2015 Free Agent shortstop Zack Hartle

Zack Hartle

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Who are you playing with in 2015?
Rebel Sports – z2hartle@gmail.com

2014 Interview:

Why do you like the game of softball?
Gives me the chance to continue to play a sport/game at a very high competitive level. And I feel you meet some life time friends that you wouldn’t have by not playing.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I'm only 4 years in to the game and 1 year in the conference, so with the limited time I would have to go with a guy who gets it done on both sides of the ball Andy Purcell.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
I don’t think there is just one single person, its really whoever puts in the time and wants to be the big next thing in upper softball.

What is your nickname in softball?
Either: Z-har  or given to me this year by Shaun Flemming “Smoove” obviously spelling is wrong but if you know Big Shaun then I think you get it.

What is your height and weight?
6’3” 200lbs

Where do you call home?
Toledo, Ohio

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Me and my fiancé stay pretty active and usually when I'm not playing she is so just watching her and drinking some beers.

What do you do for a living?
Financial Advisor

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
HS: Baseball, basketball  College: Junior college at Glen Oaks and then to OU (Ohio University) 1 1/2 years in Independent ball with Florence Freedom

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Started by all my good friends throwing together an E team called the Toledo Borrachos and we end up winning E worlds in florida in 09. Pretty Great feeling even though it was E. Moved to D the next year then got recruited for a D team in Mich and then last year with Trust/Detroit Elite (C).

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching and there are not that many mishits. Everything is squared up for the most part. Some of the Chusky guys can pick it too.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work, anything you want to be great at needs continuous work and belief that you are worthy enough to do it. Walk with a chip on your shoulder while being humble. It’s a fine line.

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
SS

What batting grip do you use?
Pretty standard with pinky over the knob.

What ounce bat do you use?
27

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Stay active- run, workout, flag football, pickup basketball

What is your favorite sports team?
True tigers fan even when they were a dumpster fire. Not like the new tiger fans that seemed to show up the last few years

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
To watch College Football, to paly basketball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Basically don’t suck

What is your most memorable softball moment?
As of now, its stupid compared to a lot of “upper” guys but winning E worlds with my older brother and best friends. Will never see a closer group then that.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Montell Jordan- This is how we do it

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Lyons, OH festival tourney

What is the best softball field you have played at and why?
Stadium @ Disney

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Chick-fil-a

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
To many to go over