OKLAHOMA CITY — USA Softball Men’s Major Fast Pitch has been dominated by numerous teams in its 90-year history with the top rosters going on to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team (MNT) on the world stage. From the Aurora Sealmasters to the Clearwater Bombers, these teams have made their mark in history. Yet among all the teams and international accolades, one thing remains the same: each MNT squad got their start at the grassroots level of USA Softball.
Coming from humble beginnings in upstate New York, a neighborhood softball team has grown to become the next powerhouse of all-stars across the Men’s Fast Pitch world. The NY Gremlins of Clifton Park – founded by National Softball Hall of Famer and Sponsor, Bruce Tanski – have claimed eight USA Softball Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship titles and is the only team in the 21st century to three-peat twice at the Men’s Major level – clinching three consecutive titles from 2016-2018 and again from 2021-2023, the most recent of which came this past August. With top talent comes top exposure as several members of the Gremlins have taken their game to the international stage as a part of the U.S. MNT program – making history on both levels while holding strong to the idea of community.
“The Gremlins have a strong core with high expectations,” said longtime member of both the Gremlins and U.S. MNT, Nick Mullins. “We’re all pulling on the same chain and we’re all here for the same reason. There are better players out there – don’t get me wrong – but the Gremlins have built an unbelievable culture and I think that’s what truly sets us apart.”
Mullins got his start in Men’s Fast Pitch after growing up playing baseball and eventually transitioning to Modified Pitch, and later, to Men’s Fast Pitch as a part of the Gremlins. Following a similar path was his once-competitor, now-teammate – Erick Ochoa – who also played baseball, transitioned to Fast Pitch, then earned a spot on Team Mexico before the Gremlins recruited him to compete in the States.
Though baseball and softball are both bat and ball sports, the transition between the two can often be difficult according to Gremlins assistant coach, Greg Hicks, who also grew up playing both sports: “It’s very difficult to transition from baseball to fast pitch, which is why we don’t see a lot of migration from college players. It takes time to adapt and be successful, and it takes a special person to stick with it.”
The Clifton Park team has continued to build a roster stacked with talent throughout the years with the help of Hicks, who – like Mullins – admires how the squad has stuck to its roots when selecting those special types of players, emphasizing character over skill. “We’re focused on finding the ones that fit both on and off the field,” said Hicks. “I think guys realize that and it makes them want to stick around and be a part of the organization. You’re not just here just because you play softball – you’re a part of the family and we’re going to treat you like that.”
With an eight-week season during the summer, the squad hits it hard with days full of travel, preparation and competition – all while trying to balance a full-time job and personal life. The demanding schedule brings the group together – creating that tight-knit atmosphere – while family back at home also play a crucial role in the support system. For some, family is farther away than others, as several of the Gremlins hail from places like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Argentina and Mexico. The majority of this group stays together over the summer with the Gremlins taking care of lodging and travel while other members of the team, such as Australia’s Andrew Kirkpatrick, take up residence with U.S. natives like Mullins.
“We have guys from all over the world and everyone gets along well,” said Mullins. “During the summer weeks, Andrew stays with me and we actually get to train a little bit – throwing bullpens and taking BP. It’s nice because usually it’s hard to find someone around me that’s willing to put in a lot of work.”
With the team coming from all corners of the world and several players – and coaches – working during the week, it’s the consistent practice that often proves most difficult. This, however, also goes to show the discipline and dedication the Gremlins have to be successful as they find ways to practice no matter the circumstance – even if it means showing up early to Mullins’ 11-year-old son’s baseball practice to get a few extra reps in.
The obvious trust in each other’s talent and work ethic adds to the idea of unity and is instilled in the community the Gremlins have built. No matter where they are in the world, they still have a connection which yields success on the field with a desire to be the best. “We want to be the all-time leader for USA Softball Men’s Fast Pitch National Championships,” said Mullins. “We’re chasing the Clearwater Bombers and our goal is absolutely to overtake that record.”
The passion, drive and community atmosphere fostered in the Gremlins organization also bleeds into the U.S. MNT program in which Mullins, Ochoa and Hicks have a hand in as well.
Serving as an assistant coach in the MNT program for several years, Hicks attributes the team’s success on the international stage to the strong grassroots effort. “We’ve beat the bushes and done a really good job of finding these young kids,” he said. “Whether they play on the Gremlins, or for another top organization, we bring them to these tournaments to face elite competition, evaluate their skill and find out who they are as a person. It’s truly made the biggest difference in shaping the MNT program today.”
For Mullins, he claims he never would have donned the Red, White and Blue if it weren’t for the Gremlins seeking him out. Ochoa shares the same pride in the opportunity: “It is an honor to represent the U.S. and to be a part of the best players in this country. I feel really happy when I put on my USA jersey – it just feels different.”
For decades, athletes playing in the grassroots have dreamed of reaching the top level of the game. In USA Softball Men’s Fast Pitch, the success and community the Gremlins have built has allowed both athletes and coaches to live out that dream.
“You watch the Olympics as a kid and see the women winning the gold medal and you’re like – ‘Man, that would be cool,’” said Hicks with emotion in his voice. “We don’t get to go to the Olympics, but we do get to go to the Pan American Games. And to stand there with USA on your chest – I get emotional, sorry – it means a lot.”