An interview with Team Combat infielder Rusty Bumgardner

Last Updated on Wednesday, December 28 2011 Tuesday, January 18 2011

Rusty Bumgardner

2011 Interview

Why do you like the game of softball?
I love the game & I love to compete. Most of all, I love the friendships I have acquired & being able to travel all over our country to play this wonderful game.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I can't just list one!

COMPLETE PLAYERS: Britt Hightower, Doug Roberson, Todd Martin, Jason Kendrick, John Mello, Robin Higginbothum, Johnny McCraw, Don Dedonatis III,
Rick Baker, Dal Beggs & Brian Wegman. These guys could/can do it all.........run, hit for average, hit for power, play defense & be a TOTAL TEAMMATE.

BEST HITTERS: Jimmy Powers, Dirk Androff, Hank Garris, Brett Helmer & Jeff Wallace. These guys ALWAYS threw up unbelievable numbers & consistently led
the county in the hitting categories.

BEST PITCHERS: Rick Weiterman & Andy Purcell.

What position do you play?
1B/3B

Where do you call home?
Gastonia, NC

What do you do for a living?
I work for Combat Sports. I LOVE it and don't even consider it a "job". It is TRULY ENJOYMENT & a way I will be able to remain in the game when my playing days are over.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football & Baseball in High School (Kings Mtn. HS) & in College (Wake Forest Univ.) & Minor League Baseball for the Florida Marlins.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
While on summer break from college, I played for a local B-C competitive team. The fall before I was drafted, I played in an A Fall State tournament
for Converters Unlimited - Elvin Herring. After being released from the Marlins on a Wednesday in July, Elvin called me on Thursday and said meet to him
that weekend for the Smoky Mountain Classic with his A team (1992). The following year we played AA (1993) & moved to the Major ranks in 1994. I
have been fortunate enough to remain on that level ever since & play for some unbelievable teams, for great bat companies & sponsors & to play with
legendary teammates.

What batting grip do you use?
Bottom hand-one finger off & Top hand-two finger overlap.

What is your favorite sports team?
NY Yankees

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
Baseball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I prepare myself the same way through practice each week. I also have the same routine before each at bat (on deck & getting into the box).

What is your most memorable softball moment?
Representing the USA in 2009 & 2010 in the Border Battle & the World/National titles I have won.

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
Sport

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Having HR restrictions to make MORE teams competitive.

Was softball better in the 1990's?
It's hard to say. The 90's had more major teams & the game was primarily an offensive game. Don't get me wrong, there were still Great "2 way players".
Today's game has brought the "athlete" back into the game. You must be able to do it all......run, hit for average, hit for power & play defense.

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
Smoky Mountain Classic

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
The way we all act sometimes.

Who are you playing with in 2011?
Combat/Laservision