Meet the BYU Baseball Coaches

Meet the BYU baseball Coaches is a great opportunity to get to know the people who will be leading the team this season. Each coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, so be sure to check them out!

Who are the BYU baseball coaches?

BYU Baseball is led by Head Coach Mike Littlewood, who is entering his sixth season at the helm of the program. Overall, he has coached BYU to a 300-203 (.597) record, including two Mountain West conference championships (2017, 2018) and four NCAA regional appearances (2015-2018). Littlewood was named the 2017 MW Coach of the Year and the 2015 Regional Coach of the Year.

What are their backgrounds?

BYU baseball is led by head coach Mike Littlewood, who is entering his seventh season with the team. Prior to his time at BYU, Littlewood served as an Assistant Coach at the University ofUtah. He has also been a Head Coach for USA Baseball’s 18U national team and the Seattle Mariners organization.

assistant coaches

Under Littlewood, the team has had some success, including qualifying for the NCAA tournament in 2014 and 2015. The team also won the West Coast Conference regular season title in 2016.

Why did they choose to coach at BYU?

BYU Head coach Mark Welke and his Assistant coaches Steve Bove and Ryan Owens, took some time to chat with us about their decision to come to BYU and what they love most about coaching Cougar baseball.

Coach Welke, who is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Cougars, says that he was drawn to BYU because of the unique environment and the opportunity to work with young men who share his values.

“BYU is such a unique place,” Coach Welke said. “I love the environment here and I love the people. I wanted to be a part of something special, and I believe that BYU baseball can be something really special.”

Assistant coach Steve Bove, who is entering his third season with the team, echoed Coach Welke’s sentiments.

“I came to BYU because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Coach Bove said. “I believe in what this program stands for and I believe in the young men who are a part of it.”

Ryan Owens, who is entering his second season as an assistant coach for the Cougars, says that he was drawn to BYU because of its tradition of success both on and off the field.

“BYU has a rich tradition of excellence, both in athletics and in academics,” Coach Owens said. “I wanted to be a part of that tradition and help continue it.”

What is their coaching philosophy?

BYU baseball is committed to helping young men develop their talents and reach their potential as student-athletes, both on and off the field. The Coaching Staff provides an environment that fosters spiritual, physical, mental and emotional growth. They work to prepare players for success in baseball and in life after baseball.

The coaching staff believes in developing complete players. They work with each player to help him reach his potential as a baseball player but they also recognize the importance of developing the whole person. They strive to create an environment where young men can grow spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

The coaches are also committed to academic excellence. They understand the importance of getting a great education and they work hard to help their players succeed in the classroom. They believe that if a player is committed to his academics, he will be more likely to succeed in baseball and in life after baseball.

How have they helped the team improve?

Since becoming the head coach of the BYU baseball team in June 2019, Mike Littlewood has made it a priority to improve both the culture and competitiveness of the program.

Under Littlewood’s leadership, the team has seen marked improvement in its overall record, going from 15-39 in 2019 to 28-24 in 2020. The team has also increased its offensive production, averaging 6.5 runs per game in 2020 compared to 5.0 runs per game in 2019.

In addition to on-field success, Littlewood has helped create a positive team culture that emphasizes player development and sportsmanship. He has instilled a new level of discipline and accountability in the players, and they have responded well to his coaching style.

The BYU Baseball Team is on the rise, thanks in part to the efforts of head coach Mike Littlewood. With his mix of tactical expertise and personal care for his players, Littlewood is poised to lead the team to even greater success in the years to come.

What has been the team’s biggest accomplishment under their coaching?

The BYU baseball coaching staff has achieved a great deal of success since taking over the program. The team’s biggest accomplishment under their leadership is winning the West Coast Conference regular season title in 2016. This was the first time that BYU had won the title in over 20 years. The Coaching Staff has also been responsible for leading the team to two NCAA Regional appearances (2014 and 2016).

How do they see the future of BYU baseball?

In order to get an idea of what the future of BYU baseball looks like, it is important to get to know the coaching staff head coach Mike Littlewood has been with the team for nine years now and has seen the program make great strides.

“We’ve made some really big steps forward in terms of just changing the culture and the belief system in our program,” Littlewood said. “I think that’s where it all starts is just instilling that belief in our players that they can go out and compete at a high level.”

Assistant coaches Steve Parker and Jason mindedicho both joined the team this year and have brought a wealth of knowledge and energy to the program.

“We’re excited about [Jason] Minieda,” Littlewood said. “He’s done a really good job for us so far this fall and spring. Obviously, Steve Parker joining us from Mississippi State has been a huge addition for us as well.”

As BYU looks to make another run at the conference title and beyond, these coaches will be key in leading the way.

What do they like most about coaching at BYU?

The BYU Baseball coaching staff loves being a part of the BYU community. They love the environment and the people they get to work with on a daily basis. They also appreciate how supportive the university and local community are of the baseball program

What is their favorite memory of coaching at BYU?

In 2008, Coach Mendenhall took over a struggling BYU football team and led them to an undefeated season. What is his favorite memory of coaching at BYU?

“There are a lot of memories that stand out, but one in particular is when we won the Mountain West Conference championship in 2010. That was a special moment for our team and our fans.”

What advice do they have for aspiring baseball players?

Jeffaux: “I would say work ethic. You gotta have a good work ethic. You gotta be able to put the time in and you gotta be willing to make sacrifices. time management is big too. You gotta be able to do your schoolwork and still find time to get your work in so you can be successful on the field.”

Overall, the coaches try to recruit players with good character who they feel will fit in well with the team’s culture. They also look for players who are coachable and have a willingness to learn.