Bill Rhew

USSSA Playing History

GoSoftball.com Player Page

Major Watch List Player

Who are you playing with in 2012?
Team 454

Why do you like the game of softball?
Being a ball player for the bulk of my life, this allows me to kind of "live the dream" so to speak.  Once baseball was ended by injury, this provided a great place to fill that competitive gap.  However, I think the biggest reason I play the game at this point is due to the relationships made.  Have managed to create some great friendships through this game and I think that's what keeps me on the field.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Seen quite a few great ones, although I've really only spent 2 years in this game.  BJ Fulk, was the first "Big name" that I came across and, as a result, I've always followed his game closely.  I really admire guys that aren't only a great talent on the field, but true advocates of the game.  In that regard: BJ Fulk, Rusty Bumgardner, Brett Helmer, Brian Wegman, and Robert Blackburn.  These guys are all tremendous ball-players, but they represent the game as class acts.  They play the game the right way and represent what this game is all about.

What is your nickname in softball?
Don't really have one......"Big Bill" or "Rhewby" seems to be used a bit

Where do you call home?
Central North Carolina  (Winston-Salem/Greensboro area)

What do you do for a living?
I'm an Investment banker by trade.  As a result, we own and operate multiple fast food franchises and hotels.  I'm a bit of an opportunist/entrepreneur, so I could probably write a short novel (that no one wants to read) on all the things I do for a living!

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Played baseball and football in high school.  Was drafted out of high school by the Chicago White Sox and was fortunate enough to make it to Double A.  Was hurt in a car wreck after my 2nd full season, and career over.  Guess that's why I'm here taking this interview about my slow pitch softball career!

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I actually got started playing church league softball one summer (3 years ago).  Played some outlaw, weekend ball that summer and was hooked.  The following year I decided to form a team with some of those same "outlaw" teammates and play some C ball.  After that, was approached about putting a team in the Conference and taking my talents there!!

So, I guess you can say that money got me to the upper level! LOL

What position do you play?
I think I can play about anywhere on the diamond, with the exception of pitching (couldnt do it over-handed and cant do it under-handed either).  However, I'm a third baseman at heart

What batting grip do you use?
pinky on the knob with standard baseball grip

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for softball?
I train quite a bit in the gym.  My schedule doesn't really allow me the time to do a great deal more, however, this coming year I will be dedicating a lot more time to BP

What is your favorite sports team?
unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins

What is your favorite sport other than softball?
football

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Have two:
   I always tap both corners of the plate before setting up in the box.

   I write my daughters initials in the dirt in front of me at third before every inning in the field

What is your most memorable softball moment?
Without question it was winning the "A" World this past year.  That team had SO much heart and some incredible chemistry.  Everyone out there played for their teammates and it reflected in our play as the year progressed and we learned to play with one another.

Is slowpitch softball a sport or a game?
Both.....At this level its actually a bit of a profession.  I have the unique opportunity to look at this from the viewpoint of both a sponsor and player.  Believe it or not, there is a great deal of prep that goes into both sides of it.  When you are getting paid to perform a service/job then you are doing it professionally.  In addition, when you train the way you have to play at this level....its also a sport

All that being said, I wouldn't do this if it wasn't a game in its own regard!  I have enough "serious" in my life, I need a little game time!

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
I dont feel like it would be fair of me to make this assessment.  I've been a part of the upper level for one year and haven't seen it evolve over a long enough period of time.  I will say that I believe Don truly is attempting to make the game, at this level, a great deal like our more notable professional sports.  Its going to take a huge amount of co-operation across the board from USSSA, the major brands, and sponsors alike to help it realize its full potential.

What is your favorite non-World tournament?
The Smoky

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Have a lot of funny moments, but nothing that stands out above the rest.  Follow our team enough this year (with the fools we have in uniform) and I'm sure you'll collect some stories