005 | Mike Meyer’s Journey: From Baseball Prodigy to Coaching Success

About the Guest

Mike Meyer is a former professional baseball player and current manager of the Sioux Falls Canaries. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Mike’s passion for baseball began at an early age. He played college baseball for the University of Arizona and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, spending three seasons in affiliated baseball and six more in independent leagues. After his playing career, Mike transitioned into coaching and now focuses on developing players in independent baseball, sharing his extensive experience and insights from his own journey through the ranks of professional baseball.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Mike Meyer, manager of the Sioux Falls Canaries, to discuss the journey of transitioning from a promising baseball player to a respected manager. Starting with his humble beginnings in Tucson, Arizona, Mike shares how his love for baseball began and the pivotal moments that led him to play for the University of Arizona. Despite the allure of early Major League offers, Mike’s college experience challenged him in unforeseen ways, teaching him valuable life lessons beyond the diamond.

The conversation delves into Mike’s professional career, spanning affiliated and independent leagues, and how his encounters with both success and adversity have shaped his managerial style today. Mike reflects on the critical advice he would offer his younger self, emphasizing the importance of not letting one passion dominate your life and appreciating every moment’s fullness. This engaging narrative reveals a man who has learned to balance ambition with wisdom, making a profound impact on every player he manages today.

Key Takeaways

• Mike Meyer’s journey from a Little League all-star to professional baseball offers a rich tapestry of experiences and life lessons.
• College life at the University of Arizona played a crucial role in developing Mike’s resilience and adaptability, shaping him into the manager he is today.
• Transitioning from player to manager involved learning to build a team culture that values individual growth and collective success.
• Meyer emphasizes the significance of enjoying life beyond your primary passion, a perspective shaped by years of both triumph and challenge in baseball.
• Encouragement from his support system, particularly former athletes like his wife Kara, was instrumental in his persistence and career progression.

Notable Quotes

• “From 11 years old to about 18, I knew I was going to play in the big leagues and I was going to be a Hall of Famer.”
• “It was the first time in my life where I wasn’t the star, and there was a little bit of a pity party on my end.”
• “I want them to be able to come into my office and ask me about finances or… feel comfortable to do that, but also know I’ll call them out if they’re not giving their best.”
• “Having good role models and good leaders in your life is so important. And I just, every day I strive to be one of those.”
• “Don’t take anything for granted. Enjoy every moment of it.”

Resources

• Follow Mike Meyer and the Sioux Falls Canaries
• University of Arizona Athletics

Tune in to listen to the full episode and gain deeper insights into Mike Meyer’s inspiring journey from a baseball dreamer to a transformative leader in independent baseball. Don’t miss upcoming episodes for more thought-provoking discussions on resilience and success.