Steven (33) played No 8 for Waikato and the Chiefs and played one test for the All Blacks against Italy in 2004.
He is playing rugby in Japan these days but is still a source of inspiration for his younger brother.
"A little bit. Mainly just the way he went about his professionalism," Michael Bates said.
"He had a pretty strong desire from quite young that he wanted to be a professional sportsman."
That determination must have rubbed off. Bates (28) made his first-class debut in December 2003 and has been in and out of the Auckland team, playing just 30 matches.
But in the past few seasons he has been able to command more game time and this season has impressed in the domestic one-day and twenty/20 tournaments.
Playing for a successful Auckland side has also helped his selection prospects no end.
"Everyone gets looked at a little bit more when your team is winning, especially because you get to play in big games like finals. That puts you in front of selectors more often."
While Bates missed selection for the opening one-dayer against Zimbabwe in Dunedin today, coach John Wright has said he wants to give everyone in the squad of 14 a run in the next three matches.
That is good news for Bates.
He will get an opportunity to cement the spot typically reserved for a left-armer.
But he will have to be at the top of his game as he faces plenty of competition.
Test bowler Trent Boult has performed well for New Zealand when he has been afforded opportunities and Otago's Neil Wagner has been the best performed first-class bowler in the country over the past two seasons.
Former Black Cap Andy McKay felt hard done by when he missed selection.
He has raw pace on his side but his prospects have perhaps been damaged by Wellington's poor form.
James Franklin has been named in the twenty/20 side and can make a strong claim for a one-day spot, although he is more of a batsman who bowls a bit these days.
"There are a lot of good left-armers around the traps at the moment," Bates said.
"There is quite a lot of pressure for places as well."
