Mike Russi

Male Player - Presented by Jay Lahair

Michael began his softball career when he joined his company softball team. “I didn’t even view the sport seriously at the time, I just thought it was a great way to kill time” he says. After 20 years pitching, he obviously views the sport quite differently now. 

Since 1983 Michael has pitched for several league and tournament teams, including Sunday morning and evening leagues. 

Beginning in 1993, Michael has participated in approximately three N.I.T. tournaments and two State tournaments, per year. 

From 1993-1996 Michael played with Ambitious Builders, from 1997-2000 he played with Deluxe Auto-Body and from 2001 to present he played with the Fat Chops Softball team. Michael, also known as “Hoover” because of his ability to “grab everything up the middle” has compiled an impressive 2875 Win-811 Loss career record. 

Michael explains that it is difficult to name a single event or thrill during his softball career with the USSSA. However, he notes: “If I was to choose just one event, it would have to be the privilege of competing in the 2002 Men’s “D” Division World Series in Orlando, Florida. For me, this was a dream come true. To have the opportunity to play with the best teams in the world and to be associated with that caliber of talent in the Men’s “D” Division was unbelievable.” 

Awards History:

1991 ​Joe Morano Fall softball-MVP

1991 19th Annual Harland Tournament-MVP

1991 Central Mass. Softball All Star-Team Member

1992 The Tom Marum “Outstanding Player Award”

1992 Ace Alarm Winner’s Circle Tournament-MVP

1992 Central Mass. Softball Fall League-MVP

1992 Joe Morano League-Batting champ (.825)

1992 Ericka Lynne Mancini Memorial Tournament-MVP

1993 Worchester Fall League-MVP
1994 Miller Lite Jacket Classic Tournament-MVP

1996 7th Annual Hubbard Field Marathon-MVP
1996 Men’s Triple Crown Classic, Class “D”-MVP

1996 Hartland Memorial Tournament-MVP

1997 Joe Morano Sunday morning league-Champs/MVP
1997 New England Class “D” Championship-MVP

1998 Spring Opener Tournament-MVP

1999 Bud Light Classic-MVP
2000 1st Annual Co-Ed Christmas Tree Classic-MVP

2001 Frostbite Classic-MVP
2002 Dudley N.I.T. Men’s “D”-1st Place Team finish 

In summary Michael states:
“The sport of softball, for me, is about teamwork, competitive thinking, strategy and clearly defined rules. I make it a point to know the rules because there is no one worse on the field than a person who argues calls and doesn’t have the knowledge to back it up. The game of softball is important, for me, because it allows men and women to have an opportunity to continue to compete in a competitive sport and keep their minds and bodies strong. I am so grateful to the sport for helping to keep me young and keep me out of my wife’s hair! It is important to note that we (as do many) spend a lot of family time at the softball field as well. My family is very supportive of the sport and loves watching the games. My wife Kristi has been warming the bleachers for the last ten years and probably should be nominated into the Cheerleaders Hall of Fame.”