Out of Left Field - with Taylor Soltes
Full Name: Taylor Matthew Soltes
Number: 16
Nicknames: It ranges from T-Money to just plain T, or even Tay Tay, whatever you feel comfortable with I’m fine with it.
Birthdate: October 17, 1984
Favorite MLB team: Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs
Favorite player: I really don’t have a favorite Major League Baseball player, but if I really did have to choose I would choose Mark Grace.
Where did you play you high school ball? I only played my freshman year at Oak Creek High School (Oak Creek, Wisconsin), so after my freshman year, I just played travel ball with Racine baseball teams.
What’s the sweetest baseball play you’ve ever made? There are so many to choose from. I mean, I always was a second baseman for as long as I can remember with the Racine Hitters. I made a transition to the outfield, and as I progressed in the outfield I have to say my sweetest play that I ever made would have to be last year against Spooner in Haugen. I can’t remember who hit the ball, but the it was traveling foul and by the time I looked back I was diving into the wall. I did catch the ball. It was a "look what I found" to Spooner, but c’mon, should made ESPN top 10 eazy.
What’s the best baseball memory you have? Besides my first hit as a Haugen Knight off of Greg Aune, going to Cooperstown with the Racine Hitters in 1997, and beating Kansas, the number one seed in the semifinals.
What’s the worst or most embarrassing baseball moment you’ve ever had? Besides when I strike out which is very unusual, (just kidding), when I was in Indiana for a baseball tournament, I sat on some chocolate, and it look like I crapped my pants. My father was rollin’, so I had to rub my pants on the outfield grass so no one would make fun of me.
On to the Indy and the Knights specifically…
When did you start playing for the Knights, and how did you first hear about them or start playing? 2005, I played with (E6) Matt Lundberg at the University of Wisconsin Barron County, he was the shortstop and I was the centerfielder. We had good chemistry and friendship when we first met, and then he asked me if I was sticking around Rice Lake in the summer and I said “Yes,” He then introduced me to the Knights and the rest is history.
Did it take a while to fit in with the guys, or did you blend in from the start? I want to say it did take me a while to blend in with the guys, but I think last year I was more outgoing with the team. I believe that I was probably the shyest on the team, I mean the only guy I knew was E6. But to me it was a pleasure for all the older guys such as Travis, Erik, Derc, Rich and Howie to take me in under their wings. And that’s something I will never forget.
What is your favorite thing about playing for the Knights? WOW, tough question, I would have to say everything. Such as the atmosphere in Haugen, it’s unbelievable on a Friday/Saturday night with the support of fans which may be the biggest part. I really appreciate being a Knight, cuz of the teammates I have, for that I am very blessed.
If you couldn’t play for the Knights, what Indy league team would you play for and why?
Is that even a question? I wouldn’t play at all. There is no team I would play for other then the Knights, that is the truth. I started for the Knights as soon as I stepped into the Haugen Ball Park and I will never wear a different jersey.
We’ve asked a few other guys about losing Howie this off-season, and it’s pretty obvious that he’ll be sorely missed. What did Howie mean to you personally, and how will you remember him?
Losing him was like losing a real brother, he meant a lot to me. You know I was 5 hours away from home; not having family up here it was very difficult, until I met Howie. He was so outgoing, so sharing, and so full of life, he was a great guy and he will be truly missed. I remember him always hitting on my girlfriends that came to the games which was funny, cuz he always offered them beers. I will always remember him after every inning, he was always out there ready to play catch even if I was still in the dugout. I will miss him truly; his charisma was the most fantastic thing about him. And he will never be forgotten, I believe that they should put a vote in to make that ball park in his name Jeff “Howie” Howenstine Ball Park. No one loved or lived Haugen Knights Baseball more than Howie.
We're going to hit you with another tough question. Rumors have been floating around that you won't be returning to the Knights this season. First of all, the fans are dying to know whether or not this is true. And if so, who do you think will step up to fill the holes in left field and the leadoff spot, or how do you think the Knights will fill in those gaps?
Toughest question to answer. I believe my priorities for right now is to put my life and my family first, I do not want to make any promises to the Haugen Community or to my fellow teammates. As of now it’s true, but I will try to make my return to a couple of games and hopefully play, but if not I know that the Knights have a good chemistry. Coach Rich will know what to do with the loss of me. You will never know, just keep your fingers crossed for me making a homecoming debut, regardless, just stay tuned into Knights baseball 2009.
So from the viewpoint of fans who don’t know you very well, you seem like a pretty quiet, reserved guy, but others on the team tell me that you and Lundberg like to cut it up on the dance floor from time to time? Is this true?
C’mon mang, you can’t just bust me out on this interview, Man let me tell ya’ll something, Lundberg and I gots amazing stories out on that dance floor. I know Matt aint the only one that can cut it, let me tell you these cats Derc, Mau, Candler ,Thad, Howie and Hill, man they are crazy with the flow of the music, they know how to do tha stanky leg, but other than that let me tell you. Lundberg and I went out, you know just layin some lines down to a couple of mad shawties and, just one word “CRAZY” (naw I’m just kidding); But yea I am a pretty shy quiet guy, I like to keep it simple, hate the drama, other than that I like to dance though, just put on some R&B and you got me doing some Usher.
Tesch wanted me to ask: How does it feel to be the only black guy on the team?
Another wack question, growing up in Milwaukee and moving up north was a big change for me I mean, I have never ate deer before nor duck or either floated the river before , so everything was new to me. I knew who I was and I was just my self, I like to keep everything loose, and chill. I may have a little swagger in my talk but it is how I talk, I guess Derc to answer you question, it’s a blast ever since I had the T$ tattooed on my shoulder something just empowered me. But I keep it real witch everyone.
If you could mic (attached a microphone) up two Knights for one game, which to would it be, and why?
Probably, One of them would be Mau, he always be talking he never shuts up; I mean he always got that. “Up, down, left, right control, trigger, Finish him” some crazy thing like that, but he’s all good like that. The other would be Travis, he always has something to say or even something to teach, preaches all the time, and I thank him for that.
What is your favorite field to play on in the Indy league? Besides Haugen, I would have to say Cumberland, the grass and the atmosphere is great there, it’s a pretty nice field. So is the right field fence, where I hit BOMBS. or just singles.
Do you have a specific pre game warm up routine? Describe it a bit… Well, Music is the biggest pre game routine. I love listing to T.I. to Juelz Santana or just plain rap, I also try to distract my teammates when they are warming up with a game of one ball. I run through the circle to try to mess them up which it always fun to do, but usually Cody and Matt and I chillax in centerfield and wait till Trav and Hill show up to stretch.
Did the broken hand you suffered last year in Stanberry affect you the rest of the season? Is there any carryover from that to this year? Actually it wasn’t broken, it was a hardcore sprain, and I believe it made me a lot better. I recall beating Cody in the first round of the Homerun derby in Cumberland, but losing to Cumberland’s own. In the following weeks of my return I was thinking that this maybe my last shot to give the Knights all I have. The game against Stanberry was unfortunate for myself but it was fulfilling afterwards. My wrist is great and healthy and ready to go for this season.
Two years ago, you guys won the Indy League outright, and then last year you made it all the way to the WBA final four, what do you think the Knights’ chances are of making it to the state tourney again this year? Is there any extra motivation since it is being played in Haugen?
The Knights have the best shot for the state title this year. I believe it will be hard for many teams to come to Haguen and beat the Knights on their own turf. It’s kind of funny because since I resided in Milwaukee, many of the teams down here have heard of the Haugen Knights and the Indy league, which I believe is pretty amazing.
How have the Knights changed over the time that you’ve been there? Well like I said I played for the Knights for 4 years. I can tell you that Knights have grown closer together in these four years and I believe there are many great years to come. I also believe that the 2008 Knights could beat any of the Haugen Knights old timer team. Right Clay / Howard!!!!
What’s your favorite thing about baseball? Baseball is my first love and nothing will change for no women ever. My favorite thing about baseball is leading off the game, and stepping into the batters box knowing he has to throw you 3 strikes in order to get you out, or just walk you cuz you know mo' then he does. It’s a start of a war for nine innings just like life.
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