Tuesday March 26th, 2024
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An interview with VTS/S&S Landscaping sponsor/manager Scott Sunderland!

 

Scott Sunderland

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

 

Who are you playing with in 2014?
This Year I will be managing and playing with VTS/S&S Landscaping/EVO9X

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
"Back in the day outfield" but now when I play it's catching and EP

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I've been around the game along time and the list is long but for this era I would say Wegman, Helmer, Purcell, Rulli, Robo, and that's just a few of them

Why do you like the game of softball?
It gives you a chance to keep competing at something that I/we love to do. It also has allowed me to make some lifelong friendships with some really great people.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Again the list is long but I'll name a few Reyna, Bazat, Zirkle, Logan all 5 tool players I have to give props to one of my guys that's been with me for 5-6 yrs and that's Jeff LaHair our shortstop. He has all the tools to play at a higher level and I hope he gets he chance soon.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Well I've been called just about everything in the book at one time or another but most guys know me by "Stump".

What is your height and weight?
5'6" and a fit 215 (Hence the nickname Stump which I've had since 1978)

Where do you call home?
Hope Valley, Rhode Island, small town born and raised in the same area.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I love to spend time with my wife Donna and son Easton doing anything we can as long as it's together. Whether it's a movie, traveling or watching my wife play ball. I also try to get in some early morning golf on Sundays and get home before they are up and ready to go.

What do you do for a living?
I've owned my landscaping company since 1987 so I cut grass in the summer and plow snow in the winter.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball and basketball. Nothing after high school when you are 5'6' not many colleges are knocking on your door to come and play for them.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I was around 16 or 17 (1982) and I started playing on a Sunday morning team had a blast playing. The next year I started playing with a bunch of buddies in a night league after that we started playing tournament ball. I went to my first world tournament in 1985 in Syracuse. I haven't stopped playing ever since. I started to sponsor teams in 1988 between women's and men's I've been sponsoring for 26 yrs. the last several in the Conference. I'm looking forward to the 50 and over in 2 more years.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The respect among all of the players. Very seldom do you hear anyone bitch and moan about bats and shooting middle. Faster paced and the dedication some guys have to the game as far as staying on top of their game.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
At this stage in my life I would say a mix between Coop and Taz (Bill Tassinari). I'm old, slow and have bad vision but I will surprise you with my bat and once in awhile I'll take 2 on the unsuspecting outfielder.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I'm still waiting for that but winning the Conference Championship a few years ago and the Ct. Major was pretty good. The other things would be the friendships I've made over the years a trophy or a plaque can't replace that.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
When I started out it was Kenny Andrews he taught me how to play the game the right way. Over the last several years it has been John Hickey. I didn't think I needed to or could learn more about the game. I sat back and listened to what he would say, watched what he would do, and I learned a lot of new things at this level. But the one thing I really learned was to be honest with your guys and yourself when it comes to the game and life.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Practice, Practice and more practice. Learn how to hit singles, gaps and backside. Keep your mouth shut and your nose clean. Don't be a me/I guy because if you are any good you'll be noticed.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Pinky off and a 26 oz. That's a big switch from the 32-36 oz bats we swung years ago

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Relax for a bit and hopefully plow a lot of snow so I can continue to sponsor

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Whatever team my son is on first and foremost then the Red Sox and Patriots. I love to get in some golf now and then

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
None that I know of

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Put me in coach

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Do something about the bats. Limit major players on a team and try to spread the wealth.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Pif Classic the atmosphere is unbelievable 15,000 people watching. I also like a few of the charity tournaments we have locally playing for great charities and raising money for them.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Fortune Rd. fields are good short walk from parking lot and water doesn't cost you $8 like in Disney. Cincinnati and the Smokys for the atmosphere.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
OUTBACK

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Quite a few when John Hickey is involved. Him chasing an umpire  that was about 4' tall up about 20 stairs screaming f bomb after f bomb at him, you see at the Pif they do whatever they can to help the Canadian teams and the big guy had enough that day.

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I have a fear of going over bridges and well the other things will stay with me.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My wife gave me a picture of the par 3 7th hole at Pebble Beach it is one of my favorite holes. You can hit anywhere from a pitching wedge to a 3 iron depending on the wind.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 responses to “An interview with VTS/S&S Landscaping sponsor/manager Scott Sunderland!”

  1. GS27 says:

    Stump
    I know we have a history and have not always gotten along but I will say you are a good man. You have done a lot for a lot guys in the northeast that would have never gotten a chance to experiance the conference. Sponsors are a dying breed, especially in our region. I haven’t played for you in years but guys like me notice what you do and appreciate it even though I don’t benefit. You work your balls off all year so grown men can travel and have a fun summer and a shot to compete on the national level. Although it may not mean much coming from me, thanks Stump. You are a good man and a great sponsor. Keep rolling and good luck this year.
    Greg

  2. Scott Sunderland says:

    I want to thank you for the kind words and it does mean a lot no matter who it’s from.I forgot to mention a few other guys that I’ve met and made some lifelong friendships.Dale Zwack one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.Wegs,Robo,Kessler,Neil,Larry Q,Brownie,Coop,Howie,Jr and many more.Last but not least my roommate for the past 2 yrs Todd Pease brother it has been a pleasure playing with you.

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