John O’Leary welcomes St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Mike Girsch to talk baseball and beyond.
The race to the Major League Baseball post-season is on… and it’s heating up as teams are looking for a path to victory.
The players you know are on the teams you love because of those 30 individuals sitting in the General Manager’s office.
Today, as my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals make their push to the postseason, I’m joined by their Vice President and General Manager, Mike Girsch.
While visiting at Busch Stadium, Mike shares seldom-told stories about his journey from an Amateur Scouting Coordinator to one of the most coveted and elite jobs in professional sports.
While today’s conversation may seemingly focus on baseball, it’s actually so much more. Hear Mike share how to…
- Courageously take risks in pursuit of a dream
- Manage a losing streak
- Celebrate the relationships that matter most
- Trust the timing of life
Mike is a dear friend, and while his team is closing in on another playoff birth, this conversation will remind all of us it’s never too late to pursue a dream.
Watch the interview here:
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SHOW NOTES:
- For the last 16 years, Mike has been a part of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Vice President and General Manager since 2017.
- Mike recalls his admiration for his Papa and although he passed away when Mike was young, he still feels connected to him.
- After sharing his thorough analytics with the majority of MLB’s 30 teams, Mike left his consulting job for a 75% pay cut for an entry-level position at the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Mike credits timing and luck just as much as he credits his work ethic, knowledge and courage for his career.
- The path to victory: While not obvious at the time, Mike went from an amateur scouting coordinator to General Manager for the Cardinals within ten years.
- “The biggest decision I made in life was to apply.”
- Because of the unpredictability of the sport, Mike finds challenge and humility in baseball.
- “Things are never as bad as they look or as good as they look.”
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my Baseball playlist! Grab some peanuts and cracker jacks as you hear from Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr, Ozzie Smith and more share their inspiring stories both on and off the field. Listen to the Baseball playlist now.
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MIKE GIRSCH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. [Hear my conversation with Michael Easter here.] - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. The ability to play and have fun. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Practically, my backpack because it would help me rebuild but it also has small items that hold sentimental value from my wife and kids. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My Papa. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. My dad told me, "you'll never hit a home run if you don't take a chance." - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Get into baseball sooner! Or, go to at least one Norte Dame baseball game while you were in college. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He was a good father and husband who followed his passion to help the Cardinals continue to be a successful organization.
