Softball

On our latest appearance In The Circle, we are joined by Saint Leo Head Coach Erin Kinberger who will kick off her 5th season at her alma mater in three weeks. She breaks down her 2020 Lions coming off another trip to the NCAA Tournament. Coach shares her optimism about this year’s team, the increasing depth of the Sunshine State Conference, developing her pitching staff, and the overall success of the Lions’ athletic program. 

We also bring back our #ThrowbackThursday with our first chat with Coach K from 2017 where shares her thoughts about being inducted to the Saint Leo Hall of Fame. We wrap up the show talking about another hall of fame player turned coach and Victor’s thoughts on some of the best players he’s seen in the SSC during his time following the conference.

Josh Waltrich

USSSA Playing History

Interview conducted on 12/29/2019

Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past?
2020 Free Agent – waltrich14@gmail.com

Currently no one
Was given a shot a few years ago with A&A but was let go after dual
        
What positions do you play and what is your best position?        
Best positions are left field, 1st base, 3rd base
Will also pitch
        
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?        
Danny Macelli in Alaska has the best hands in the dirt I’ve ever seen.
Steve Myers showed me the work it took to become a good hitter. 
Johnny Keene is an absolute freak of nature. 
Joseph Chastain and Carlos Parker showed me the ins of the game. How to play the game. Also showed me how to lead a team. I may have been the best player. But these two led the teams I was on. True leaders.
        
Why do you like the game of softball?        
Competition. Simple         

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
“Alaska”         
        
What is your height and weight?        
6’3 240        
        
Where do you call home?        
Pennsylvania         
        
What’s your favorite way to spend an off weekend?        
Hope it’s by playing ball!         
        
What do you do for a living?        
Home remodeling         
        
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?        
I played 3 sports. football, basketball, track and field         
        
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?        
Started in Alaska. Military. Got hooked from get go. My ego drove me and my doubters drove me more. Steve Myers was the first true softball player I ever met. Teammates in Alaska. My first true competitor and guy I actually tried to better myself to get to his level! Joey Chastain. Johnny Keene. Trent lee. Apart of one of the best teams I’ve ever been on. Joey my brother, sent me on a journey. And I was able to meet lyf Nimmo along the way. And even tho I had nothing much to offer, he took the time to answer any and all questions I could ever think plus more. He pitched to me. (Super star I’m my mind) pitching to me!!

Along with many. Lyf is the one who finally got me on a team. Came out swinging. Lol. My life was deteriorating beneath me and before I knew it. I was about to plunge in rock bottom. Just in time to ruin the work and time lyf and others had put into me. But I’ve been back home now for 2 years. And I’ve rebuilt my foundation…. and I’m ready to get back up on this horse.
        
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?        
Honesty. The brains of the game. Situational play. fundamentals. Skill is obviously different to. But the smarts of the game at the top level, is completely non existent in many parts of the lower levels. In my short experience         
        
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I tried to copy Greg Connell. Now that I’m older, im realizing… im
Josh.
        
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?        
Many of my highlights will never be known. And that is ok. But I can say military worlds in 2016 and we upset the top 2 teams. Conference players… and team lol

I’d like to say that I led that team offensively that tourney. And it was my first ever big out of state tourney. Hit 827 for the tourney. Against JTF/ Fallen and I honestly can’t remember the name of the team but meltron, Jenkins, tre, etc we’re on the team. We upset them to knock em out. I remember tre exploding his cooler against a light pole! Against JTF I was 5-5 with 3 HR and against other I was 4-5 2 HR…. we finished 5th tho. Or tied for. And therefore no honorable mentions for me lol.
        
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?        
Steve Myers
Jake Iacono

Neither know. But they were the 2 who stood out from the crowd in Alaska when I first started. To me these were the 2 best hitters. And I wanted to be up there with them. And so I worked my ass off to get as close to as I could. They pushed me to develop my skills in all aspects of the game.
        
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?        
Stay humble….. and most importantly. Make sure all your personal life, financial life, and anything else you have going on, is SET, before you say yes to a sponsor and coach asking you to make a commitment.         
        
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?        
One finger over lap with one finger top hand over lap. I swing whatever feels good to me.         
        
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?        
i regularly work out. My job keeps me strong in my hands and arms. I’m on my feet all day as well.         
        
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?        
Philly. Football        
        
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?        
I have to remember to stay calm.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?        
Snowball. By far. No explanation needed if you’ve been.         
        
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?        
The new usssa complex.         
 

On this episode of In The Circle, We are joined by Dina Kwit. Kwit, who was a photographer for the Chicago Bandits from 2009-2018, discusses her new book ” Through My Lens A Decade of National Pro Fastpitch Photos.”

Kwit also conducted numerous interviews for the book, including Cat Osterman, Cheri Kempf, Don DeDonatis, and more. 

Also, in this episode, Eric and Victor react to Brenna Moss retiring from the Chicago Bandits and the American Conference preseason poll. 

“Through My Lens A Decade of National Pro Fastpitch Photos” can be purchased at https://store.bookbaby.com/. Use promo code “FastpitchNews” and save $20. The offer is good through 1/31/2020. 

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