It’s a problem—if you want to call it that—for Tampa Mustang 18U head coach Rene Ciccarello Jr. in that he has not one, but two Power 4 conference-bound pitchers.

A glut of riches that gives him envious options in whom to start each day with seniors Charley Butler, who is committed to Auburn, and Mack Duncan who will attend Penn State.

Line Drive Softball’s Brentt Eads caught up with the two D1 future pitchers to learn more about their experiences, their relationship with each other, their college decisions and much more… scroll down to click on the interview.

What’s interesting is that both Charley and Mack have always played up and, although Charley is in her fourth year of playing 18’s with the Tampa Mustangs and Mack just joined last fall, both pitchers work closely together to support the other no matter who is pitching that day.

“They work well together and we explain the strategy and the plan for that day,” explains Coach Ciccarello.

“We put a lot of work into pitch calling a game and they are always involved in this, so when one is pitching, the other is assisting with pitch calling.  And it’s not just charting pitches—we are discussing the batters, the situation, the umpires zone, etc.—so whoever is in the dugout it’s as if they are pitching the game as well.”

“I believe the girls like this and learn from it.  They, in a sense, have each other’s back.”

Wearing Their Future Colors

Both pitchers are from the Sunshine State—Charley from the Tallahassee area and Mackenzie from Orlando—and have had impressive successes with Charley having been twice named 1^st Team All-State and Mack being named as the Class 5 Player of the Year as a freshman.

“I couldn’t ask for more as a coach,” Coach Renee concludes. “These two pitchers love talking strategy, intel, tendencies, etc. They both ‘want the ball’ but also support the hell out of each other!”

Charley & Mac Video