Thursday March 28th, 2024
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An interview with Pure Sports infielder Tommy Melton

 

 

 

Tommy Melton

USSSA Playing History

Major Rated Player

Interview conducted on 3/20/2019

Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 SIS/Pure. I’ve played with Nightmare, Killbombers, 3rd St, Semper, ASP, and Adiktiv

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Middle man is my bread and butter but last year at the major I played a mean 3rd base coach/bat boy.  Lol. With enough work and heads up I’ll get it done anywhere.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I am a big fan of Wegman. We don’t get to see it a lot, if at all, but that man can play a mean shortstop as well as everything on and off the field he does for softball.  Briggs, Dunner, and Lloyd are freaks and are impressive to watch as well as guys that can do it all.

Why do you like the game of softball?
It drives me in the gym and gives me something to look forward to. The competition and commraderie with the fellas and just how action packed with fun the sport is.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
There is so much talent out there it’s truly hard to pick one.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Fire department started calling me MelTron after the first transformers movie.
T-Money
Money-Melt
Tommy2beers
2run Tommy
TomKat

What is your height and weight?
5’10” 207 of PURE twisted steel.

Where do you call home?
Born in Montclair CA. Joined the Air Force after college. So home is where I currently live for the moment in Colorado.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my family around the house, grilling, garage life.

What do you do for a living?
United States Air Force Fire Fighter for the last 15 years and Professional Softball player. Still sounds funny to say it.


How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I’ve been around ball my entire life. Pro ball runs in my family so naturally after college and joining the Air Force I picked up with my fire department team to keep the competitive edge going. Talent kept me moving up and getting me noticed in the military world.  Chuck Shepard was one of the first to take a chance on me for Hurbys base team. From there I joined the All Air Force team where I meet Mr. Pup. I played 4 years of All Air Force ball and had monster influences that kept me grounded, humble, and level headed. Bill Mamo for being the most positive guy on and off a softball field hands down. Truly impressive how he never let the anger sharks out. Josh Wiggs for noticing the talent and pushing to develop it with faith in me at all times.  After Air Force ball Mr. Pup made a mistake and got me on the USA Futures Team (where we beat the USA team). I haven’t played All Force ball since but I intend to make an appearance soon. Next big influence was a man named Jason Magnum. Everyone knows that guy and apparently everyone’s girlfriend does as well. Lol. He took me under his wing and has been pushing me ever since. I was ready to step away for financial reasons and he made it happen and brought me right back. 100% thankful and very glad he did. From there it’s been commitment, hard work, and dedication to the sport.  Main point here is the support system you choose to surround yourself with does influence your caliber of play. Find what drives you to produce at your optimum level and get the right guys to develop and push that which drives you.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The amount of talent. Everyone is solid on both sides of the game.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Mr. Charlie Hustle Pete Rose in the aspect he was 110% between the lines every single game.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
My highlight will come when I win a battle against Mags. He won’t let me out hit him for distance no how. Several instances over a few years I would step on a ball and be pumped about it. He would follow up with an even more impressive creature every single time. True story. It’s ridiculous to be honest.
However I would have to say Band-Aid 2017 (Big military dual in Co Springs) I had a perfect tournament.  Hit 1.000 and played flawless defense on top of that we won the tourney.  I definitely didn’t do it alone.  The support from my teammates kept me focused and locked in.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My Dad is at the top of that list. My character and demeanor from watching his style and talent has developed me as a player.
Bill Mamo for his positivity
Josh Wiggs for his ability to win at all cost
Mr. Pup in the way respect is given to him by everyone around him
Mags for his light hearted approach to the game
Maggard for his patience and level mindedness
Wegman, Kirby, and the other great big names that know they are “big timers” but don’t act too big for the game.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Stay true to yourself and associate with athletes that build you up and support you. Don’t focus or be effected by the negiative. And bust your butt for the amazing sponsors like (Greg Millsap, Donnie Monford, Nimmo, Ike Rivers, Jon Kilburn, Nolan Fogle, Graig Shaw and all the local sponsors that put together teams so we can play.)


What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I harass Steele Lewis and J Mags for being so small. Lol. Play ice hockey (you don’t want it Lunda) snowboard and get swoll.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I don’t think I do. Its more of routines but according to Kenny Turlington I do. I unpack all my gear and clothes when I arrive at the hotel to get organized for the weekend.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
I think about that at the beginning of every season and when it’s time to choose I still don’t have an answer.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I like what they are trying to do. Find the right ball for the right complex and fields.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Band-Aid in Colorado Springs. You get all the Military teams from all over out there creating havoc, reuniting with family, oh and you get to play lots of softball on a gorgeous all turf complex.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The Air Force Academy baseball field is all turf with a sick backdrop for a view. Keep an eye out for it in a video featuring the New 2019 Pure MelTron.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anywhere they serve Ultra and salad with double meat. B-lo, BD, n Pat Burton rip me apart for this last season. But their “ole salad eating asses” got right into line with it. Lol

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I've seen a lot of things and laughed so hard my face hurt. Most of these stories come with censors for sure. You hang around Mags, Wild Bill, usually any military team (SOCO) enough and you’ll become a story yourself.
 

 



 






 

4 responses to “An interview with Pure Sports infielder Tommy Melton”

  1. Reid says:

    It’s about time we get to read your Bio!! LOL!! It has definitely been fun to watch you grow in the softball world. One of the best teammates I’ve ever shared a dugout with!! Congrats on all your accomplishments my man.

  2. Anthony Eschete says:

    One of the greatest teammates/person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. HUGE influence in my softball career and still is. I know more people that look up to Tommy than any other player. He is the SPARK, the guy that gets it going and never lets you down, unless he drinks 2 beers. The influence he has had in the Air Force and Military alone is crazy to even put into words. Craig Shaw and Pure definitely have one of the BEST, if not THE BEST at his position in the game. I challenge anyone to Find me a better teammate/person in softball.

  3. Adrian Griffith says:

    LOL … “I’ve seen a lot of things and laughed so hard my face hurt. Most of these stories come with censors for sure. You hang around Mags, Wild Bill, usually any military team (SOCO) enough and you’ll become a story yourself.”

  4. Great guy all around to play ball with for sure!

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