An interview with Ty Stroble

Ty Stroble

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 12/27/2019

Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past?
Aftermath ( Oklahoma)
Men's C

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
I would consider myself a utility player. I've been told my best position is Shortstop but I'm most comfortable at Middle Infielder.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis Reyna, Kevin Bazat, Greg Connell, Brian Wegman, Ryan Harvey, Kyle Pearson, just to name a few…..

Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the relationships you form. I've been fortunate enough to play in the civilian and military scenes and it's really about the people you meet along the way for me.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Little biased here but I would say my brother Hunter Stroble. I think he could play on a conference team right now and have an impact instantly. Pretty solid hitter, understands the game,  and is going to get the job done on the mound.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
When I first started playing people called me Bieber ( Sullivan Financial guys started it). I would say that was the one that stuck the longest but haven't heard it in awhile…. would love to keep it that way.

What is your height and weight?
6 ft 3 in
250 lbs

Where do you call home?
Montoursville, PA
Enid, OK is the home away from home

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I usually just work but if I don't, the girlfriend and I will usually find something to do. I usually play the guitar in the worship band on Sundays as well.

What do you do for a living?
Program Manager for a Contracting Company.
I've been an assistant softball and baseball coach the last 4 years. I will be an assistant baseball Coach at Garber High School in 2020.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Yes but only my freshman year.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I grew up watching my dad play. Some of my first memories of the softball field are of him playing at Indian Park in Montoursville. When my mom joined the Air Force, my dad always played on her squadron's teams. I was fortunate enough to get to play with my dad on the MDG team when my mom was stationed here in Oklahoma. We only got to play one year together but we won the base championship which is a pretty neat memory.

When my parents still lived in Oklahoma, my dad was playing for his company team ( Mid America). They were short a player and I went out and played shortstop and just kept playing league with them until I put the team in an NSA tournament in Tulsa and that's kind of where the tournament ball started.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
I've only played a handful of conference tournaments but one thing I noticed is the strike zone is different. Pitchers have to throw legit strikes. Also, just from observation you can see that every team has athletes which makes for some good battles. In my opinion you're never out of a game in the conference no matter how much you're down by. Non- Conference teams  seem to get run ruled more often simply because they're different or you lose games in the 4th or 5th inning because of time limits. No time limits in the conference means you have to go for 7 innings most of the time.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
If I had to say anyone in particular I'd say Kevin Bazat. He seems to know his role and embrace it which is what I try to do on any team I play on.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Haven't won a world tournament yet but one I can remember in particular was winning ASA C States several years ago. My parents and sister drove up from Texas to watch Hunter and I play and we ended up going to the " if " game and winning the whole thing. It was a real neat experience since it was the last tournament for a lot of the guys as their kids were about to start getting involved in sports. It was also pretty cool to have our family there too.

Also, anytime I get to suit up with the VFW/CA Gear guys is a highlight for me. Love being able to play with/against anyone who is currently serving or has served in the military. Appreciate all that you do!

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
I'd say my dad. I watched him for years and he always just played the game. He never really said much which is kind of how I try to be. I'll admit to getting worked up every now and than but for the most part I just try to enjoy the experience.

John Stock is also someone that I think helped me understand the game of softball. I used to just go up there and swing at whatever I saw but he helped me on my approach and situational hitting.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
I can't say I've made it to the upper level but I will say playing against tougher competition forces you to elevate your game. I'll never forget playing WC Monsta in a big ASA tournament a few years back and going 1-5. 3 of the outs were not routine plays and that just goes to show that you have to hit it in the right spots when playing the best in the game and even if you do, it doesn't mean they aren't going to make a play on it. Strive to be perfect but don't expect to be.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I actually have a standard baseball grip but my hands are actually separated slightly. I never realized I separated my hands until I was in the box and some guy in the field yelled " Scoot in, his hands are separated." I didn't notice it until he said something and I had been playing for 5+ years ha!

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I usually just try to stay as active as possible. Lately it's been 5 am cardio sessions with a lifting session mixed in during the day. Still kind of chunky so still have some work to do !

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Chicago Cubs
Pittsburgh Steelers
OKC Thunder

Baseball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I won't wear my game jersey until the coin flip is completed.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Downfall of us all- ADTR

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
We have a lot of benefit tournaments here in Oklahoma so anytime I get to play in a benefit tournament is always something I enjoy.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The complex in Colorado Springs, CO…

Skyview I think is the name of the complex but don't quote me on that.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I always seem to end up at a BWW……

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Man…..

From someone breaking their hand running to first, people having accidents when running to first base, and people looking like a skipping rock when sliding into bases… there's too many to list….

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I have a M. A. in Sports Psychology