Rusty Bumgardner
Height: 6'6"
Position: 1B/3B
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
- Currently plays for Smith/Menosse/Combat Sports
- Also played for Coverter's Unlimited/TPS (1992-1994), Shen Valley/Taylor Brother's/TPS (1995-1997), Team TPS (Taylor Brother's/Shen Valley/Sierra) (1998-2000), Long Haul/Shen Valley/Taylor Brother's/TPS (2001-2002), Resmondo  (2003-2007), Smith/Menosse/Combat Sports (2008-current)
- 2001 and 2003 Grand Slam of Softball
- Five ASA National Championships
- Multiple MVP honors
- Played baseball and football for Wake Forest
- Works for Combat Sports Group
- Has a wife Page and two children; daughter Bryn (3) and son Brock (1)
- Favorite Movie: Where the Red Fern Grows
- Favorite Pro Sports Teams: NY Yankees and Carolina Panthers
- Hobbies: Working out and working/playing at my mom's farm
- Favorite Food: Italian
- Three people I would like to have dinner with: My dad, Mike Glasscock and Harold Nichols
- Toughest Opponent: myself
- Dream job: Owning and operating a baseball/softball/strength and conditioning academy
What does it mean for you to represent your country at this level?
"I have been truly blessed and successful in this sport with the teams I have played for and the individual honors, but this is by far the ULTIMATE HONOR and PRIVILEGE! It is truly unbelievable to be able to representthe best country in the world."
 
What are the keys to the success of the USA Men's National team defeating Canada in the Border Battle?
"Don't be an individual. Be a TEAM! Everyone needs to realize that this is a once in a lifetime dream. Come together as a team and do whatever it takes to win."
 
How did you get started in slow pitch?
"While in college, I would come home during the summers and play locally. During my senior year, after finding out the football department wasn't going to pay for my "fifth" year if I played baseball, I played in some leagues and weekend tournaments during the fall. I was very fortunate enough one weekend, that an 'A' team coach/sponsor, Elvin Herring, spotted me. After signing, playing and being released by the Florida Marlins the following year, he asked me to come to The Smoky Mountain Classic softball tournament. I finished the year playing 'A' ball (1992), moved up to AA (1993) and finally got the opportunity to play Major Open the following year."