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.

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