It’s hard for an All-American to be overshadowed
throughout her career, but that is exactly the way it has been for
Tairia Mims.
During her four years at UCLA, the senior first baseman has
played in the shadow of other Bruin greats but has still
established herself as one of the premier hitters both nationally
and in the Pac-10.
“The reason why she might be overshadowed is because she
isn’t one of the extremes,” UCLA coach Sue Enquist
said.
“She’s not like Natasha Watley who has incredible
speed, and she’s not like Stacey Nuveman who was an
incredible power hitter. Mims hits for both average and
power.”
Nuveman graduated last year as the NCAA career home run leader.
Watley tied the all-time Pac-10 stolen base record last weekend and
still has 15 games plus the postseason to add to it.
But Mims has been very solid, always finishing with both a high
batting average and big power numbers. Her .360 batting average and
13 home runs in 2002 and .376 average and 17 home runs in 2001 were
surpassed only by Watley and Nuveman.
“I’ve never really thought of myself as a big-time
player,” Mims said. “It’s not a big deal.
I’ve never been the best player on my team. I’d rather
win.”
This season, Mims has exploded with a .472 average and 13 home
runs already ““ Nuveman-like numbers.
“I haven’t felt pressure batting cleanup,”
Mims said. “After the first time through the lineup, there
isn’t any difference.”
Part of the success can be attributed to using a pre-stride in
her batting stance, giving her one less timing element at the
plate.
Regardless of the reasoning, her teammates are just happy
she’s producing the way she is.
“Mims is getting the job done,” designated player
Claire Sua said. “She’s setting a good example. So she
is definitely leading us out there in every aspect. Catching,
hitting, everything. It’s just fun to hit behind her because
I get to see what she can do. Its like hitting behind Stacey
(Nuveman).”
Sua would know. Last season she batted behind Nuveman, one of
the best hittters in UCLA history.
But Mims is making her own mark at UCLA.
“You define Bruin softball first as a young adult that has
priorities, school first, and softball second,” Enquist said.
“You’ll do whatever it takes to win for the team. You
know how to clutch up. You have an outstanding effort and
attitude.”
“I think Tairia emulates that to a T.”
Mims also has been versatile on defense, playing a new position.
She came to UCLA as a third baseman and catcher, but those
positions were already filled.
Without any experience at first base, she has learned how to
play first base effectively, making just four errors on the
season.
“I don’t really have a preference,” Mims said.
“I play wherever the coach decides to play me.”
“A lot of the big fishes are marquee players at their
positions and wouldn’t change,” Enquist said.
“That says a lot about her. Deep down, I know she wants to
catch.”
Mims may not be willing to gloat and speak highly of her play on
the field, but her teammates will do that for her.
“She means a lot to the team,” Watley said.
“She’s a leader; she’s a great hitter, and
she’s got speed. She’s kind of like our silent thunder.
Not everyone knows who she is, but we can count on her to come
through.”