Lester Strode facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lester Strode |
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Strode with the Chicago Cubs in 2008
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| Bullpen coach | |||
| Born: June 17, 1958 McMinnville, Tennessee |
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Lester Strode, born on June 17, 1958, is an American baseball coach. He worked as the bullpen coach for the famous Chicago Cubs team for many years, from 2007 to 2019.
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Lester Strode's Baseball Journey
Lester Strode grew up in McMinnville, Tennessee. After high school, he went to Kentucky State University. In 1980, the Kansas City Royals picked him to play baseball as a pitcher. He played in the minor leagues from 1980 to 1988. The minor leagues are where players develop their skills before joining the major league teams.
From Player to Coach
After his playing days, Strode became a pitching coach. He spent a long time helping young players in the Chicago Cubs' farm system. A farm system is like a training ground for future major league players.
He coached for several minor league teams:
- The Rookie League Wytheville Cubs in 1989.
- The Single-A Peoria Chiefs from 1990 to 1991.
- The Winston-Salem Spirits in 1992.
- The Daytona Cubs in 1993.
From 1996 to 2006, he was the Cubs' minor league pitching coordinator. This meant he helped oversee all the pitching coaches and players in the Cubs' minor league system.
Major League Coaching with the Cubs
After many years in the minor leagues, Strode joined the major league Chicago Cubs team. He became their bullpen coach in 2007. A bullpen coach helps the team's relief pitchers get ready to play during a game. He worked with several managers, including Lou Piniella and Joe Maddon.
A big highlight of his career was being part of the coaching staff in 2016. That year, the Cubs won the World Series, which is the championship of Major League Baseball! It was a huge moment for the team and their fans. Strode continued as the Cubs' bullpen coach until 2019.
Awards and Recognition
Lester Strode has been honored for his contributions to sports.
- In December 2006, he was chosen for the Warren County (TN) Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2017, he was inducted into the Kentucky State Thorobreds sports Hall of Fame. These halls of fame recognize athletes and coaches who have achieved great things.
