In Tempe, Arizona, Los Angeles Angels players Mike Trout and Zach Neto interacted with Athletes Unlimited Softball League athletes Devyn Netz and Bri Ellis during spring training. The meeting highlighted differences between baseball and softball while fostering cross-sport connections. Netz and Ellis shared their experiences and routines with the Major Leaguers.
On Friday at the Angels' spring training camp in Tempe, Arizona, shortstop Zach Neto faced pitches from Devyn Netz of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). Neto, who had previously teased his sister Meghan about softball, was impressed by the underhand delivery. "That was definitely my first time," Neto said. "I was trash talking my sister [Meghan] a bunch because she played softball. But standing in there, I see why it's difficult. But it was an awesome time."
Netz, who pitches for the Carolina Blaze after starring at the University of Arizona, threw a dropball followed by a rising fastball. She was joined by Bri Ellis, a slugger for the Utah Talons and the No. 2 overall pick in last year's AUSL Draft following her college career at Auburn and Arkansas. The pair had visited the Dodgers on Thursday and planned to meet the Cubs on Saturday.
Both were eager to speak with Angels superstar Mike Trout, an 11-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP. Netz, a Pasadena native and Angels fan, revealed she modeled her swing after Trout. "I got to do an interview with Mike Trout and I still have butterflies and goosebumps and everything like that," Netz said. "It’s once in a lifetime... My swing is like his. His mechanics are something that I really resonate with. So just being able to tell him that today, it put a smile on his face."
Ellis, whose swing draws from New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, also valued Trout's insights. "Just talking through my swing with Trout was like the coolest thing ever," she said. "Hearing what he had to say about his mentality and how less is more. And he kind of took us through a day in the life on a game day."
Trout appreciated the exchange, recalling Jennie Finch striking out Albert Pujols in the 2004 Pepsi All-Star Softball Game. "I always go back to watching that video of Albert facing Jennie Finch," Trout said. "It was pretty cool to meet them and get to know their story. It was really cool hearing that [Netz’s] mechanics were based on mine. She’s a professional."
Neto noted the unexpected release point in softball, where the mound is 43 feet from home plate compared to baseball's 60 feet, six inches. Netz emphasized the release difference: "I wanted to give them a different look but I think release point is the biggest difference for them." She mentioned her brother, Cubs Minor League reliever Dawson Netz, to illustrate the contrast.
MLB has supported the AUSL, now with six teams and 90 players. The Utah Talons won the inaugural title last year under Commissioner Kim Ng, former Marlins general manager. Play resumes in June. "This is a way for us to expand our league and show that we are professional athletes," Netz said. "We're the best of the best. We can show off our talents, but show that we might be a small pool, but we're up and coming."
