November 2, 2011
Hangin' out with ... Scott Atchison
by Ian Browne/
Making Boston's 2011 Opening Day roster has been Scott Atchison's Major League highlight. (photo: Getty Images)
How did you get started playing baseball?: “My dad, he coached the high school baseball team. I just picked up a bat and ball from there and was always involved. He stopped coaching when I was about 6 or 7, because then I started to do Little League stuff.”
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?: “I think, it takes hard work. Some hard work and practice. But you have to enjoy it, too, so have fun while you’re doing it. I think between the hard work and having fun doing it, that’s been the type of stuff that’s going to motivate you to get better.”
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?: “So far, probably making the Opening Day roster for the Red Sox in 2010 and being able to have your name called and walk out to the line. I’ve never really had a chance to do that before and just getting the chance to do it. Being in Fenway made it even more special.”
How did you wind up with No. 48 with the Red Sox?: “That’s what they gave me. I’ve been multiple numbers in Seattle and San Francisco. I really don’t have a special tie to any number. That’s the number they gave me, and it’s worked so far.”
Who was your most influential coach or manager along the way?: “I had a pitching coach in Triple A, Jim Slaton, he played for a while with the Brewers. I got moved from starting to bullpen, and he kind of said, you can look at this as two ways: one is as a demotion, or two, the more things you can do, the more valuable you’re going to be. I kind of felt like that was pretty good advice, and I’ve taken it from that point on and just tried to run with it. The more things I can do, the longer I can stay around the game, the more opportunities I’m going to get to stay at this level.”
What is your best preparation tool?: “Everybody has a routine and I kind of have the same routine. Nothing special about it. Whatever I can do to stretch and try to stay relaxed. You kind of know your situations in the ’pen. I just try to stay as calm and relaxed watching the game as I can until it’s time to know this might be my situation and start focusing.”
Are you superstitious or rigid with your pregame meals or other routines?: “Nothing special. It’s pretty basic stuff. Things kind of fall in around the same time every day. If I’m five minutes late to do something, it’s not going to bother me.”
Who is your most memorable teammate so far?: “Being here and being around some of these guys and some of these personalities, it’s been interesting and fun. Obviously we all know Jonathan Papelbon is a very memorable guy. The thing about him is he’s the same every day and gets the job done.”
What’s the best part about playing in Fenway?: “The fans and the atmosphere every night. Obviously the history, too. These fans are great. They’re behind the team, and they kind of get excited when there’s a game every night.”
What is your favorite visiting field?: “I enjoy going to Texas because it’s home. Just being there and everything, seeing family. And I like the park. Pitching in front of friends and family always makes it a little more special.”
FAVORITES
Movie: “Honestly, I don’t (have one). I like comedies. In college, we used to watch the Adam Sandler movies. There’s no time for that now though!”
Actor: “Nope. I’m not a big movie guy.”
TV show: “I’m into the CSIs, all three of them.”
Nice meal: “Usually just steak. A nice steak. I can find plenty of that where I live in Texas.”
Dessert: “Not big on that. I usually eat too much at dinner and then don’t bother.”
Music: Country music
Vacation: “We’ve been to Hawaii a couple of times: Hawaii and Maui. We really enjoyed Kuwai. Hawaii is something that’s relaxing down at the beach. That’s tougher with a 3-year-old, but she’s gone with us once.”
Sport besides baseball: “Football. I like to play golf. But being from Texas, I love to watch football. I played quarterback in high school.”
Team growing up: “I actually grew up a St. Louis Cardinals fan. My dad liked them and I grew up in Houston. For whatever reason, I was a huge Ozzie (Smith) fan, so the Cards were who I rooted for.”
Idol growing up: “Ozzie Smith. I played short, and I loved to watch him.”
Hobby: “I usually play golf in the offseason, at least once a week. I enjoy that.”
EQUIPMENT
Glove: Spalding
Batting gloves: “No need. I’m a middle reliever in the American League.”
Bat: “I had two at-bats in my career. I just used somebody else’s bat.
Spike: New Balance
This article originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
