Carson‑Newman University’s baseball program is buzzing with excitement as head coach Tom Griffin and former Major League pitcher Steve Cishek have teamed up at the 16U/17U National Team Development Program.
A Reunion of Champions
The partnership marks a reunion that dates back to 2007, when Griffin and Cishek guided the Eagles to a conference championship, a milestone that still resonates in the school’s storied baseball history.
Cishek, a right‑handed sidearm specialist who spent 13 seasons in the big leagues, brings a wealth of professional experience to the role of pitching coach for Team Navy, a squad that opened the week with a 2‑0 record and six shutout performances.
Griffin, who has amassed nearly 800 career wins and earned a place in the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, will oversee the entire team as manager, continuing a tradition of excellence that began under his leadership.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Their collaboration was sparked by a recommendation from Tom O’Connell, head coach at Princeton University, who suggested Cishek as the ideal candidate to complement Griffin’s vision for developing young talent.
Together, they aim to instill the same discipline and competitive fire that propelled them to success, offering mentorship that blends collegiate strategy with major‑league insight.
The program’s early results suggest that the duo’s combined expertise is already paying dividends, with several of Cishek’s pitchers delivering dominant outings that showcase both raw talent and refined technique.
As the week progresses, the mentorship dynamic between Griffin and Cishek promises to shape the next wave of baseball stars, reinforcing the notion that greatness is often cultivated through shared experience and a commitment to excellence.