Growing up in Chicago area, there was one person who everyone wanted to see pitch. His name is Michael Bowden. I was one of the fortunate ones that got to play with and against Mike since I was 9 years old, and every game- I was one of the players that was expecting something special to happen and more times than not….it did. Mike was the 2005 Gatorade Player of the year out of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, made appearances in numerous All American Games and eventually was drafted by the Boston Red Sox 47th overall. I could sit here and write a 10 page article just talking about Mike’s accolades, but these are things people already know. I was able to track down Mike at spring training and he obliged by doing a Q and A session with Bringingheat.com.

BH- Mike, As a kid, I’m sure you imagined yourself as a Major League Player. But, realistically, did you ever see this happening? Did you see your dream coming true like this?

MB– All I ever wanted to do growing up was play baseball, I remember writing papers about being a professional baseball player all throughout school. I did everything I could when I was a kid and in High School to make that a reality, so I knew that I was putting myself in the best possible position to make my dream a reality. Playing professional baseball has been an unbelievable experience, I have learned so much about the game and life. It has been much more challenging than I thought it was going to be, it is a very long season with a lot of ups and downs but I could not imagine doing anything else.

BH-Who was your sports idol growing up? What made this person someone you looked up to?

MB- Growing up one of my role models was Michael Jordan, although he did not play baseball, well I guess he actually did, but just watching him when I was growing up was awesome. He was the leader of one of the greatest teams ever, he could take a game into his own hands and win a game while being a team player. He played the game very hard, and it was very easy to respect that even at such a young age.

BH-Who has been your biggest supporter in pursuing your dream? How has this support benefited you?

MB- My biggest supporter without a doubt has been my mother, growing up she would do whatever it would take to get me to the baseball field even though she worked all the time she still found a way. My mom worked extremely hard, and still does. I have a very good work ethic and I owe a lot of that to her. I grew up with my mother and two older sisters, and they have all done everything they can to help me accomplish my dream, and have supported every decision I have made.

My fiance has also supported me, it takes a very strong woman to be with a baseball player, especially at long distances and she has been nothing but supportive even when she has to deal with me after a bad game.

BH-Are you a little disappointed that you missed out on college, or is that something you intend to go back to achieve?

MB- I have money set a side in my contract to pay for my college if I choose to go back. Right now I am doing everything in my power to accomplish my dream and play in the Major Leagues so right now school is not an option. Depending on how my career goes I plan on someday going back to school.

I am not disappointed I did not go to college. When my fiance was in college I got to visit her quite a bit and that was enough of the college experience I needed.

BH- Being at your draft party was unreal experience. It was an honor to be a part of you accomplishing what you set out to do, but if you can… take me all the way back to draft day in 2005. Put me in your head, what were you thinking that morning?

MB- Looking back, it was one of the most special days of my life. While the draft was going on, I was inside listening to the draft and waiting for the phone call. Once I heard my name I just started hugging my mom and agent and sisters, then I walked outside and told everyone and a buddy of mine was wearing a Red Sox hat so he gave it to me to wear. The rest of the day we all just hung out ate a bunch of food, it was a great day.

BH- It was an outstanding experience for me, and let me tell you…the food was glorious as I’m sure most would agree!

MB- (Laughs)

BH- What is the coolest, most exciting moment you’ve experience so far in professional baseball?

MB- The most exciting moment I have experienced so far is without a doubt the first relief appearance I made in the Major Leagues. It was a Sunday night game against the Yankees and it was a 3-1 ballgame I believe in the 7th inning. I heard the phone ring in the bullpen and my heart skipped a beat, and then the bullpen coach told me to get ready. I pitched 2 clean innings with 2 strikeouts (one of the victims was future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter). At the end of that game I felt like I was on the top of the world, it was one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.

BH- You were a good hitter in high school. Do you miss hitting now? Does it somewhat discourage you that you won’t be able to hit in the Majors unless you get traded to the NL or play in an interleague game?

MB- I was a good hitter in High School, and when I first signed I thought I was going to really miss it. But after I realized everything that being a pitcher entailed I am glad that was the only thing that I had to concentrate on. I do sometimes think about getting an at bat in inter-league play and hitting a home run, I think that day will come.

BH- For all the people that wonder daily, can you tell us about a typical day in your life playing pro ball.

MB- We usually play at night, so when we wake up we make breakfast and run some errands or just hang out at our house. Then we get to the park around 2 o’clock for a 7 o’clock game. Depending on the day we will have to workout and throw and do conditioning, maybe throw a bullpen, do some shoulder strengthening exercises, shag batting practice, then go back into the clubhouse and get some food and get ready to play in the game. We get done around 11 0′clock every night so we then go home and do it again the next day.

BH-How do you deal with all the travel and odd hours that you experience?

MB- It is very tough to deal with the travel, especially in the lower levels of professional baseball. There could be days where we are on a bus for 10 hours and then we have to play that night. Or you have to wake up at 4 in the morning to catch a 6AM flight then have to play that night. Also we hardly ever sleep in our own beds and staying in a bunch of different hotels its hard but is a ton of fun at the same time.

BH- What kinds of things do you and your teammates do to pass the time when you travel?

MB- We play a lot of cards, and card games. We watch movies. We talk a lot of baseball. We make fun of each other and give everyone a hard time. A professional season is very long so you have to have as much fun as you can. The guys are truly your family for 9 months out of the year, and its fun going to the park everyday and hanging out with a bunch of guys and having fun.

BH- Who has helped you most on the baseball field in your life? Why?

MB- My first pitching coach was Bob Kipper, who is actually from where I grew up so we had a lot in common. But he helped me out a lot in my first professional season. He taught me so much about the game and about pitching that I did not know, he helped set the foundation for the pitcher that I am now.

A bunch of teammates have helped me on the field just because they are able to see a lot of things you don’t, not only physically but mentally, and they are not afraid to confront you about it.

BH- I remember hearing that you were going to make that start against the White Sox a good 24 hours in advance. Can you describe your ML debut. What emotions were you feeling? What thoughts were running through your head? How did you combat your nervousness or any pressure you felt?

MB- My debut was awesome. I was very nervous but extremely excited at the same time. When I got out on the mound for the first time I took a second and looked all around just to take it in. It is an amazing feeling when you have accomplished something you have worked your whole life for. I was nervous with the first batter that I faced and walked him, but after that I told myself it was just baseball and something I have done my whole life and just relaxed. I ended up getting the win in that game. It was a great feeling.

BH- Everyone knows that you’ve been involved in trade rumors for players like Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Andrew Jones, and Adrian Gonzalez. How do you react to those?

MB- They are rumors for a reason, most likely they are not true, just like all the ones you mentioned. I don’t worry about things I cannot control. It is actually flattering being named in trades for great players like that, and just knowing that other teams would like you in their organization.

BH- What advice would you give a young pitcher going through the recruiting/draft processes? What advice would you give a young player who has the dream of playing in the big leagues?

MB- Just be yourself. Do everything you can to maximize your opportunity. Also make good decisions and surround yourself with people that will bring the best out in you. It is a long and stressful process but if you work hard and do your best, that dream has a much better chance of becoming a reality.

BH- Mike, thanks again for your honesty and time with this interview. It’s been truly awesome watching you fly up the ranks of the Red Sox organization, and I know that you’ll continue to put yourself in the best position for success. We’re all pulling for you back home and here at Bringingheat.com. Keep working hard, stay healthy and hopefully we’ll be able to catch up next winter.

MB- Your welcome Brett and it was a pleasure. Thanks and best of luck to you as well