Sean Aarts
Interview conducted on 11/3/2018
Who are you playing with in 2019, and who have you played with in the past?
2019 Free Agent – softballplayer20@hotmail.com
Have kicked around between D and B for the last 5 years.
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Pitching is my best. I also play 1st and Outfield.
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
That's a long list. Dale Brungardt is the hardest worker I know of. But pretty much anyone at A or Higher.
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's a chance for me to be in a competitive atmosphere while having fun doing it. And I enjoy playing with and meeting new people.
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
A couple Idaho kids to be watching is Jason Crossland and a guy named Riley Hayes. Great guys who hit a ton and play the game the right way.
What is your height and weight?
I'm 6'-2" (on a good day! LOL) 220 lbs.
Where do you call home?
Home is Lacey, Washington but I currently live in Boise, Idaho.
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
With my lady Allison and my daughter Riley.
What do you do for a living?
I'm a carpenter.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played soccer and tennis in high school. And started playing softball when I was 12.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Pitched for a team called Upper Deck for 5 or 6 years and we just worked our way up from E to C. Then got the chance to play for All American Athletics.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of the game and the consistency. Everything is hit hard. So you have to work even harder to stay sharp and competitive on the field.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No. Not really. I try to watch a lot of pitchers and maybe try some things that they do to see if they work for me. I just try and be me.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Having Jeff Hall tell me how good my knuckle ball is. AFTER he hit one about 500 feet off me. LOL
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
My daughter. After she was born, I realized that I wanted to be a good example for her. And so for her, I tried to calm down and just enjoy playing the game I love with the people I enjoy.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Be a sponge by soaking up as much help and advice you can from guys who have been there. And never stop trying to improve. Because there's always someone out there that's putting in the work and trying to take your spot. So don't ever be satisfied.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
I drop a pinky and interlock like a golf grip. 28oz.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Gym time at least 4 days a week and BP twice a week.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Seattle Seahawks and definitely football.
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Not really.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Dysfunctional by Tech 9
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Northwest Superdraft and Kings Of The Northwest
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Hoodview Park in Clackamas, Oregon or the RAC in Lacey, Washington are two of my favorites. Space Coast is beautiful as well!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I love food. So I'm down for whatever.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
My buddy Chuck Garmon getting tossed from a game for farting next to the umpire. I about died! LOL
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I once got mistaken for Russel Crowe at the gym. It was weird. LOL
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
My girlfriend suprised me with TCB balls for Father's day. She's pretty cool!
