It’s hard to ignore the impact of a player like Erick Ochoa when he steps onto the diamond. At 31 years old, the 1st baseman for the NY Gremlins—soon to wear the Gremlins jersey again in 2025—has already built an impressive legacy in men’s fastpitch. After all, he was crowned with the most RBIs at the 2024 ISC World Tournament in Surrey, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Growing Up with the Game

Born in Yuma, Arizona, Erick discovered fastpitch softball in 2011 through his family’s team. “My family was always around the sport,” he recalls. “They were the ones who got me into it, and my brother became my biggest mentor.” Even though he was drawn to baseball in his free time, fastpitch quickly claimed his heart—thanks to the camaraderie, the swift pace, and the thrill of competition.

But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Erick laughs when asked about the biggest challenge he faced in his early days: “Hitting the rise ball! That pitch can humble even the best hitters. Learning to time it and get on top of it was huge for me.”

Rituals, Family, and the Path to Success

If there’s one detail that stands out about Erick’s pre-game ritual, it’s his tradition of crossing himself multiple times. “Persígnate,” he jokes, letting everyone know he takes his faith—and his routine—seriously. “It keeps me focused,” he says, grinning. “And maybe a little superstitious, too.”

Outside of softball, you’ll often find Erick at home, enjoying time with family or honing his skills on the baseball field. That balance, he believes, keeps him mentally fresh and physically sharp. “I go to the gym regularly and try to hit three days a week. The extra reps really help when I step into the batter’s box against top-level pitchers.”