Michael King

Every kid who has ever put on a uniform has dreamed about a moment like this. Michael King is living it this Friday night at Fenway Park.

He came up through Warwick Continental Little League — the same kind of program that's shaping kids across Rhode Island right now. He climbed through the minor leagues, earned his spot, and is now one of the top starting pitchers in Major League Baseball.

He's also one of the most grounded people you'll find when it comes to talking about what actually drives development. Not showcases. Not early specialization. Not travel ball rankings. The fundamentals that most people overlook because they aren't flashy.

We figured there was no better time to share his story.

Michael King’s Journey

IN THIS FEATURE, MIKE BREAKS DOWN:

Here’s our conversation.

When people ask what is one thing a young player can do to improve, what's your answer?

Stay athletic by playing as many sports as possible.

There's real value in competing in different environments and developing a wide range of skills. I played basketball throughout high school, and it helped me stay competitive, stay in shape, and honestly decompress from baseball. It challenged me in different ways — footwork, body control, leadership — and those things translated back to the field.

Today, I see too many kids specializing too early. I understand the temptation, but I think playing multiple sports builds a more complete athlete and, in the long run, a better baseball player.

What did your parents get right?

My dad stopped coaching me when I was about 10 years old. I told him, “Just be my dad, not my coach.” And he respected that.

But he was always there — hitting me ground balls, throwing batting practice, playing catch. He supported me without overstepping. My mom never missed a game. Not one. More than anything, I always felt their love and support. That foundation allowed me to compete freely. I wasn't playing out of fear or pressure — I was playing because I loved it, and because I knew they were proud of me no matter what.

Was there a coach at the youth level who made a lasting impact?

My Little League coach had a huge influence on me. She emphasized being the best teammate you could possibly be. When I was in a slump, she encouraged me to focus on helping others — picking up a teammate, staying engaged, contributing in any way I could. That mindset shifted my focus outward instead of inward.

Ironically, when you stop obsessing over your own struggles and invest in the team, you tend to come out of slumps faster.

And ultimately, team wins matter more than individual stats anyway.

What should kids 10–12 actually be focused on?

Compete to win — and have fun doing it.

Some kids never truly learn how to compete. That ability alone can carry you through the years when your body hasn't fully matured. When your physical tools eventually catch up, that competitive edge becomes a weapon. At that age, the weight room isn't the priority. Athletic development is. Get in the cage. Go shoot hoops. Play touch football.

Move your body in different ways. High school and college are when you can focus on refining specific physical tools. Before that, build the athlete and build the competitor.

What's your take on the showcase and recruiting culture today?

Talent will be found. Scouts are good at their jobs. I never paid to attend showcases. I was actually seen when scouts were there to evaluate other players. They noticed a skinny, projectable, athletic sophomore — and followed me throughout the season. They saw consistency. They saw work ethic. That eventually led to a scholarship at Boston College.

There isn't one right path. But I can't emphasize enough how important playing multiple sports was for me. Basketball played a major role in my development — physically and mentally.

How important was failure to your development?

Failure is the name of the game.

Even great hitters fail 70% of the time. What changed my development was my attitude toward failure. I never wanted to be a good loser. The players who last are the ones who adapt — who study what beat them and come back better. I learned the most during moments of reflection after tough losses or bad outings. Getting beat forced me to adjust. And that ability to adapt is what keeps you in the game.

How did you keep things in perspective when results weren't there?

My mom always helped me keep things in perspective.

I hated losing — still do — but she reminded me it wasn't the end of the world. Learn from it. Move forward. Derek Jeter called it a “10-second pity party.” Feel it, flush it, and move on. After those 10 seconds, I went back to being the confident, competitive kid I knew I was. After a bad pitch or outing, I didn't dwell. I adjusted and made sure I didn't repeat the mistake.

What kept you going through the hard parts of the journey?

Two things. Family — early on, I wanted to make my parents and sister proud, to repay them for the sacrifices they made so I could chase this dream.

Now, I play for my wife and daughter. That purpose grounds me. And my love for competition. There's nothing like standing on the mound in a big moment, squaring off against a hitter with thousands of people watching.

That adrenaline — that battle — is unmatched. When my career ends, that's what I'll miss the most.

Last one. What's your message to the next generation?

“Keep hating to lose. Be an even better teammate. And stay athletic for as long as possible.”

Jim Foster coached us both in college at different times. When Foster connected us for this feature, he told us we were a lot alike. After we connected, I sent Mike the questions and he took the time to answer each one thoughtfully on his own.

For a guy at his level, that says everything about his character and it's exactly the kind of person we want to spotlight in this newsletter.

And everything Mike said lines up with what Inside the Dugout is trying to accomplish.

Be a great teammate. Compete every single day. Play multiple sports for as long as you can. Embrace failure, because as Mike said, “it's the name of the game."

Above all else, keep perspective.

Those aren't complicated concepts. But they're the ones that separate the players who last from the ones who don't.

Mike King grew up in Warwick, played Little League baseball just like your kids, and is now one of the best pitchers in the world. He wasn't a first round pick. He wasn't the most hyped prospect leading up to the 2016 draft. He made it there because he competed, he stayed athletic, he embraced failure, and he had people around him who kept things in perspective.

That's the blueprint. It always has been.

Take his words and put them to work this spring. On the field, in the dugout, and at home after the game.

A special thank you to Michael King for his time and insight. This one meant a lot and I know it's going to make a difference for the kids and families reading it.

Help me keep more kids in the game. If you found this helpful, please forward it to another parent or coach.

Thanks for being here. See you next week Inside the Dugout.

-Coach Steve-

Steve Holmes
Founder, Inside the Dugout
2006 MLB Draft | All-American | Youth Coach | Dad