Bill Mueller's Interviews
My Heroes
By Bill Mueller
For me, heroes exist more on a personal level. A hero is someone who spends time with you and teaches you, by word and example, how to lead your life properly. From that standpoint, I'd say my heroes growing up, first and foremost, were my mother and father. I couldn't have asked for two better parents or role models. They were always there for me, looking after my well-being. As I grew up in baseball, my dad was very generous with his time and encouragement. He was so patient, and he always had the right answers for me. He became my biggest hero.
My dad even played a role in the way I chose my baseball heroes. He always said, "Don't watch just one player; watch all of them." And that's what I did. Growing up in St. Louis, I was able to watch a lot of fine players, both on the Cardinals and on the opposing teams that came to town. I watched everybody and picked up bits and pieces of the players who stood out.
From Willie McGee, I took his demeanor, how he handled himself and his success, how he was never in trouble and was very humble. Ryne Sandberg was another one of my heroes. I admired his batting eye -- it seemed that he never went after bad pitches. Ozzie Smith was special for the way he used his hands, how he attacked the ball on defense, and the angles he took on different grounders. I used to watch how Tommy Herr would turn the double play. I noticed Pedro Guerrero for the way his eyes got more acute and his average went way up with men in scoring position. I took the best characteristics from the best and now incorporate them into how I approach the game.