Don Scott got his chance to shine last season at the International Softball Congress World Tournament, and the Midland Explorers hope that brilliance can continue this season. After the game’s best hurler, Adam Folkard, went down with an injury, Scott stepped in to hurl Jarvis Travelers to the title.
“I finally got to step out of the shadow of some other guys,” said Scott. “When you are trying to prove yourself, it’s hard when guys like Adam and Todd Martin are throwing.”
After Folkard went down with an injury, Scott went 6-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 34 innings along with winning both the semifinal and championship games of the World Tournament. He also picked up the Leroy Zimmerman Most Outstanding Pitcher award.
“It was really special for me since my grandfather had passed away the Friday before,” said Scott. “I was dedicating the whole tournament to him. It was pretty emotional and more than just a game.”
Desiring a different environment than what he experienced last year with Jarvis, Scott decided to spend this summer in an Explorers’ uniform. The electrician from Stratford, Ontario will bring along his wife, Lori, and his children Hailey, seven, and Daniel, who will turn eight in July.
“I wanted more of a family atmosphere,” said Scott, 38. “(The Explorers) have got a good core of guys. I don’t know a lot about them, but I played with (Explorers’ outfielder) Dale Levy, and he had nothing but good things to say about them.”
Scott is looking forward to this summer as the Explorers begin their 27th season of softball with The Lefty Bartos and Lee Isenhart Memorial Tournament this weekend at Emerson Park, and eventually wrap up the season hosting the ISC World Tournament from Aug. 11-18.
“I’ve always liked playing (at Currie Stadium),” he said. “The Explorers have always had good backing. It’s a little more interesting when you’re in the circle and you’re getting that support.”
Folkard and Scott’s paths will cross once again on Friday, when Folkard and his Hill United teammates head to Midland for The Lefty Bartos and Lee Isenhart Memorial Tournament.
“It’s nothing I haven’t done before,” Scott said of facing Folkard. “I’m always up to the challenge of playing against the best.”
So, what are the future softball plans for Scott, who also was a member of the 2008 and 2009 Kitchener (Ont.) Rivershark Twins ISC World Tournament champions?
“I’m hoping to have a good year and earn a spot on the (Canadian national team) and play in the (International Softball Federation World Championships from March 1-10, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand),” he said. “That would be my ultimate goal and a dream for me.”
