Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Stodghill.
Hi Steven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in baseball. My father coached me, and the game became the foundation for how I learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I played throughout my childhood and into college, and when my playing days ended, coaching became the natural next step. I’ve coached boys and girls, baseball and softball, from the youth level all the way up to varsity, and I’ve been blessed to coach players who have gone on to play professionally.
Outside of sports, I’m also a math educator. I’ve been a high school math teacher for over 15 years, and I’ve always believed that the same focus, patience, and problem solving we develop on the field can and should be developed in the classroom. Those two worlds, athletics and academics, have always run side by side for me.
Over time, I realized there was a real need for a space where young athletes could grow both physically and mentally. A place where training wasn’t just about reps, but also about understanding, confidence, and character. That’s where the idea for Slugger’s Corner and eventually the Slugging Cannons Baseball Club came from. It’s not just a training facility or a travel team. It’s a development program. We build hitters, fielders, and pitchers…but we also build students, teammates, and leaders.
At the end of the day, my story is simple: I just want kids to believe in themselves, put in the work, and have the support around them to succeed, whether that’s on the field, in the classroom, or anywhere else they decide to go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. I’ve had to balance teaching, coaching, running a business, and being present for my family all at the same time. There were moments where resources were tight, partnerships didn’t work out, or I questioned whether the vision would catch on. But each challenge taught me something. How to lead better, communicate clearer, and stay patient with the process. The tough moments are really what shaped the program into what it is now.
We’ve been impressed with Slugger’s Corner, Home of the Slugging Cannons Baseball Team, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My organization develops young athletes as both players and thinkers. We train baseball skills and also support academic growth through math tutoring and robotics. What sets us apart is that we connect athletic training with learning. We build confidence, discipline, focus, and teamwork that carries beyond sports. We are also proud of our culture. It feels like a family and we grow together. We sell merchandise such as shirts, hats, and hoodies to support our fundraising efforts, and we are moving toward becoming a nonprofit so we can provide opportunities for families who may not otherwise have access. Our mission is to make development and community available to every child who wants to learn, grow, and belong.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is to stay patient with the process. Growth takes time. Whether it is a young athlete learning a new skill or a program developing its identity, progress is not always fast or easy. You have to trust the work, stay consistent, and keep showing up even when the results are not immediate. When you focus on the foundation and the relationships, everything else follows.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons: One on one instruction for hitting, pitching, fielding, and speed and agility training. Sessions are scheduled individually.
- Small Group Classes: Skill focused group sessions for players looking to develop in a team style environment at a lower cost than private lessons.
- Escape the Cage Experience: A baseball themed team challenge activity designed for groups. Great for team building and birthday events. Pricing varies by group size.
- Tutoring and Academic Support: Math tutoring and academic enrichment is available both in person and virtual, with flexible scheduling.
- Merchandise: Shirts, hats, and hoodies are available for purchase. All merchandise supports program fundraising.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sluggerscorner.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sluggerscorner
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16dw4aL99X/
Image Credits
Cyion Riggins, Ey3 Media Co.
