Sean Ulmer
Interview conducted on 2/26/2017
Who are you playing with in 2017?
2017 Free Agent – ulmer_sean@yahoo.com
2016 Above All/Miken
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
1st is my best position. Can also play some 3rd, 2nd, and pitch.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Being a hitter, I love to watch Connell and Helmer play the game.
Why do you like the game of softball?
Competition. I love the game and I'll play it until I can't walk.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Always a ton of talent surfacing each year. Andrew Collins and KP are the first 2 that come to mind.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Never really had one. Most just use my last name.
What is your height and weight?
6'3 285lbs
Where do you call home?
Harrisburg, Pa
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I'd prefer not to have an off weekend. But if I'm not playing, I'm out hitting some BP with my wife and 3 kids.
What do you do for a living?
Operations Supervisor for FedEx Freight Inc
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Baseball and football in high school.
3 years of college baseball. 1 year in Maryland and 2 years at Slippery Rock University.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I grew up around the game. My dad has been an ASA commissioner in Pennsylvania for 30 years. Made the typical jump from baseball to softball when I was done with college. Played locally until a great friend of mine Doug Ruble opened an opportunity for me to play with Bullshippers in Pa and then 2 years later got me an opening to play C in NJ. Had a great year playing C in NJ in 2015 and was offered a spot to play conference A with Above All/Miken this past year.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The competition is obviously better along with the pitching and defense. But the biggest difference I noticed was the umpires. For the most part, they do a great job of being consistent and being in position.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Helmer or Filby. I love to play the game in the box. To be able to hit it deep. But also throw it in the backside gap, cut it through the middle, or hit the backside line.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
1. Winning my first ring in 2010 in GSL Worlds in columbus and getting the MVP as the pitcher and DHH.
2. Getting a clutch hit in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs in the "if" game in Oklahoma City this past year that helped lead us to a national championship.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
3 people.
1. My wife for allowing me to travel all over playing the game I love.
2. My dad
3. Doug Ruble for opening doors for me and being a great teammate and friend.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Do the little things. Hustle, break up a double play, take a good approach at the plate based on the game situation. Don't be the guy that spins on a ball and hits a solo homerun and then walks around with his chest puffed out so he can pad his conference stats.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Pinky drop off the knob. Pinky overlap up top.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Get in the weight room and go to work. And run every once and a while.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Boston Red Sox. Basketball would probably be my favorite other than softball/baseball
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Too many to list
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Depends on the mood I'm in. I listen to everything
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
It's fine right where it is for the most part. But I would love to see bats provided at events. Takes all the testing and altering out of the equation.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Cincinnati. Great atmosphere.
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
BLD. I love playing on Turf.
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Received- Red Sox tickets in 2004 when they broke the curse.
Given- Hasnt happened quite yet. But i was fortunate to win my first ASA ring in OKC this past year and that will be going to my dad once I get it.
