's and got picked up to go play the BIT "B" an BIT "A" one year. From there I got the fever and got picked up by a local B team the next year. Played for C&D Appliance, 5/3, Ad-Craft, MidWest Softball, Playerwharehouse, and last year we formed MidWest Swing to play the conference.
What is your teams goals for 2011?
We want to win USSSA B super world and qualify for all of the post-season USSSA events.
Where do you look for players?
We look for players from primarily the MidWest since our budget doesn't allow for much travel.
What is more important in a player, talent or attidute?
Talent and attitude are both equally important. Obviously, you have to have talent, but if you don't have chemistry it is a recipe for disaster!
What do you look for in a player?
We look for talented guys that would be a good "fit" with our team.
What is your favorite sports team?
New York Yankees and IU athletics
What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Golf, Basketball, Football, etc..
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Too Many to name!
What is your most memorable softball moment?
Winning the ISA supers and WSL in Panama City in the same year!
Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
In my opinion, slowpitch softball is a sport when it comes to weekend teams and is a game in relation to league nights.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Limit the number of major players on a roster and bump more teams in the lower levels up. ELIMINATE composite bats!!!!!
HR limits helped but they need to be increased, everyone likes to hit homeruns, but in order to this they would have to take up the suggestions I made above about the bats and rosters.
What is your favorite non-World tournament?
That's a toss up between the Southern in Burkesville, KY and the Tavern Tournament in St. Wendel, IN. Both of them are a blast!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
A few years ago, we were playing a league game and an older well known player is sitting in our dugout ragging us about hitting and hustling. So, the 7th inning comes around and he is pretty drunk. We send him up there to pinch hit to show us how its done. He takes a huge hack and the ball rolls about 10 feet. Adding insult to injury, as he takes off out the box he trips and lands flat on his face about 10 feet from home plate. He said the thought he broke his ribs!!!!
What team are you playing for in 2011?
Midwest Swing/Miken
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