Wednesday March 27th, 2024
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Don Dedonatis III

 

Don Dedonatis III

USSSA Playing History

Major Player

GoSoftball.com Player Page

2011 Interview

Why do you like the game of softball?
It provides an opportunity to compete at a high level and most importantly create a bond and comradery with teammates that share a common interest.   I look forward to working out and taking batting practice to prepare for each and every weekend.   I have met lifelong friends along the way so softball has been a special part of my life.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
As a kid growing up I remember being in awe watching Dave Stefan and Bruce Meade play ball.   As far as today there are so many great players I would have a hard time naming just 1.

Where do you call home?
Kissimmee, Florida

What do you do for a living?
Executive VP of USSSA Baseball Operations

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football, Basketball and Baseball in High School.   College Baseball at Eastern Michigan University and played pro baseball in the Detroit Tigers organization and a year of independent ball in The Frontier League.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I grew up around the sport and always knew that someday if baseball did not work out I would love to play competitive softball.   After being done with baseball and playing a year of C ball with some buddies John Rector gave me a chance to play A ball with Mountain Top.   After that 1st season of A ball I was hooked and knew this was something I wanted to do as long as possible.

What batting grip do you use?
Pretty basic grip I overlap my pinkie over the knob of the bat.

What is your favorite sports team?
Michigan Wolverines

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
I enjoy playing basketball the most, but watching football.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I have about 100 superstitions from the way I put my socks on to the way I put my bat bag in the car.    I could go on and on, but lets just say I am a very superstitious person.

What is your most memorable softball moment?
It is hard to pick 1 moment because I have been fortunate enough to have a few, but I would say winning my 1st A Worlds with Mountain Top in 2001.   We were a tight knit group that really got along well and that 1st World Championship is always very special.

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
I think it is both.  Even when I played baseball at a pro level I thought of it as both.   I think you have to have fun whether you are playing league ball with buddies or you are playing for the New York Yankess.   Obviously the pressure is different, but at the of the day we all starting playing sports as a kid because we loved them and the day it ever feels like a job will be the day I quit playing.

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I wish there was a way everybody could swing the same bats.   If it was not for individual contracts and team sponsorships with manufacturers I would love to see all bats put in 1 bucket before the game and anybody could swing whatever bat they wanted.

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Last Chance at Liberty Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  That is my hometown and with living in Florida now I love going back and playing in front of old friends and family.

 



 



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