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Ep 42 - Michael Minner - Head Coach Charleston Fighting Squirrels and Principal at Charleston High School: Building A Baseball Powerhouse with Heart and Grit
Manage episode 518652549 series 3681183
Rivalry may spark the fire, but standards keep it burning. We welcomed Charleston principal and longtime coach Michael Minner into Bulldog Country for a candid, funny, and deeply practical conversation about building programs that last—on the field and in the hallways. From the unlikely origin of the “Fighting Squirrels” to the day-to-day habits that turn talent into teams, Minner lays out how branding, access, and accountability can transform summer baseball into a true development pipeline.
We dig into the Squirrels’ growth across age groups, why he avoids cutting younger teens, and how raffles and partnerships keep costs down in a sport that’s only gotten pricier. He shares the realities of running Hillhouse Park—what turf would unlock, why a great grass field still matters, and the pride players take in caring for their own mound. We also talk coaching rules and culture: squeeze plays over showboating, situational reps over shortcuts, and the power of program standards to win the close games.
Off the diamond, Minner explains how he’s shaping a stronger school climate: a no-phone policy that brought back real conversations, visibility at events, and clear lines that make learning feel human again. The Charleston–Sikeston rivalry gets its due, with mutual respect for the expectation to compete every year. And in a moving moment, we reflect on Veterans Day, a young soldier’s layover, and why community is a responsibility, not a slogan.
If you care about youth development, high school sports, or what it takes to build a strong culture, this conversation hits home. Tap play, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more folks in the 573 can find the show.
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Chapters
1. Opening, Sponsors, And Mission (00:00:00)
2. Audience Growth And Community Reach (00:08:10)
3. Veterans Day, Service, And A Soldier’s Story (00:13:20)
4. School Traditions And Local Pride (00:18:40)
5. Break And Number 42 Sports Legends (00:22:43)
6. Meet Coach Michael Minner (00:24:00)
7. From Art Teacher To Charleston Principal (00:27:00)
8. Birth Of The Fighting Squirrels Brand (00:33:00)
9. Program Structure, Ages, And Access (00:41:30)
10. Affordability, Fundraising, And Gear (00:47:00)
11. Facilities, Hillhouse Park, And Upgrades (00:51:30)
12. Coaching Standards And Playing The Right Way (00:58:30)
13. Staff, Culture, And Leadership Pipeline (01:05:00)
14. Education Leadership And Cell Phone Policy (01:13:30)
15. Charleston–Sikeston Rivalry And Expectation (01:22:00)
16. Squirrels’ Growth, Travel Ball, And Development (01:31:11)
17. Hosting Regionals And World Series Logistics (01:40:11)
18. Turf Dreams, Costs, And Operations (01:48:55)
19. Groundskeeping, Ownership, And Player Pride (01:56:25)
20. Minner’s Playing Days And A Final At-Bat (02:01:55)
21. Lightning Round: Movies, Food, And Popcorn (02:12:55)
22. Clutch Players, Rules, And Pressure (02:20:55)
23. Faith, Family Update, And Perspective (02:28:25)
28 episodes
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