Curious about what fuels a baseball team's spirit beyond the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd? Join us as we delve into the soul of the game with an exclusive interview with Joseph Giampino on behalf of the Carolina Kudzu Baseball Club.
(Pictured on the top right: Joseph Giampino of the Carolina Kudzu Baseball Club)
Q: Our personal mantra is: "Run faster. Jump higher. Fly free." Which one of those relates to Carolina Kudzu the most, and why? (as it relates to your personal life or professional life or future dreams)?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): Out of the three, I would have to say, Fly free. There is an amazing sense of freedom to step onto a baseball diamond and be able to play a child's game still to this day.
Q: How would you define Carolina Kudzu's style as a team?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): As a team I would describe us as a group of people from all walks of life and experiences who have bonded together through our passion and love of baseball. It's a vibe!
Q: Tell our Flyers about Carolina Kudzu, who you are, and how you're changing the game in your niche/world/domain? Or, how your team wants to in the future?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): The Carolina Kudzu is a sandlot baseball team affiliated with the Carolina Sandlot Collective who strives to be one of the most loved sandlot teams for our passion for the game, quality of play, openness, kindness, and genuine folks on and off the field.
In the world of baseball, every detail counts, and the right gear can make all the difference. That's why we have paired up with the Carolina Kudzu. Success on the diamond isn't just about individual talent; it's about how well the team comes together. The Carolina Kudzu has made remarkable strides in building a cohesive unit, where each player's strengths complement the others'. We're thrilled to support their journey and be a part of their success.
Q: What is your team's favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color), if you had to vote on one?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): I personally (Joseph Giampino) love the all black hightops! I think if the whole team had to vote it would also be those. They would look so tough with our all black uniforms.
Q: What's one thing people don't know about your team?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): We will be the first ones to buy you a round!
Q: What inspired the creation or revival of your sandlot baseball team, Carolina Kudzu? How long has your team been around?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): The word Kudzu has been floating in my head for a few decades and I was looking for a good excuse to use it for something. It always had such a unique ring to it. A few years later The Carolina Sandlot Collective, formally known as the Raleigh Sandlot Social Club, started growing at an extremely rapid pace. Just like the kudzu spreading and taking over everything in the Carolinas- I quickly realized it was time for a new team to be added to the area and found a use for the name. That was the day the Carolina Kudzu was born.
(Pictured on the right: Joseph Giampino of the Carolina Kudzu Baseball Club)
Q: What does being a part of the Carolina Sandlot Collective baseball mean to you? How long have you been involved?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): Being part of the Collective is very important to me personally and for everyone involved. Our team especially is super proud to be a part of it and lucky to have what we have built together as a group. I, personally, have been involved with the Sandlot in the area since the beginning and have not only been active on and off the field, I've been one of the pillars in the community. We have something very special and wouldn't trade it for the world.
If our Flyers are interested in learning more about how they can get involved with sandlot baseball in their city, where should they go or what should they do?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): If you are trying to learn more about The Carolina Sandlot or the Carolina Kudzu Baseball Club, I would shoot one of the two a buzz through Instagram. Or… Just swing out to Lions Park in Raleigh on Saturday mornings. We are usually there playing pickup unless it's a game day. You can also shoot me a message directly and we'd be stoked to have you come hang! If you aren't in the Carolina's there are teams all over the country and we'd be happy to help find you a team.
Q: Who's your favorite character in 'The Sandlot' and why?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): Benny would be everyone's pick but that's too easy... I think I'd say Yeah Yeah. He's never at a loss for words... reminds me of someone. Haha
It's not just about shoes or baseball; it's about forging connections and creating lasting impact. This collaboration represents a commitment to excellence and a shared vision that extends beyond the field. We want to inspire all our Flyers to go higher, deeper, and farther in all their aspirations.
Q: What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones in Carolina Kudzu's history?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): There are so many great moments when it comes to the ZU. From our first game of taking the field with my invasive family, to the amazing fields we've played, to all the laughs, to all travel to new places, to all the amazing friends we've met throughout the community, to the walk offs, to looking at all the great photos of so many great people who have put on a jersey with Kudzu on it , to the loses and wins. Every moment is a great memory and I can't wait to continue the momentum.
Q: How has being part of Carolina Kudzu affected your life outside of baseball?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): It's allowed me to meet so many great people and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I've also been greatly humbled by the whole experience in so many ways. The bond goes not just through the team but into the extended family. Bbq-ing, hangs in the dugout, kids playing together, etc.
Q: What personal achievements or milestones within the team are you most proud of?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): I'm most proud of the way everyone picks each other up when they are down and raises each other to the roof when we are up. We never get upset towards one another and always root for each other. I'm also very proud they are proud to play and be a part of the Kudzu.
Q: What makes the Carolina Kudzu sandlot team unique or different from other sandlot teams?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): I think our whole vibe on and off the field is unique. We roll as a crew and we roll hard. I also think we've really helped raise the bar on the creative side of the coin. We really push the limits on our brand as a whole. It's invasive, what can I say?
Q: What is Kudzu and why do you say “GROW, KUDZU, GROW!”?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): So…Kudzu is an invasive plant that is native to Japan . It was brought to the United States in 1876 and it took over. It literally out competes all other plants and trees. It basically smothers everything in its path and can grow up to a foot a day. It's the vine that covered the south! Just like the plant we are named after, The Carolina Kudzu is invading your field! Let's Grow!!!!
Q: Where can our Flyers follow Kudzu and keep up with the latest happenings?
Joseph Giampino (Kudzu): You can follow us on Instagram – @carolinakudzubaseballclub
Inspired by the spirit of The Sandlot, The Carolina Kudzu is embracing a new era of freedom and involvement. Just as the iconic film captured the joy and camaraderie of baseball, Kudzu is flying free, pushing boundaries, and engaging more deeply with their community. This fresh approach is about more than just playing the game; it's about connecting with fans and inspiring the next generation. GROW, GROW, GROW!
