Hey Mike, I realize this is a few years old now but much deserved, congrats. I never had the pleasure to play against you but I was wondering if you ever recall playing any of the Brookfield Elks teams out of Brookfield Nova Scotia years ago at the Nationals? A small town team with great local players who won it all in 1980 and were a fixture at the National Championships for many years before and after. Also, I was wondering if you think the one foot on the mound rule change years ago and how that subsequently led to the game being dominated by pitching has helped contribute to the long, sad decline of this great game or of there is a lot more to it then that? Appreciate your insights.
I’m trying to figure out the time frame here. I remember playing against Pete Meredith, Michael White, Rick and Scott Plangger, Rayner Tewake, All very good pitchers
Nice video! Looks like you have had a wonderful career Mike! Did it start in Madison Wisconsin? One of my favorite places!!!! If you are ever near Chicago,IL lmk Would love to catch up!
Well, sort of!! Victoria, BC obviously, then New Zealand (Porirua) then Madison, Wi where I met you!! ( I was so blessed to know you!) Iam easy to reach and I too, would love to catch up. I've been blessed by God with having met so many awesome people, and memories in this game. You certainly were one of the best!
Excuse me, but the pitchers plate is 45 feet from the plate, by crow hopping the release is several feet closer and not legal. Why this is allowed is beyond me. I pitched for a few years and got called once because because I made a half step forward before releasing the pitch.
Couldn't agree MORE!!! Z-man was an awesome teammate , and I was privileged to play on the same team together as we represented our country. He is truly one of the most gifted athletes I've ever seen in the game of Fastball. I owe him for many of the championship rings I wear. WORD!!
@@mikepiechnik9109 Mike you don't have to take aback seat thank yo for being a friend of Rob Guenter who played for us in 77 and beat By Stofflett b k to back game 1 0 and 2. 1. Craig Morris Interstate Batterymen . Your A credit to Fastball thanks again.
How are they supposed to throw hard at all if they stand on the rubber the whole time? Dudes would hit nukes off him if his foot could never leave the rubber, and he would throw about 40 mph slower
Your supposed to but the rule was seldom used in ASA tournaments. And the A in ASA was a joke because it stood for "Amateur" but these guys were being paid big money to throw a softball!
One foot on the mound is legal in many of the tournaments around the US and Canada, but not during international play. It saves the arms of pitchers , and is no doubt a factor in pitchers' extra speed, and longevity on the mound during extra inning games.
Hmmmm? We are allowed to pitch that way , in those tournaments. I realize what you are saying , however, 12 years pitching internationally for Canada says I do know how to "toe-up" the rubber and pitch legally with 2 feet on the mound! Please watch the scenes with Team Canada, and then you'll understand :)
ahahaha wow never expected to get an answer from the big guy!!!! i'm a fastpitch pitcher myself, but i see what you're saying, thanks for writting back sr. regards from argentina
Wow!! Awesome rise ball and drop ball…..💪🏼
One of the ALL TIME Best
good for you Mike .... one of the best in the world my friend !! ... what can ya' say ? .
Legend from New Zealand
Mike
Great to see you recognized for all your accomplishments.......proud to say I was a teammate in your early "Farm" years.
Great times with all the guys on "The Farm!" Awesome years, wonderful memories to look back on :)
Big Mike awesome TV presence lol
awesome
An even better person than a pitcher. And that's saying a lot.
Vittoria ALL the wayy thats my Team!!!!!!!! awwwe yea
Hey Mike, I realize this is a few years old now but much deserved, congrats. I never had the pleasure to play against you but I was wondering if you ever recall playing any of the Brookfield Elks teams out of Brookfield Nova Scotia years ago at the Nationals? A small town team with great local players who won it all in 1980 and were a fixture at the National Championships for many years before and after.
Also, I was wondering if you think the one foot on the mound rule change years ago and how that subsequently led to the game being dominated by pitching has helped contribute to the long, sad decline of this great game or of there is a lot more to it then that? Appreciate your insights.
I’m trying to figure out the time frame here. I remember playing against Pete Meredith, Michael White, Rick and Scott Plangger, Rayner Tewake, All very good pitchers
Yeah! That's my friend Lucas' dad!
I played in the 1996 ISC's in Wisconsin and saw this guy throw... awesome..
1:02 not a nasty rise at all . It seemed the ball went up twice .
I'll take Pete Merridith!
Nice video! Looks like you have had a wonderful career Mike! Did it start in Madison Wisconsin? One of my favorite places!!!! If you are ever near Chicago,IL lmk Would love to catch up!
Well, sort of!! Victoria, BC obviously, then New Zealand (Porirua) then Madison, Wi where I met you!! ( I was so blessed to know you!) Iam easy to reach and I too, would love to catch up.
I've been blessed by God with having met so many awesome people, and memories in this game. You certainly were one of the best!
Excuse me, but the pitchers plate is 45 feet from the plate, by crow hopping the release is several feet closer and not legal. Why this is allowed is beyond me. I pitched for a few years and got called once because because I made a half step forward before releasing the pitch.
no way he the best darren zack AKA BIG Z ! is the best pitcher to ever live
Couldn't agree MORE!!!
Z-man was an awesome teammate , and I was privileged to play on the same team together as we represented our country. He is truly one of the most gifted athletes I've ever seen in the game of Fastball. I owe him for many of the championship rings I wear. WORD!!
@@mikepiechnik9109 Mike you don't have to take aback seat thank yo for being a friend of Rob Guenter who played for us in 77 and beat By Stofflett b k to back game 1 0 and 2. 1. Craig Morris Interstate Batterymen . Your A credit to Fastball thanks again.
They dont come any better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont think the rules were the same back then and now haha but nice work :)
This is large-ball / soft ball?
It's ridiculous that pitcher doesn't have to be in contact with the rubber when he releases the ball
How are they supposed to throw hard at all if they stand on the rubber the whole time? Dudes would hit nukes off him if his foot could never leave the rubber, and he would throw about 40 mph slower
Your supposed to but the rule was seldom used in ASA tournaments. And the A in ASA was a joke because it stood for "Amateur" but these guys were being paid big money to throw a softball!
Cal miller
Played in the Atlantic seaboard in 60s and 70s , excellent
i didn't know you could jump off the rubber.
One foot on the mound is legal in many of the tournaments around the US and Canada, but not during international play. It saves the arms of pitchers , and is no doubt a factor in pitchers' extra speed, and longevity on the mound during extra inning games.
all illegal pitches man both his feet weren't touching the rubber
Hmmmm? We are allowed to pitch that way , in those tournaments. I realize what you are saying , however, 12 years pitching internationally for Canada says I do know how to "toe-up" the rubber and pitch legally with 2 feet on the mound! Please watch the scenes with Team Canada, and then you'll understand :)
ahahaha wow never expected to get an answer from the big guy!!!! i'm a fastpitch pitcher myself, but i see what you're saying, thanks for writting back sr.
regards from argentina
Legend from New Zealand