English Translation Courtesy of our good friend Martin Jorge, the editor of:
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Martin Jorge, Editor of Softballnewsla.com (“Softball News Latin America), based in Argentina.
Fastpitchwest Editor’s note:
Great, original piece by Martin Jorge, Editor of Softballnewsla.com is the hottest blog going for Spanish speaking players and fans. We tip our cap to Martin and his great work. With the ISF World Championships coming up in July, the three Spanish speaking countries, Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela will have a place to follow the news, not to mention a larger group of fans in all Spanish speaking countries. (By the way, the “LA” in the site’s name is for “Latin America”, not “Los Angeles”)
Patrick Shannon< is a member of the reigning (2004) ISF World Champions, the New Zealand Black Sox, as well as the reigning (2008) ISC World Champions, the Kitchener Hallman Riversharks. Shannon was 3-for-3 in the 2008 ISC championship game. As noted in this interview, it's safe to say that Shannon has a habit of coming up big in the big games in his career. Here is what his brief bio at the New Zealand Black Sox website says about him:
PATRICK SHANNON
Position: Catcher
Club: Waitakere Bears
Province: Auckland
DOB: 21/06/75
Career details – Patrick first debuted for the NZCT Black Sox in 1995 and was in and out of the team before cementing his place in the side in 2001. Since then he has become a regular feature of the side and was part of the 2004 World Championship winning team. Patrick is joined in the team by his twin brother Heinie.
And now, the interview of Pat Shannon, from www.softballnewsla.com:– Pat, tell me something about your early days in softball. How, where and why did you start to play softball?
I started playing softball at age 5 in Auckland and I started playing because my Uncles played. One of my Uncles played for the Black Sox and was a catcher.
– I know that your twin brother is a pitcher, and that you had the pleasure of playing with him in the Black Sox. I imagine you both shared thousands of hours of training and play. How is your relationship with him, both inside and outside the field?
Like all brothers, very honest. On the field it’s very close, we know what makes us tick and off the field it’s very relaxed and we try not to talk to much softball.
– You have a particular stance when you are at bat, standing with your feet almost facing the pitcher. How, where and why did you start to have that kind of stance ? What benefits do you think this stance gives to you?
I started having that stance in 1994. I did it because when I stood ‘normal’ I always stepped away from the ball so I opened up my stance which forces me to step to the ball and I haven’t changed back since.
– There is something that surprises me, you have a lot of hits by pitch in your career. Why is that?
Because of my open stance it looks like I’m far off the plate but by the time I come around and step to the ball the gap closes up and results in a pitch that the pitcher thinks is a good inside spot but becomes very close to my body and I usually get hit.
– Your debut with the Black Sox was in 1995, when you were just 20 years old. What did this first call from the Black Sox mean to you?
That dreams do come true but requires alot of hardwork and honesty.
– Was there any player who specially inspired you?
Eddie Kohlase, his leadership and take no prisoner attitude.
– You had the opportunity to play with Mark Sorenson, what did it mean to you?
Firstly, I never thought I would be in the same team as him and he showed me what it takes to be the very best in Softball. It was great to learn from him since he was catcher a too.
– In the second inning of the final of the 2004 ISF World Championship, in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Black Sox tied the score against Canada with a home run batted by you, in the anniversary of your wedding. I imagine that you felt something very special when you did that homer.
Very special. It is also my Mothers birthday.
– When and how did you go to North America to play for an ISC team by the first time?
It was 2001 and I decided to go because I previously missed out on the 2000 ISF and wanted a break from NZ Softball. I only intended to go over for one season since I had young kids but things changed and I really enjoyed the softball over there and made many friends.
– Let’s make some history, final game of the 2005 ISC World Championship, bottom of the seventh inning, County Materials were 3-0 down, you batted a two-run home run to start the comeback (his team, County Materials, tied the game 3-3 in the seventh, and won the championship in the eighth inning); final game of the 2006 ISC World Championship, you batted a three run home run (County win the final 7 – 1); in the last final of the ISC, in Kimberly, you scored the first run with a home run in the sixth, when your team were down 3–0, and in the seventh you hit a single in the come back of your team to win the game (Kitchener were losing 3-0 in the top of the sixth, and turned the game to win the championship by 6-3). In the final game of the 2004 ISF World Championship, you homered to tie the game in the second, and then you won the World Championship. You’re doing good on the finals…
When I’m in a final I just make sure I don’t get cheated on my swings. No time to worry, just give it everything I got.
– You had won 3 ISC rings in the last four years, with two different teams, one from the United States (County Materials -2005 and 2006 -) and another from Canada (Kitchener Riversharks -2008-). According to your experience, were there differences in the organization, style of play and philosophy between U.S. teams and Canadian teams?
The big difference that I experienced is that the US teams have more imports than the Canadian teams. Both have the same idea about winning and both don’t like to lose to each other.
– The upcoming ISC season will be interrupted by the ISF World Championship, in July. How does this affect the ISC teams and the national teams?
I don’t think it will have that much of an impact. Most of the top teams are full of international players so they know what to expect.
– New Zealand has dominated the world of softball for over twenty years. What separates the teams and players from New Zealand in relation to the rest of the world?
We are just normal guys that play for each other. We are honest, hardworking and willing to give anything for our country and each other. Team comes first, win or lose we will always strive to be better.
– What is New Zealand’s secret to produce so many players with such a high quality and talent?
Not sure, we don’t play much baseball so I suppose we just start playing softball from a young age which is different than alot of other countries whom play baseball instead of softball among boys.
– Since the start of the World Championships, NZ has fallen outside the podium in only 2 occasions (1968 and 1980). Furthermore, since the 1984 World Championship, in Midland, New Zealand has played all World Champioinships final games, winning 4 of the last 6 Championships, last 3 consecutively. Is this a factor of pressure for you and your team facing the next World Championship?
Not at all. All that means is that we are a part of a proud tradition of producing successful teams which only asks of us to be hardworking and honest towards giving the best that each player can, in turn makes for a a good team.
– There´s not doubt that New Zealand is one of the best teams in the race for the World Championship. Who are the other strong teams with good chances to win it all?
Canada, Australia, Japan and USA. All teams have a good chance and we are willing to give our best effort to be there at the end.
– What do you know about the Argentine National Team and his players?
I have played with and against alot of the Argentine players in the US. They are extremely passionate and not scared of any opponent.
– What expectations do you personally got in relation to this New Zealand tour to Argentina?
My goals this tour is to adjust quickly and effectively to different styles of players and be a positive influence within the Black Sox team
– What is the importance of this tour in the Black Sox preparation for the World Championship next year?
It is a good way for the team and management to see how other countries play and organise themselves around softball and maybe get some good tips that will help the Black Sox become a better international unit.
– Finally, when you will be retired, how would you like softball fans all around the world remember Pat Shannon ?
I hoped to be thought of as a hardworking, honest team mate, a strong leader and obviously a great catcher and hitter. A good role model to all the kids.