Mike Rauma
Interview conducted on 12/28/2020
Who are you playing with in 2021, and who have you played with in the past?
2021 Free Agent – Mike_o_rauma@yahoo.com
Played with AZM(B), won ASA B nationals with L&S Glass (B 2017), Tradesman (A). ASA Monsta (A 2018) and Anarchy (Super 2019)
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
1st base and Catcher and have done a little pitching at the conference level
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Big John Williams, surprises me every time we have played together
Why do you like the game of softball?
I love to compete and strive to excel
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Don't know if he is considered up and coming anymore, David "Laser Dave" Johnson
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
"Big Mike". If you have seen me, it makes sense
What is your height and weight?
6'8" 300lbs (offseason) 285lbs (season)
Where do you call home?
So Cal but will being calling Boise, ID home next year
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hitting balls with my boys and smoking up some meat
What do you do for a living?
Own a home inspection company and am an electrician for BNSF railroad
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Football, baseball, basketball, swimming. Blew my knee out 3 weeks after high school graduation and lost an opportunity on a swim scholarship
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Played a church league, found out they had a city league, heard people played tournaments on the weekends. When I learned of the conference, I worked hard to be the best teammate and player I could be until I had an opportunity with AZM (conference B) out of Arizona, ended up getting All Tournament in Portland Major. Worked harder to stay their until work didn't allow me to have weekends off. Now I am hoping to be an asset in the upper level again.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The defense, everyone is fast, throws hard and balls out every play.
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Hard to say, anyone who wants to do whatever they can to make there team a success.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Winning "asa b nationals" with L&S Glass when we were not projected to be in the top 10 finishers.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Steve Sims (AZ legend), he told me to "shut your mouth and play, nobody cares what you say just how you act". My father, "you may not be perfect on the field but you can always be a great teammate".
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work on your skills against those better than you, be the best teammate you can and let people know you are available to travel.
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
2 finger off tapered knob with a 2 finger overlap. 28oz endload
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Legs and core. Consistent workouts in the gym and field.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Angels of Anaheim. Swimming
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Korn "Blind"
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I think they did at the new complex, 325ft fields
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Toys 4 Tots palm springs. Great cause and I get to see a lot of friends in the off season
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Space Coast
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Texas Roadhouse and Waffle House
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