Spotlight On: Arthur Hung
Arthur receiving his award for Didsbury Bats’ win at the 2022 North West Series.
Photo credit: Arthur Hung
MSL chats to pitcher and umpire Arthur Hung about his softball world.
Name: | Arthur Hung |
Began playing: | 1990s |
Played for MSL: | 5 years |
First MSL team: | Blue Jays (disbanded) |
Current team: | Didsbury Bats |
Positions: | Pitcher, any infield |
When did you first play softball?
Many years ago I think, when I was in the University of Hong Kong. It was around 1990.
The University of Hong Kong? What were you doing there?
Studying and then I played a lot of sport around there. I studied Geography and Economics and played fastpitch.
Is it more fastpitch in Hong Kong?
Yes, I think it’s less common in Hong Kong for the slow pitch. Oh yes they have baseball as well.
You came over here and what was the first team you played for?
The first team I played for is Blue Jays.
How many years have you been in MSL?
Since I come here? Five years already.
I think [umpiring,] it’s interesting and it is part of my responsibility to contribute to the circle that I am involved in.
What drew you to umpiring?
I think it’s interesting and it is part of my responsibility to contribute to the circle that I am involved in. You know, I play hockey as well? In Hong Kong I used to be an umpire for hockey as well. I umpire hockey here occasionally. I also used to be the chairman of the Hong Kong Hockey Association for a couple of years. So that’s something that you can do to contribute to the circle you involve. You know more people and make more friends. That’s the way.
How have you found umpiring Division 1 games?
I find it’s interesting and it’s also challenging but if you want to be a good player you ought to know the rules.
What’s the best play you’ve ever seen?
The best play.. One of the best memory in the first year in the Blue Jays we had a guest player because we were short on that game. We bring him in. He was from my baseball team. He play outfielder. Someone hit a big hit to the outfield and he ran from the right field to the left field and dived, caught it! Keiren wants to come to play softball again this year. I always call him the best outfielder I’ve ever seen. You can’t imagine him run from the right field to the left field – and catch it. That is one of the most memorable.
Funniest moment?
Funniest? So many. OK one of the funniest moments. Last year when I umpire for Meerkats and, you know Amy Miller? Good hitter and fast runner. She try [to hit] and she throw the bat in front of the home plate. And I warn her and both teams say, ok it happens but if you do it again you’re out. And then, OK, the next round, she make hit and she carry the bat almost reached first base and dropped it there. It’s hilarious. But that’s only one of the funniest moments. There are many funniest times actually playing against different people, playing with different people.
What’s in your kit bag? What’s an item you can’t do without?
Probably inside my kit bag are a lot of protective gears like this [indicates to knee braces]. Knee braces, elbows.
You’re falling apart Arthur!
Yes! Luckily no screws inside [points to his head]. Because you know I play so many sports. Injuries are almost part of my life.
They are nice people. That’s why I stay with them.
What’s the best thing about playing for Didsbury Bats?
Many good people. I was with them in the first year. We played indoor and one of the tournaments, maybe one of the fundraising tournaments for Team GB, and we won that trophy. They are nice people. That’s why I stay with them.
Your costume for the James Bond themed End of Season Ball turned heads. Tell us about it.
When it was announced that the theme is James Bond, then OK, I think, OK, everyone will wear tuxedo, bow tie, scarf etc. I took a little bit of time to watch one or two movie. I think the older ones. Shaun Connery ones. And then something come to my mind, oh, almost every time James Bond live in a hotel and I think the first few films he always start from hotels and he travel and someone set off everything for him. And always naked! And sometimes topless. So OK then, that’s a good idea and it could be not an expensive way and I don’t need to rent the tuxedo and then I can get a bathrobe with a slipper and make sure you have cigar! I’m sorry that it surprised too many people.
It was definitely a surprise Arthur!
Thank you very much and good luck in Div 2!
Catch Arthur playing for Didsbury Bats in Division 2 next season at Wythenshawe Sports Ground, Wednesdays from 7pm.