Part 1: Mike Steele Coaches Cleveland Indians and Son's Youth Team, Talks State of Youth Baseball

Elbow Up Youth Baseball

Parents and Coaches,
This is one of my favorite episodes so far! It was an hour long, so I split it into two parts. Be sure to subscribe to my free emails so you won’t miss part two!
This is definitely one you need to listen to, but here’s an outline of the episode and part one of my interview with Cleveland Indians pitching coach, youth baseball coach, and dad, Mike Steele! (remember, you can also subscribe in iTunes or your favorite podcast player)
⚾ 1:00 - Introduction
Mike Steele played high school, college, and pro ball. He spent 7 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching coach.
He’s also served as the pitching coach at three Division I universities - Michigan State University, Long Beach State University, and Wichita State University.
Mike is now based out of Phoenix, Arizona with the Cleveland Indians as a minor league pitching coach. He works during Spring Training with all levels of Indians’ pitchers, and then remains in Phoenix throughout the rest of the year with their Rookie level minor league team.
In addition to his lengthy baseball career, Mike’s most important job now is being a father, which also includes coaching his son’s 13 year old summer team.
I know a lot of youth league coaches that have played the game at a high level, but I’ve never come across a professional baseball coach who also coaches his son’s team (at the same time).
⚾ 3:30 - Interview Starts
Mike was a good player, not a great player
He was middle of the pack compared to his peers
Didn’t get any offers out of high school; went JUCO
Played 6.5 seasons in pro ball
Had Tommy John and shoulder surgery
Start coaching career at Michigan State once he got married
Left coaching to work for Bo Jackson and John Cangelosi with the Illinois Sparks
Went back to the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching coach and a scout
Pitching coach at Long Beach State and Wichita State for two years each
Was offered a job and currently coaches with the Cleveland Indians
⚾ 10:50 - Why Mike Reached Out
Mike came across my episode about how Weekend Tournaments are Ruining Youth Baseball Player Development
Commented and agreed saying the current youth baseball environment is destroying our kids’ development
Mike recently realized after coaching a tournament, parents have so much anxiety around their kids’ performance
And how much pressure is put on our kids during their teenage years
And all of it is for the purpose of winning a ring that really means nothing
⚾ 13:55 - Thoughts on Rings for the “Toilet Bowl” Bracket
Mike talked about the difference between getting trophies and rings for participating vs the rings he got growing up as a player
Rings meant more than just playing, but represented the blood, sweat, and tears of the grind throughout the season
⚾ 17:25 - Transactional Relationship w/ Baseball
We don’t talk to young players today about controlling what they can control
Parents just hope their kid messes up less than the other kid; not developing players who can deal with adversity
⚾ 18:25 - Getting Lessons Too Early
Why are parents taking kids to work on skills when he doesn’t even know how to catch the baseball
“Parents want to buy a good delivery”
Players ar

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