Year Inducted: 2024
Nominated By: Dave Dudley
Nominated as: Contributor
High School:
Attended Pueblo South High School, graduating in 1975.
College:
Continued his higher education at the University of Southern Colorado...Graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Contributor:
Arch Billmire Company (1982-84):
● Hired as a sales associate based out of Denver representing Russell Athletic and Johnson & Johnson products.
● Mike's USC degree and experience gained working at Herb's Sports Shop in downtown Pueblo during high school and college were critical factors separating him from other candidates.
● Hiring at Arch Billmire Company led to a life-long and storied career in the sporting goods industry.
Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc. (1984-present: 40 years and counting):
● Recruited Mike to San Diego, CA to lead sales efforts in the very competitive southern California market.
● Has held several senior executive level positions focusing his efforts on sales and marketing activities including the position of "Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing & New Business Development" and his current position since 2017 as "Chief Marketing Officer"
● Guided the Rawlings brand to incredible success working closely with Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League Baseball, the National Football League, the NCAA, numerous amateur and youth organizations including the Babe Ruth League, Little League and Perfect Game.
● Instrumental in the Rawlings acquisition of Easton, a major manufacture of aluminum style baseball bats, softball bats.
Achievements:
● Earned numerous awards at Rawlings including, "Rookie Salesman of the Year" in 1985, 3x Regional Sales Manager , for outstanding sales production and the “Finest in the Field Award” for corporate leadership.
● Earned a promotion to Regional Sales Manager with product sales responsibilities over much of the western US (1989).
● Selected as National Director of Sales and soon became Vice President of Sales (1994).
● He became the youngest VP in Rawlings history.
● Developed professional business and personal relationships with professional athletes, coaches and executives throughout professional and amateur baseball as well as many other sports.
● Helped elevate the Rawlings brand throughout the North American sports world as well as in South America, Europe, Australia, Korea and Japan.
● Has presented many Rawlings "Gold Glove" awards to MLB players in ballparks throughout America over the years. This award has been around since 1957 for baseball defensive excellence at each position in both the National and American Leagues and is one of the most coveted awards a player can receive.
● Created the annual Gold Glove Award celebration event traditionally held for award winners and their guests at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, NYC. This is one of the premier events in all of sport.
Contributions:
● Has made significant contributions to the business success of the 136-year-old company during his 40+ years with Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc.
● His success is grounded in hard work which was ingrained into him at an early age during a modest upbringing with proud Pueblo blue-collar roots and discipline gained through competitive childhood sports.
● Has developed and still maintains relationships with some of the greatest players and organizations in baseball history.
● Created the "Platinum Glove Award" (2011), allowing fans to vote electronically to select the best defensive players in both leagues from Gold Glove Award winners.
● Recently led the design of the new Rawlings corporate headquarters building located in suburban St. Louis which includes an immersive experience called "The Rawlings Experience" where visitors can experience baseball history, demo Rawlings products, design personalized gloves and bats or purchase memorabilia.
● Helped market the Rawlings brand through oversight of baseball glove contracts negotiations with many star players at the major league level while also ensuring the Rawlings baseball continues as the official ball, glove, helmet and base of Major League Baseball.
Personal Affiliations/Achievements:
● "Angel Award" Prostate Cancer Fans for the Cure.
● "Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Inductee" (2024).
● "Baseball Hall of Fame Leadership Council" - Baseball HOF.
● "One of 21 Top Leaders for the 21st Century in Sports" - Sports Trend's Magazine.
● "Meritorious Service Award" - Baseball Coaches of America.
● "Lifetime Achievement Award" - Men's Senior League Baseball.
● "Presidents Award" Youth Basketball of America.
● "Alumni Association Board Emeritus" - Babe Ruth League.
● "Board of Director Member" - St. Louis Sports Commission.
● "Partner Award" - Albert Pujols Foundation.
Related Activities:
● Has quietly supported numerous organizations through product donations and financial contributions never seeking public attention.
● Has provided uniforms, bats, balls and other equipment to several needy school, college and club teams in Colorado, Missouri and other teams around the country.
● Provided significant personal funds in support of Runyon Field during a time of financial need a few years ago along with another Pueblo South High graduate.
Personal:
Pueblo resident for 22 years...Currently resides in Chesterfield, MO, along with his wife Colleen.
