Nate Striz Takes Helm of Lakeland Diamondbacks with Winning Vision

Polk County, USA - Nate Striz has taken on a pivotal role as the new head coach of the Lakeland Diamondbacks American Legion baseball team. Known for his impressive background in baseball, Striz previously donned a uniform for Santa Fe Catholic High School before dedicating himself to coaching. With four years of experience as a pitching coach at Florida Southern University, he has honed his skills in developing young talent both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of shaping young men not just for baseball, but for life, encompassing college readiness and workforce skills. As he steps into this new position, the community is eager to see how his vision unfolds on the diamond.

The Lakeland Diamondbacks have faced challenges, including the loss of eight players to graduation, notably Marvin Montenegro, who boasted a remarkable .480 batting average last season and contributed significantly to the team with five home runs and 40 runs scored. With six of the graduated players moving on to play college baseball, Striz is counting on the current roster — led by senior players like Jameson McGuire, who has committed to Florida International — to take charge as the team stands at a record of 7-4. Striz believes that cultivating leadership within his team is essential for their success.

Building a Competitive Culture

Striz’s approach centers around maintaining a competitive atmosphere, where players are encouraged to push themselves through rigorous drills and hard work. He has a knack for driving his players towards success, both in practice and during games. For instance, Striz passionately advocated for his team during a controversial call in a recent matchup against Discovery, which the Diamondbacks lost 6-4. Such instances showcase his commitment to standing up for his athletes and instilling confidence in them.

His coaching journey is underpinned by substantial achievements. Striz has served as the pitching coach and head coach of Florida Southern’s junior varsity program since 2017, where he has developed three All-American pitchers, contributing to the program’s success. Under his guidance, the Mocs set a school record with 518 strikeouts in 2018 and recorded impressive strikeout numbers in previous seasons. Striz’s expertise in pitching development has also translated well into his role with the Diamondbacks, where he aims to replicate his success.

A Proven Track Record

Before transitioning into coaching, Striz enjoyed a respectable playing career in Major League Baseball’s minor leagues with teams like the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. Over five seasons, he played a total of 148 games, showcasing his skills as a pitcher, even reaching the Double-A level. His academic background complements his playing career, as he graduated from the University of North Carolina, contributing to a team that made NCAA tournament appearances and won regional titles.

Striz’s past accolades from his high school days at Santa Fe Catholic, where he was named Class 2A Player of the Year twice, speak to his longstanding connection to the local baseball community. After stepping back into the local scene, he completed his degree in business with a concentration in sports management, reinforcing his commitment to coaching. Now married with two daughters, Abigail and Elizabeth, Striz’s life is centered around his family and the sport that has shaped him.

The future looks bright for the Lakeland Diamondbacks under Nate Striz’s leadership. His philosophy of not just winning games but building character will surely have a lasting impact on the young men he coaches.