Scott Stricklin’s Coaching Odyssey – “And That’s The Game Podcast” with Wayne Mazzoni Episode #7
Welcome to “And That’s the Game” podcast presented by ProBatter Sports. Today, we sit down with Scott Stricklin, a baseball lifer whose journey spans playing at Kent State, conquering the minor leagues, and an extensive coaching career highlighted by leading programs at Kent State and Georgia. With our host Wayne Mazzoni, Stricklin shares candid insights into his remarkable baseball odyssey.
A Love for Sports from an Early Age
Scott Stricklin’s passion for sports ignited at a young age. Growing up, he was the quintessential sports kid, embracing every opportunity to play. Whether it was tennis during Wimbledon, hockey after the “Miracle on Ice,” or good old-fashioned backyard games with the neighborhood crew, Stricklin was always game. His love for sports transcended seasons, with football, basketball, and baseball taking turns as his favorite.
A Star Athlete Turned Minor Leaguer
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2256928/14815917
In high school, Stricklin’s athletic prowess shone brightly as a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His dedication and talent on the diamond earned him a scholarship to play baseball at Kent State University, where he honed his skills as a catcher. After a successful college career, Stricklin was drafted and embarked on a five-year journey through the minor leagues, an experience he describes as humbling and the most difficult thing he had ever done.
The Coaching Calling
As his playing days neared their end, Stricklin found himself at a crossroads. A chance encounter with Danny Hall, the head coach at Kent State, set him on a new path: coaching. With a few twists and turns along the way, including a brief stint as a janitor and a short-lived sales job, Stricklin’s coaching career took flight. He landed positions at Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech before returning to his alma mater, Kent State, as the head coach.
Building a Legacy at Kent State
For nine years, Stricklin poured his heart and soul into building the Kent State program, guiding the team to multiple championships and an improbable College World Series appearance in 2012. His success at Kent State opened the door to a new opportunity as the head coach at the University of Georgia, where he spent a decade navigating the highs and lows of leading a Power Five program.
Embracing the Sidelines
After being let go from Georgia following the 2022 season, Stricklin found himself in uncharted territory: out of baseball for the first time in 31 years. While the transition has been challenging, he has embraced the opportunity to experience life beyond the dugout, traveling with his wife and supporting his son, Kale, as he begins his own playing career at Auburn University. It’s still tough, and the blow to his pride and ego lingers, but Stricklin knows he needs to get over himself and focus on the things that truly matter.
Advice for the Next Generation
As someone who has experienced the game from every angle, Stricklin’s advice for young players and coaches is simple yet profound: if you do a crappy job at your crappy job, you’re always going to have a crappy job. It’s a reminder that excellence, dedication, and a positive attitude can open doors, even in the face of adversity.
Through his journey, Scott Stricklin has learned invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing life’s experiences beyond the diamond. As he navigates this new chapter, his legacy as a coach and mentor continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
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