Family

Mike Bass credits his family for being the person he is today. Born in 1945, Mike grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His parents, Thomas and Louise Bass, instilled in Mike a strong sense of purpose, dedication, perseverance, and pride of accomplishment. Mike's parents were very strong role models. Thomas, now deceased, was a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, earned an additional degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan, and practiced medicine in Ypsilanti for over 40 years. Mike's mother, Louise, also deceased, was a graduate of Hampton (Institute) University in Hampton, Virginia and taught school in Ypsilanti for over 30 years.

Mike's immediate family includes his wife, Rosita, daughters Kimberly & Louise, sisters Ann Berutti & Leah Baylis, nephew Miltion Little, nieces Kristin & Jacqueline Baylis, and cousins Carmen, Marvin, & Earl Benson, and cousins Eldridge & William Bell.

Mike's wife, Rosita, is the cornerstone and foundation of Mike's family. Having renewed a relationship, which began over 55 years ago, in the 1950's, when both were children, Rosita is that loving and reliable partner, who has a unique perspective on all that face professional athletes, retired or otherwise.

As she puts it, pro athletes are confronted with many issues, including numerous health issues and other challenges. Wives, family members, and partners are the only ones who really know and feel what these athletes go through both while they are playing and long after the crowd has gone. It takes a special person to understand and Rosita is one of those persons.

Kimberly, Mike's oldest daughter, is a graduate of Furman University in South Carolina, where she earned a B.S. in Psychology and minored in Gender Studies. Also, Kimberly earned a Masters degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.

Louise, Mike's youngest daughter, is continuing her education on a path to becoming either a nurse or lawyer and has displayed a keen interest in Fashion Design. Also, Louise has made Mike the proud grandfather of 2 boys, Cornelious and Jonathan, both of whom continue to be a joy and challenge, as most boys are.

Ann, Mike's sister and 2 years his junior, completed an illustrious career in Educational Administration and teaching.

She continued her work in education as a Consultant to State Departments, University Lecturer and Project participant with OSERS. Currently, Ann writes and procures grants for public and private institutions. Her husband Richard Berutti holds Masters Degrees in Education and Reading. He recently retired after 30 plus years of dedication to the Education Profession.

Leah, Mike's youngest sister, has vast experience as a dancer, singer, and actress, having appeared on Broadway and toured nationally and internationally in such musicals as "Guys and Dolls", "Chicago", "A My Name Is Alice", "Arms Too Short To Box With God", "Ain't Misbehavin", "Black Nativity" and "The Tap Dance Kid." Leah is a school principal in the Los Angeles area and she and her husband, Doug Baylis, have four children, Milton Little, Kristin Baylis, Jacqueline Baylis, and Leslie Baylis.

Mike's nephew, Milton, is a graduate of Stanford University, where he was captain of the track team. Graduating in 2003, he continued his education and in 2009, following in the footsteps of Mike's father, received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. Milton is now in residency at the Orthopedic Hospital of New York. His wife, Erica, is also a graduate of Stanford (BS in Urban Planning) and Michigan (Masters in Public Policy).

Mike has 2 nieces, Jacqueline and Kristin. Jacqueline is a graduate of Michigan State University and earned a Masters degree in Planned Parenthood from the University of North Carolina. Kristin has followed the same path as her mother, Leah, having become a dancer with enormous ability and exceptional potential. Currently, she is studying under the tutelage of the renowned Debbie Allen and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).

Mike's cousins Carmen, Marvin, and Earl Benson reside in New Jersey, while Eldridge (Ricky) and William (Sonny) grew up in St. Louis.

I hope, in revealing my family to you, you will come to appreciate how much of an affect my family has had in making me who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. In introducing you to my family, I hope you can share some of my feelings and bring your own family members closer to your heart.

For more information, don't forget to take a look at Mike's BIO and Career pages.