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 is a well-known American baseball coach. He was born on June 17, 1958. For many years, he worked as the bullpen coach for the famous Chicago Cubs baseball team. He helped the team from 2007 until 2019.
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Lester Strode's Baseball Journey
Lester Strode grew up in McMinnville, Tennessee. He often says that McMinnville is his true home. After finishing college at Kentucky State University, Lester was chosen to play baseball. The Kansas City Royals picked him in the 1980 amateur draft. He played as a pitcher in the minor leagues from 1980 to 1988. The minor leagues are where players develop their skills before playing in the major leagues.
Coaching Career with the Cubs
After his playing days, Lester Strode became a pitching coach. He spent a long time coaching pitchers in the Chicago Cubs' farm system. The farm system is like a training ground for young players.
- In 1989, he was the pitching coach for the Rookie League Wytheville Cubs.
- From 1990 to 1991, he coached the Single-A Peoria Chiefs.
- In 1992, he worked with the Winston-Salem Spirits.
- In 1993, he coached the Daytona Cubs.
After these roles, he became the Cubs' minor league pitching coordinator. He held this important job from 1996 to 2006. In this role, he helped oversee all the pitching coaches and young pitchers in the Cubs' minor league system.
Becoming a Bullpen Coach
After the 2006 season, Lester Strode moved up to the major league team. He became the bullpen coach for the Chicago Cubs. A bullpen coach helps the team's relief pitchers get ready to play during a game. They warm up pitchers in the bullpen, which is an area where pitchers throw before entering the game.
Strode was the Cubs' bullpen coach from 2007 to 2019. He worked under several different managers during this time. These managers included Lou Piniella, Mike Quade, Dale Sveum, Rick Rentería, and Joe Maddon.
Winning the World Series
A big highlight of Lester Strode's career was in 2016. He was part of the coaching staff when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. This was a huge achievement for the team and its fans, as it was their first World Series win in a very long time.
Awards and Recognition
Lester Strode has also been recognized for his contributions to sports.
- In December 2006, he was chosen for the Warren County (TN) Sports Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates athletes and coaches from his home county.
- In 2017, he was inducted into the Kentucky State Thorobreds sports Hall of Fame. This recognized his achievements from his college days.
More Information
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference (Minors)
- Cubs.com bio
