Nelson Jhosimar Morales, a 33-year-old athlete from Guatemala City, has been making waves in the world of slow pitch softball. As a dedicated member of Team Lobos, he is now proudly representing Guatemala at the 2024 ISPS USA Hispanic World Championships in El Paso, TX. We had the pleasure of interviewing Jhosy to learn more about his journey, challenges, and aspirations.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in slow-pitch softball?

A: Since I was a child, I was interested in baseball, but in our country, it is not a very popular sport, so I practiced it very little when I was a child. After the pandemic, I wanted to practice a new sport, so I wrote a tweet, "Does anyone have a baseball team?" A friend invited me to his "slow pitch" team, and that's how I met and started practicing this sport.

Q: How does it feel to participate in the 2024 ISPS USA Hispanic World Championships in El Paso, TX?

A: I am very excited to play in the 2024 ISPS USA Hispanic World Championships in El Paso, TX. It's the first time I've traveled to the United States to play, and what better than doing it with friends representing Lobos Guatemala.

Q: What positions do you play on the field? Do you have a favorite position?

A: I'm used to playing in the outfield, and I like to play left field or center field.

Q: What challenges have you faced in your slow pitch softball journey?

A: The biggest challenge I had is that I basically had to learn a new sport. Most of my life, I played soccer, so slow pitch was something new to me. But I set out to train, and I dedicated the time to be able to help my team on the field.

Q: How do you see the future of slow pitch softball in Guatemala?

A: In Guatemala, there are many talented players, and the sport has become better known. I think this type of tournament contributes to slow pitch growing and having more support. Personally, I would like to be able to win an ISPS tournament. We know that it is not something easy but not impossible, and if we work for it, we can achieve it.

Q: How would you describe the chemistry and dynamic within Team Lobos?

A: Lobos is a team with very talented people. Most of us are friends, and that helps us to have very good chemistry and unity in the team, and that is reflected when playing.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

A: I don't have any ritual as such, but I pray before entering the field, hydrate well, and prefer not to eat much before the games.

Q: How do you balance your personal life with your commitment to slow pitch softball?

A: I really like this sport, so I dedicate time to it without leaving aside my work, family, and personal responsibilities. I prepare myself physically in the gym, train with my team every week, and try to eat well. All this is possible thanks to my wife's help and support.

Q: What are your plans for the future in slow pitch softball?

A: For the future, I want to continue preparing myself mentally and physically to be a better player. To be able to represent Guatemala in more ISPS tournaments and be able to win some.

Q: What message would you like to share with your fans and aspiring slow pitch softball players?

A: It's worth the effort because, in the end, it has its reward. It is worth being disciplined and constant since it always brings good results. Slow pitch is a sport that helps you develop different skills, and it is worth making it popular so that more people can have access and enjoy it too.

Jhosy Morales is not just an athlete; he is also a musician, bassist, and producer. You can follow his journey and connect with him on social media:

• Facebook: JhosyBassman
• Twitter: @jhosybassman