In-depth with our sports seniors

Steve Sullivan: One Goal, MASCAC Champions

Derek Gibbons, Sports Editor
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Sports

Wherever the grass is green, the dirt is soft, the weather is warm, and the sun is out, you will find Steve Sullivan playing the game of baseball, or his favorite backyard game, wiffleball.

"When I was a kid I played baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and a couple years of hockey," said Sullivan. "I felt that I excelled in baseball the most. Out of all those sports I put the most work into baseball and I was constantly playing games related to baseball such as wiffleball."

Refered to as "Sulli" by most of his friends, he picked up the game of baseball at young age, starting with wiffleball.

"I am 100 percent die hard wiffleball player. I can play that hours on end and not get bored," said Sullivan.

Being raised in Wareham, MA, Sullivan grew up watching the Wareham Gatemen, a team in the famous Cape Cod Baseball League. He would often find himself at the games with his little brother, Mike, and other younger kids, chasing after foul balls.

Sullivan spent a lot of time with his younger brother as a child, playing all sorts of activities and sports and it has kept them bonding ever since.

"Some of my fondest memories as a kid were playing wiffleball and basketball against my little brother almost everyday when I was younger," said Sullivan. "The only thing that stopped us from competing against each other was the weather."

Being the older brother, Sullivan likes to think his little brother looks up to him, as he loves baseball and is just as competitive as he is. At the same time, his little brother is someone Sullivan can relate too, respect, and even look up too. Sullivan believes his little brother to be "a real gusty player."

"A memory that stands out in my mind of my brother was during one of his all-star games," said Sullivan. "His team had to open up against a good team, called Maplewood. He was the second baseman, but he had to pitch the game because certain kids could not pitch because they had already pitched too many innings. He thought nothing of it and tossed a no-hitter and helped them go to the championship. It's memories such as that one that defines who he is as a person."

Although Sullivan spent a lot of time with his brother as a child, it is his father who he believes to be his biggest influence in his life. He has taught Sullivan everything; whether it be baseball, basketball, or just life principles that he stands by.

"I owe a lot to him because he has been able to give my family the opportunity to have a great life," Sullivan said.

His mom, who supports Sullivan in every way, is at every game cheering and supporting him on the field.

"My mom is also a big influence in my life because she is the kindest lady I've ever met and I don't know if I would be here today if it wasn't for her," said Sullivan.

Going through high school, Sullivan played a variety of sports, but decided baseball was the sport for him, as it was the sport he put the most time and effort into.

Coming out of high school, Sullivan's first choice for college was the University of Southern Maine. He described the college as having everything he was looking for, except for the tuition. Sullivan, who is paying his parents back for college, decided he did not want to pay that much money back to his parents and looked elsewhere. Also being recruited by MCLA, Sullivan decided to head to Western Mass.

"So I decided to come up to the Berkshires and try and help out a great baseball program," Sullivan said. "But, when I look back on it all, I'm happy I came here and I got to meet four of my best friends that I will do anything for."

Sullivan's first year here, he was placed in a room with fellow teammate Andrew Gaines in Hoosac Hall. It was something they would both remember as one of their greatest memories.

"One of the memories that I have is when I first moved into Hoosac Hall with my roommate Andrew Gaines," Sullivan said, "and our parents left and we both looked at each other and he said "So I guess that's it, we're in college, and then I said, 'UH-OH'."

As for baseball, Sullivan has been a four year starter here at the college and has contributed to the baseball team, making the playoffs two out of the last three years. One of Sullivan's fondest memories on the diamond was his freshman year when the team swept Worcester State College to make the playoffs. He describes it as, "one of the greatest feelings I've ever felt with a team."

To any new freshman coming into the baseball program, Sullivan offers this advice.

"You have four years left before looking for a job, getting married, and trying to start a family, but before all that, you have four years to have the greatest time of your life, so live it up kid," said Sullivan.

Sullivan came here for one reason, and for one reason only. He reminds his teammates of this goal before the season gets underway in the Spring.

"To all the guys I've played with these past three years, it has been a pleasure through the good times and the rough times, but remember what we came here to do. We got one more shot at this, fellas. Lets bring it home and call ourselves MASCAC Champions this year!" Sullivan exclaimed.