What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? 

Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. 

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Mike to talk about walking through injury, forced retirement, job loss, and seasons of identity shift. Mike shares powerful stories from behind the plate and the dugout, along with how scripture shaped his faith through those defining moments. 

Whether you’re a leader facing transition, a pastor walking through uncertainty, or simply someone in a hard season, this conversation will pour hope into your soul and give you practical steps to keep your faith steady when life hits hard. 

Books by Mike Matheny:

The Dad Coach: How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Baseball Field

The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life

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