An interview with infielder Chris Bauer
Chris Bauer
Interview conducted on 10/10/2015
Who are you playing with in 2016?
All American
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Shortstop and middle infield
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Hard to argue with Greg Connell. Guy hits it better than anyone and isn't hurting anyone In the infield.
Why do you like the game of softball?
This dumb game has given me a chance to fly around the country and be competitive at the highest level!
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Pat Ellwanger kills it. One of the major teams would be lucky to have him!
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Buck.. Been my nickname since about 4th grade baseball. Honestly don't remember how I got it!
What is your height and weight?
6'0" 210lbs
Where do you call home?
St. Paul Minnesota
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Hanging out with my girlfriend and working on the house!
What do you do for a living?
I am a self employed carpenter.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played hockey and baseball in high school.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
Played with most of the upper players in Minnesota for a couple years and got lucky enough to get a chance with XTREME. Been lucky enough to play in the conference with them for a couple years.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The pitching and the defense is no joke compared to playing at the lower levels. Hitting it hard just doesn't get it done at this level!
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Not really. I just play as hard as I can every inning of every game. I would rather steal a hit than get a hit!
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I hit 4 homeruns in a game against racks at the smokey thiis year on Friday night. Hard to beat that feeling in a tournament like that!
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Bill Dekhes was the first coach that really made me feel like I was good enough to play at the upper level!
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Play as hard as you can every out of every inning. You never know who is watching!
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Drop two fingers and overlap two finger as 26 or 27 oz.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Mostly body weight and endurance workouts. As a middle infielder I'm not trying to lose my range and agility.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
The twins and the wild take up all
My TV time!
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I always take my hat off and clean the box out before every at bat. I don't want anyone else's footsteps influencing my at bat!
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
This year I picked 'sundaze' by Florida Georgia line
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I think the homerun limit should be the same for every game at the conference level.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Dudley is great because it's a hometown tournament. But it's hard to beat the Smoky because of the history and the atmosphere!
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
The fields in Columbus are hard to argue with! Flat turf infielders are great for a shortstop!
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Wawa is my favorite place!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
My boy Scotty Eischens throwing up in the infield and telling the ump to wait til he is ready to go!
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I have about the most supportive girlfriend in the world. I was trying to give the game up and she made me fill this interview out!
What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Geno buck gave me a new glove at the major this year. (Ding)
One of the best ball players I know!
Great player and good dude, any conference team would be lucky to have this guy!