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Here’s our TLI for Monday, April 18:
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EXTRA SPOTLIGHT: HANNAH SIMKO
Michael Simko made the Simko name infamous when he dropkicked an opposing racer through the windshield of a car during the Glass City 200 race in Toledo, OH, in 2006.
Hannah Simko, #75 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100, didn’t pick up any Karate or Kung-Fu skills from her dad, but the freshman recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about developing into one of the top outfield prospects in the Midwest for Beverly Bandits Premier 14U-Moran and Plymouth High in Canton, Michigan.
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Hannah Simko
Hometown: Canton, MI
High School: Plymouth High
Club Team: Beverly Bandits Premier 14U-Moran
Graduation Year: 2025
Height: 5-foot-2
Position: CF/OF
Nickname: Midget
Twitter: @hannahsimko2025
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .416 AVG and 24 stolen bases.
First of all, we have to ask you about the crazy NASCAR windshield dropkick video. What happened and how did you hear about it?
I think I was in third grade when I found out about my dad’s dropkick video. I remember yelling at him ‘Dad!!!’ What were you thinking?!?’ He laughed and explained to me what happened. The guy wrecked my dad a few other times, and then wrecked him in this race and he had enough. I used to be so embarrassed when someone would bring it up, but now I laugh at it and think it’s pretty awesome.
Have you picked up any self defense skills from the video?
My dad says he gets made fun of all the time for his line, ‘I didn’t take Karate lessons or anything.’ The only skills I picked up were what not to do when you’re mad on the road!
Do you even have a backup or is your job secure?
The first time Coach Chad (Moran) saw this was in our Florida tournament. I remember showing up for the game and him telling me, ‘I’m not telling Hannah to do anything anymore, I’m asking her!’ Our team has so much fun, and Chad leads the way!
Tell us about your travel team/organization… how did you became involved with them?
I played for Finesse in Michigan since I was in 10U. Then in January of 2021, Coach (David) Trackwell called and talked to my dad about us making a move to the Bandits. It was an offer we that we couldn’t pass up, and I’m so thankful to have received it.
Our team this year really hit our stride after the first couple tournaments of the fall season. We won a lot of games. I can’t wait to see how successful we can be this summer when we get back together!
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