Hawaii baseball outfielder Scotty Scott does not have time for the pain.
Not from being plunked 34 times in four seasons with the Rainbow Warriors.
Not from a completely torn UCL and grade-2 forearm tear in his left (throwing) arm that causes wincing with every diving catch and will require Tommy John surgery this summer.
And not from his impending exit from a playing career that ends with this week’s three-game series against Cal Poly at Les Murakami Stadium.
“He’s been a great leader,” coach Rich Hill said. “Can’t say enough about him.”
It was during the heart of the pandemic when Scott promoted paradise with videos of his hiking adventures. Even in games without fans in 2021, he created the “Party at the Les” rallying cry that now has become a coveted T-shirt. After entering and then withdrawing from the transfer portal last June, Scott nudged center fielder Cole Cabrera to transfer from Cal Poly and pitcher Andy Archer from Georgia Tech.
“I’ve had conversations with previous teammates (of Scott’s at UH), and they always thought me and him would get along right away,” Cabrera said. “That’s been the case. (He’s) one of my best friends. He brings that high, intense energy whether we’re at the movies, at dinner, or even on the field. He’s the same high-energy guy each and every day.”
With restrictions eased this season, Scott has been a popular figure, drawing cheers and chants when his walk-up song — “Grove St. Party” by Waka Flocka Flame — plays.
“He’s a fan favorite,” Hill said. “Little kids are chanting his name.”
Scott has embraced a grit-and-bear-it style. The left-swinging hitter crowds the plate to attack outside pitches and absorb inside ones. This season, his .413 on-base percentage is boosted with more combined walks (30) and beanings (eight) than hits (31).
After suffering the elbow injury, Scott worked his way back with help from athletic trainer Wade Yamasaki, who spent several years working in the San Diego Padres organization. Scott eventually received medical clearance to play. At first, he was used as a defensive replacement, then progressed to reclaiming his starting job in left field.
Scott said discomfort is part of the game, but he manages to find ways to cope. “Every day, I show up at the yard, and something different hurts,” Scott said. “It’s a constant adjustment. It’s a lot like professional baseball. Those guys play 162 games in 200 days.”
Hill, who was hired in June, said Scott has been instrumental in the ’Bows’ first winning Big West season in 10 years of membership. “It was great to have him here this first year building a culture that’s very consistent with his attitudes, beliefs, the Friday-night-football-game kind of mentality,” Hill said.
Scott said: “Coach Hill has been an awesome mentor to me through all my injuries as a player, as well as a coach. He’s opened up some great doors for me in the coaching world.”
Scott moonlights as a coach with GBG Pono Hawaii, a youth baseball organization that emphasizes athletics, academics and life skills. Through Hill, Scott has secured a coaching job under head coach Bob Miller at Cuesta College.
Scott said he will undergo surgery this summer, then join Cuesta. “It is going to put an end to my baseball career as a player, but, man, am I excited to get after it and continue to coach,” Scott said,
Scott said his dream would be to one day have a son who grows up to play for the ’Bows. “It would be so cool to see him in Kelly green and orange,” Scott said. “That would be awesome. I wouldn’t want my (future) son to play anywhere else.”
SCOTTY SCOTT
>> Position: Outfield
>> Bats/Throws: Left/Right
>> Height/Weight: 5-10/165
>> Class: Senior
>> Hometown: Cypress, Texas
HAWAII BASEBALL
At Les Murakami Stadium
>> Who: Hawaii vs. Cal Poly
>> When: 6:35 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1:05 p.m. Saturday
>> Radio: 1420-AM / 92.7-FM
>> TV: Spectrum Sports
