I believe in baseball.I believe that offense wins games; that good pitching and defense beat good hitting; and that proficient pitching and fielding win championships. I believe that because of baseball’s multitude of variables, having the ability to prepare and the ability to adapt are just as important as having exceptional skill. I believe that pitching with command super cedes velocity and that the best pitch in baseball is "Strike ONE!" I believe the basis of a successful team is having the following superior qualities.
Superior CommunicationThe exchange of thoughts, ideas, opinions, both verbal and non-verbal in an objective manner to where a productive interpersonal rapport exists.
Superior Preparation Focused training in conjunction with commitment, desire, loyalty, and sacrifice towards being the best that you can be as an individual and as a team even on the most difficult of days.
Superior RespectDeveloped and earned by being on time, by hustling and most importantly by exhibiting class.This also includes an appreciation towards coaches, teammates, opposing players, officials, parents, fans and members of the media.
I also believe that preparation, practice, participation, patience and perseverance are critical to constant improvement.Constant improvement is the means to winning; and that those who are constantly striving to improve will be rewarded and honored. I believe that players learn best from coaches who can recognize individual strengths and deficiencies in mechanics, mental strength and character.They can tailor their teaching to each individual and can communicate with positive, constructive feedback and patience.I believe that great coaches are cognizant of each player’s level of experience, eagerness to learn and have the mental flexibility to meet each player’s need.They can balance the needs of the individual player, the team and the organization; and earn the respect and the allegiance necessary to succeed. I believe the teams that I have been associated with play hard, play smart and play with respect and have never lost a game… however; on occasion we have run out of innings.
Mike Gardiner’s Baseball Background Youth and Recreation Baseball
I began playing baseball at age 5, in Courtright, Ontario, (population 480 back then and now I believe it's around 750). I always liked and wanted to play baseball. As I got older, I played for Moore Township (where our home field backed up to a cow pasture and the opposing teams used to laugh at us until after the game was over and couldn't figure out how a bunch of small-town-farm boys had kicked their butts). When my family moved to Sarnia, I continued to play baseball through the Sarnia Minor Baseball Association (I did not play high school baseball as our school system did not have baseball teams). I also played for the Sarnia Braves (Senior Men's Team) for parts of two years despite being just 16 &17 years old (thanks to Joe Panic for believing in me). I also played in the Inter-County Men's Baseball League for the Stratford Hillers during the summers of 1984 - 1987. I was told that I still hold the record for most strikeouts in a game (20). International and Olympic Teams I was a member of Canada's 1983 Youth (Under 18) Team as both a pitcher and a switch-hitting catcher. This team won Canada's first ever medal (bronze) in International competition. (This is also the tournament where I was recruited by Indiana State). I was also a member of the Canada's 1984 Olympic Team (2nd youngest player in the tournament). In Los Angeles, we went 1-2 (losing to Nicaragua 4-3 in extra innings, losing 3-1 to Korea and beating Japan 6-4). I was the starting and winning pitcher in the game against Japan (7 1/3 IP). This was Japan's only loss as they went on the defeat the USA in the gold medal game. In 1985, I again pitched for Team Canada. We won both my starts in the Intercontinental Cup against Chinese Taipei and Team USA.
College During my years ('83-'87) at Indiana State University, I was a part of an extremely successful program. We made appearances in the NCAA Regionals ('84,'86 and '87) and one College World Series appearance (‘86). I was fortunate enough to pitch a no-hitter my freshman year against nationally ranked Wichita State. My collegiate success was due to several factors including good coaching, excellent teammates, as well as a ton of hard work.Earlier this year, I was inducted into the ISU sports Hall of Fame and I still hold the school record for most wins in a season (13) and career wins (30).
Professional After my senior year at ISU, the Seattle Mariners drafted me in the 18th round.Notable teammates my first year in Bellingham, WA (Northwest Rookie League) included Ken Griffey Jr. and Dave Burba (Seattle's 1st and 2nd round selections). After 3+ years in the minors with stops in Bellingham, Wausau, WI, and Williamsport, PA, I got the call to the show and made my Major League debut on Sept 8th, 1990. I was traded to Boston the following spring (for LHP Rob Murphy) and played the next two seasons in the Red Sox organization. After being protected, on the original 15-player, 1992 expansion draft roster for the Red Sox, I was traded just days later to the Montreal Expos (for Ivan Calderon). I played most of the 1993 season between Montreal and the Expos' AAA farm club in Ottawa.I spent the 1994-95 seasons back in the Majors with Detroit, until I fell inexplicably ill in early '95 (major sinus complications) and was released later that season. While continuing to battle the sinus condition, I played several more years in the minors with the Mets, Astros, Yankees and Marlins organizations (and despite having some very sucessful seasons statistically, I never got back the big leagues).
Coaching While playing at each and every level, I loved the process of not only playing the game but practicing and preparing as well.I am now passing on the experiences of my playing days through coaching.I truly enjoy coaching and feel that this is my niche. I have experienced both ends of the winning percentage spectrum and found coaching, albeit sometimes trying, some of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life.
Summary My playing/coaching career isn't the most storied. However, I have been able to travel, meet a ton of exceptional people; experience the game at all levels of competition and vantage points, and got a few baseball cards to verify that I played in the Majors. I was also inducted into the Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall of Fame (where I grew up) in 2003 as well as the Indiana State University Hall of Fame in 2007. Looking back, I have very few regrets and am a self-proclaimed poster child for the ultimate over-achiever. I was considered (by many) to be a more talented hockey player than a baseball player while growing up in Southwestern Ontario.