Jason Michaels: Teaching What He Wished He Had Known

Jason Michaels' baseball journey is more than a collection of statistics; it is a story of personal growth, mentorship, and legacy. From his early days as a accomplished amateur athlete to his professional career in Major League Baseball, Michaels navigated the complexities of the sport while sharing valuable insights with others.

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Jason Michaels was immersed in a thriving baseball culture that fueled his drive. He played for Tampa Jesuit High School, where his exceptional talents began to emerge, ultimately leading him to the hall of fame for both the Okaloosa-Walton Community College and the University of Miami.

He was drafted four times, eventually signing with the Philadelphia Phillies after being drafted in the fourth round in 1998. He made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2001. After parts of five seasons with the Phils, he would also suit up for the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Houston Astros. In his 10 years in the Major Leagues, he appeared in over 1000 games, showcasing not only his talent but also his resilience. The ability to lead and mentor made him a valuable asset wherever he played.

After retiring in 2011, Michaels smoothly transitioned into mentorship. While many players struggle with this change, Michaels embraced it, dedicating his time to younger pros and amateur players. At his training facility, The Big League Approach, he focuses on instilling not just skills like batting and pitching, but also the importance of dealing with failure, mental toughness, and professionalism.

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This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Jason Michaels shares his journey from high school baseball to a successful 10-year career in Major League Baseball. He discusses the importance of mental readiness in transitioning to professional baseball, the challenges of sticking in the big leagues, and his current role in coaching young players. Jason emphasizes the significance of mental training in baseball, the evolving landscape of youth sports, and the need for a balanced approach to player development that includes both physical skills and mental resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Jason's Early Career and Draft Experiences

03:14 Transitioning to the Major Leagues

04:49 Mental Resilience in Professional Baseball

06:29 Recognizing the End of a Playing Career

08:22 Becoming a Coach and Mentoring Young Players

10:41 The Big League Approach Academy

13:28 Personalized Coaching and Mental Training

15:56 Advice to Young Athletes

17:50 The Evolution of Hitting Philosophy

24:15 The Impact of Social Media on Player Development

29:23 Respecting the Game: A Shift in Culture

Shorts taken from this full interview are also available at our YouTube channel and all social media pages.

A sample of Jason Michaels' teaching and videos found

How Jason Michaels was able to make himself valuable to MLB teams over his decade in the big leagues.

Jason Michaels handled leaving baseball just fine.

Jason and JP chat about the expense of youth baseball.

Jason Michaels tell us how the game has changed since he played and how it continues to change.

Jason Michaels' decision to open The Big League Approach.

Jason Michaels on his move from playing the game to teaching the game.