Baseball uniforms are unique for teams in the majors, minors, Little League, t-ball and Sun City.
The uniforms here in Sun City reflect the generous sponsorship of the community. But nothing is as unique to baseball as the stirrup sock.
Chuck Hund, a team member for the Capitals, is known for the variety of Socks he wears to the games.
As a new player, Capital’s team member Chuck Hund wanted to stand out, so he opted for a pair of crazy socks. Today he has a variety of fifty pairs that he alternates between games. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
“I never played 16-inch softball before Sun City. I wanted to be noticed on the team, so I got these crazy socks and that’s what everyone noticed and how I started being called ‘Socks.’ I belong to 4 different leagues. I play four or five times a week.”
The first team to show off their socked legs were the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1868 and the fashion statement caught on and continues. Hund’s socks reflect his unique style and pizazz. “Friends and family started buying me socks for my birthday. I do have preferences. They have to be taller socks. I like to coordinate with the uniform. My favorite pair has flames on them. I’ll be wearing them tonight for the game.”
How many socks does Hund have?
“I have a Tupperware container-full, around 50. I am particular though. Thin socks don’t work well. You could go around the base running and your toes come through. I like the heavier ones, and of course tall and a size 13.”
“One year,” Hund tells, “my girlfriend convinced me to be in the Golf Cart Parade and we hung all my socks around the cart. It was crazy. I won’t be doing that again.”
Does he treasure any of his socks in particular?
“I have a lucky pair – gold ones – that go well with our uniform colors. It did not help us win recently though.”
But maybe the socks have brought Hund luck in the Sun City Softball World. Hund said, “I did just get elected the new President of the Sun City Softball Charter Club. I’m excited to build on the great foundation that’s been established by Glenn Groebli. He has been president for about 8 years with a break. He’s done a lot. I am hoping to make the club more open, attract more players and the teams more equal.”
Hund’s week ended with the Capitals defeating the Lumbar Jacks, 10-6, and winning the 2018 Sun City Huntley Softbal16 inch league.
Socks’ vision for the future of the club reflects his enthusiasm for the game and the little things.
And really, isn’t that all we really want?
