Charleston Southern skipper Stuart Lake has had an extensive career in multiple stops and has worked for, with and against some of the top coaches in the profession. This baseball coach has seen quite a few things in the sport but, as you will see, is far more than just a coach, his love of people and family is clear. Enjoy getting to know a treasure that has not forgotten his roots!
DP-How many years have you been in coaching? What got you into the business?
SL-This will be my 21st season. 18th in college and 8th as a head coach
DP-What is the most rewarding thing about being a college baseball coach?
SL-No question watching the development of the student – athlete on and off the field
DP-What does the term “coach” mean to you?
SL-Coach to me means to be an example at all times and be there for the players and assistant coaches at all times.
DP-What is something you wish everyone knew about your profession?
SL-How much time coaches dedicate to recruiting players and how close our relationships become with players and families.
DP-You came to Charleston Southern as a highly-decorated recruiting guy in multiple places. What type of adjustments have you had to make in returning to your alma mater?
SL-Eight years ago I made our goal to recruit heavily our state and surrounding states so that we could involve our players families. I wanted to build family first here at CSU! CSU is a special place to me as an alumni so I knew what kind of person we wanted here!
DP-You’ve been to Omaha and had success. What is that experience like?
SL-I still remember the final out in the Super regional to beat Miami and the dogpile like yesterday. Then to see Coach Tanner’s face the day we got to Rosenblatt, I will never forget.
DP-Family is…
SL-…the people who will love and support you when you are at your worst and not need anything when you are at your best except to see you happy!
DP-We all know there is very little money in getting started in coaching at the college level yet the time involved is mind-boggling, why did you do it?
SL-I didn’t want to do anything else and my wife and family supported me so much! Being in a dugout is the greatest place to be for me.
DP-How do you balance the time demands of coaching and your family?
SL-No way to do it. Thank my wife and son a lot and make sure they are involved as often as possible.
DP-When you hear the expression “old school baseball”, what does that phrase mean to you?
SL-Means not taking anything for granted.
DP-What is your most memorable experience as a baseball coach?
SL-High school coach – winning a state championship as an assisant for Coach Assey at Brookland-Cayce
College – going to Omaha
DP-Quite a few rules have changed the recruiting game over the past 10 years. Which rule changes do you like, not like and how has it altered your approach to recruiting?
SL-Removing the restrictions on communication changes have been nice.
DP-How has using and monitoring social media changed your job?
SL-Using has allowed for quicker and broader reach to alumni and recruits.
Monitoring has been very stressful.
DP-How has coaching/recruiting changed in the past 10 years?
SL-The biggest change has been increased social media and increase of games played by prospects.
DP-What is your greatest pet peeve in life? During games? In practice?
SL-People being late and unprepared when arriving. Our program mantra is
“Accountable Urgency” in all that we do.
DP-Please list the top 3 selling points of your school? Your baseball program?
SL-Charleston Southern University
1. Christian environment
2. Excellent education
3. In Charleston
Charleston Southern Baseball we have three goals to enhance for each player.
1. Academics
2. Athletically
3. Spiritually
DP-We are often asked what a college coach is looking for. Can you answer that question in just a few sentences?
SL-We are constantly looking for players with talent that want to compete at a Division 1 level. That requires a lot on and off the field. Plus, they must be a fit for our program and school.
DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a baseball coach and why?
SL-Coach Tanner who showed me how hard you must work to succeed.
DP-If you were not a baseball coach, what would your occupation be?
High school teacher and coach
DP-Who are the best three players you have coached against?
SL-
1. Cliff Lee
2. Michael Johnson
3. Justin Smoak
DP-What does it mean to be a good teammate and is that important?
SL-To me means to be there at all times for your teammate and hold each other accountable
DP-Do you have any superstitions? If so, what?
SL-To eat sunflower seeds during the game
DP-What is your greatest high school thrill?
SL-I had so many in baseball and football it is hard to say. But the friendships and experiences mean the most to me
DP-What is your greatest thrill, or two, beyond high school?
SL-Wedding Day – Hayden being born – Getting a coaching job
DP-What accomplishment are you most proud of?
SL-Husband/Father; College graduate with a Masters Degree
DP-What are your strengths/weaknesses as a coach? As a person?
SL-Mine are the same for both. Strengths are being prepared and being resilient. Weakness is probably enjoying things enough.
DP-I wish I had more time for…
SL-Fishing and being at home in Stoney Hill (Prosperity)
DP-Who were the three best players you played against?
SL-
1. Brian Williams – USC
2. Pokey Reese – LOWER RICHLAND HS
3. Joey Hamilton – GEORGIA SOUTHERN
DP-Who has made the greatest impression on you as a person and why?
SL-My Parents and Grandparents
DP-What MLB feat in history do you wish you’d been inside the stadium to witness and why?
SL-Pete Rose getting his 4192 hit! I was watching though. He was my baseball hero!!
DP-Who is you favorite athlete outside of baseball?
SL-John Cena (Will make since later , haha)
DP-Who is your favorite MLB pitcher and position player to watch and why?
SL-I have been so lucky to have coached 27 guys who have made it to the Big Leagues that I can’t pick one.
DP-Who is your favorite MLB team?
SL-Detroit Tigers
DP-What is your favorite sport to play other than baseball?
SL-Golf with my son
DP-What is your favorite sport to watch other than baseball?
SL-Football
DP-What are some of your hobbies?
SL-Fishing when I can and golf if my son will play
DP-During your “off-season”, where might we find you?
SL-Spending time with my family
DP-What is your twitter account? Do you enjoy twitter or is it a necessary evil?
SL-@Stuart_Lake19
I enjoy it because I use it to keep up with current events not too many opinions
DP-What is your favorite movie: Classic? Recently?
SL-Classic – Last Samuri / Point Break; Recent – American Sniper
DP-Who is your favorite actor? Actress?
SL-Tom Hanks, Gary Busey
DP-What is your favorite meal?
SL-Rush’s cheeseburger combo and Chocolate shake
DP-What is something people don’t know about you?
SL-I am a huge wrestling fan and Cleveland Browns fan
DP-If you could have dinner with three people in history, who would they be and why?
SL-I want four. I want all of my Grandparents so I can hear stories again that they always told!
DP-Where do you see yourself in ten years?
SL-I would like to be an Athletic Director who still throws bp!
DP-Give a high school player who is reading this article one piece of advice.
SL-Enjoy this time and be yourself. The best gift this game gives you is memories so make a lot!!
DP-Thank you for your time and candid responses to our baseball and personal questions. Good luck in 2016!