When International Coach Micheal Bastian was tapped to train the Chinese national softball team— he welcomed the challenge wholeheartedly, packing up and moving to China from the U.S in his 30’s. But, how did he go from culture shock and not knowing the same language as his players to ranking as #1 pitchers in  China?

Today, on the #robcrewspodcast, Michael sits down to talk about his journey. He shares the story behind it all, from his start in the world of sports to how he became the softball coach he is today. Find out how he balanced patriotism and obligation as an American coaching a Chinese team during the 2008 Olympics. Learn about the impact he is hoping to make as the current CEO of softball Team TFS and why he thinks personal development for life off the field is important in any sport.

“If you just always give away the answers and tell kids what you want them to do, you're not really developing them in their softball skills, baseball skills or life skills.” -Michael Bastian [22:31]  

Key Takeaways:

How coach Micheal Bastian built his career as an international softball coach.

What it’s like coaching in a country where you don't speak the language.

How team TFS has evolved and the plans they have for the future

How Coronavirus may affect summer play and insights into China’s response.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] Intro

[00:16] Meet Coach Micheal Bastian

[01:11] How he got his start in sports

[02:52] Where he played college baseball and basketball

[03:03] Coaching Team USA and the Chinese National Team

[05:27] Adjusting to coaching in China, discipline and accountability

[08:53] Language barriers and learning to communicate with players

[10:06] His family with former professional softball player, Xin Miao

[10:53] Coaching as a foreign coach in the 2008 Olympics

[14:06] Inventing and developing the Whip Hit

[18:50] Connecting in Colorado and using the Right Eye program

[21:05] The Fastpitch School's focus on personal development

[24:00] The evolution of team TFS and plans for the future

[28:51] Contacting Micheal Bastian

[30:57] Micheal’s experience with china's response to Coronavirus

[32:15] Outro

Resources Mentioned:

teamtfs.net

wechat.com

Connect:

Find | Rob Crews

At Complete.game

On Instagram: @completegame

On Twitter: @completegame

On Facebook: @completegame

Find | Michael Bastian

At teamtfs.net

WeChat : Michael Bastian

On Facebook: @michael.bastian.52

On Twitter: @CoachBastian

Subscribe:

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Credit: IggyBeats, DT Productions, and Ali the Greatest for background music.