Coach Brings Major League Experience to Lehman
by Pablo Torres
Issue date: 3/1/10 Section: Student Life
On Nov 17, 2009, Major League Baseball relief pitcher John Foster was hired as Lehman's baseball coach, bringing over a decade of professional experience to the college. Born in Stockton California, Foster currently resides in New York City with his wife. He decided to take the job at Lehman so that he could juggle being involved with baseball without having to travel around the country, and spend quality time with his wife.
Foster was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1999 and began his career in 2002. Since his start at the major league level, he has been on the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Cubs, and Royals. However, his best years were during his second go-around with the Atlanta Braves during the 2005-2006 seasons. "The Atlanta Braves was the best organization I have played for because of their loyalty," said Foster.
Upon entering the big leagues, Coach Foster felt that he could not go any higher. "At the major league level, it's easier to get there, but it's harder to stay there," said Foster. He had achieved his dream in playing professional baseball, and the whole experience of being part of a team is a feeling he will never forget. He hopes his team will experience the same during the upcoming season together.
While playing baseball during high school and college, Coach Foster did not have a coach who played at the major league level, and had to learn baseball's elements by himself. A coach with experience at the big league level could have eased his transition into the big leagues, he says, but fortunately, he has the coaching abilities that his players will need in order to fully understand the game.
Coach Foster expects his team to work hard and play to the best of their abilities. He wants to see a disciplined team that is mentally ready, because being athletic is not enough, and he would rather coach a team that is mentally tough any day over the team that only displays physical prowess. He views each player as equally talented and feels that the team he has is going to achieve those expectations. They have really gelled together to form a solid team that he believes will compete in every game and will not back down from any opponent.
It looks like the athletic department did its homework in hiring a coach who really has a passion for the game. "I'm not here for myself; I'm here for the team and the program," said Foster. He wants the program to grow and become successful, and he wants to not only pass on his knowledge of baseball to these young athletes, but more importantly, pass on knowledge that can be used in life.
Foster was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1999 and began his career in 2002. Since his start at the major league level, he has been on the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Cubs, and Royals. However, his best years were during his second go-around with the Atlanta Braves during the 2005-2006 seasons. "The Atlanta Braves was the best organization I have played for because of their loyalty," said Foster.
Upon entering the big leagues, Coach Foster felt that he could not go any higher. "At the major league level, it's easier to get there, but it's harder to stay there," said Foster. He had achieved his dream in playing professional baseball, and the whole experience of being part of a team is a feeling he will never forget. He hopes his team will experience the same during the upcoming season together.
While playing baseball during high school and college, Coach Foster did not have a coach who played at the major league level, and had to learn baseball's elements by himself. A coach with experience at the big league level could have eased his transition into the big leagues, he says, but fortunately, he has the coaching abilities that his players will need in order to fully understand the game.
Coach Foster expects his team to work hard and play to the best of their abilities. He wants to see a disciplined team that is mentally ready, because being athletic is not enough, and he would rather coach a team that is mentally tough any day over the team that only displays physical prowess. He views each player as equally talented and feels that the team he has is going to achieve those expectations. They have really gelled together to form a solid team that he believes will compete in every game and will not back down from any opponent.
It looks like the athletic department did its homework in hiring a coach who really has a passion for the game. "I'm not here for myself; I'm here for the team and the program," said Foster. He wants the program to grow and become successful, and he wants to not only pass on his knowledge of baseball to these young athletes, but more importantly, pass on knowledge that can be used in life.
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