Former Major League pitcher Mike Hartley parted ways with the German Baseball-Bundesliga club Heidenheim Heidekoepfe after three successful years as the head coach. He led the club to the southern title in 2008, their first-ever national championship in 2009 and finished in second place in the European Champions Cup and the Bundesliga in 2010. Mister-Baseball had the chance to talk about his experience and his future a little bit.
Mister-Baseball: You have played in the Major Leagues. How did you end up in Germany? When did you decide to become a coach?
Mike Hartley: After my playing career I stayed involved in baseball, directing baseball camps, coaching little league, giving private lessons, and helping out with local semi-pro and high school teams. I decided to start coaching professionally in ’05 in Independent baseball (3 years, pitching coach). I met and pitched against the Heidekoepfe in Zagreb, Croatia during the ’07 European Cup series. I met with the GM after the game and exchanged information. After thinking about it, I decided that having the opportunity to coach in Europe would be a great experience for me and my family.
I’ve really enjoyed coaching in Europe. And I would look forward to another opportunity in the future.
MRBB: In 2010 you had a somewhat bittersweet season with the Heidekoepfe. You reached the finals at the European Champions Cup Final Four and in the German Baseball-Bundesliga, but had to settle for second place in the end. Are you still satisfied with the team performance?
MH: Reaching the final in both of those series was a nice accomplishment, but I was definitely not satisfied with the results. During the Euro Cup in Brno we really came together as a team and were able to beat some strong teams. Competing internationally was an exciting and fun experience. Our team gained a lot of confidence from that. We came into the Final Four as underdogs, and a little shorthanded, but were able to reach the final and were one out away from winning it all. We just didn’t hit that day.
In the German final, we were facing Regensburg, always a tough opponent. Again we were without a couple starters. But with the Eurocup experience, I felt that whatever lineup we sent out there, we could defend our championship.
No disrespect to either team, they are well coached and deserving champions.
I am very proud of what the Heidekoepfe accomplished this season.
MRBB: What do you think about the quality of Baseball in Germany and in Europe in comparison to the US?
MH: Baseball is America’s pastime and has been the standard for quality baseball, as soccer is in Europe. I’ve seen the quality in Germany improve over the past 3 years, along with the Netherlands and Italy showing they can compete at the highest level, internationally. Hopefully MLB with further their support in Europe, bringing more interest to the sport.
MRBB: In the last couple of months there were lots of discussions regarding a reformation of the Bundesliga. Do you think there is a gap between the two divisions in Germany and are 16 teams too much?
MH: Over the last 3 seasons, I’ve believed the South to be the stronger division overall, although Solingen and Paderborn are definitely among the Top 5 German teams. I think the league should stay with two divisions until teams can afford to travel. Then, an 8 – team league would be much more competitive.
MRBB: Besides extending the schedule, would there be any other things you would change in German Baseball?
MH: Again, not to sound disrespectful, the Bundesliga needs to put quality baseball people in place. From the Director of baseball operations, to club General Management and Field Management. Implementing a financial plan so that all teams can compete, fairly. Also to put priorities in the Youth and Juniors. Getting young athletes throughout Germany interested in playing baseball is an important step.
MRBB: You have played and coached in the European Cup tournaments. How do you like the format and if you had the opportunity to change it, what would you propose?
MH: The Directors have a tough job in scheduling those events. I think choosing quality venues with warm, dry climates would be smart. I know the ballplayers wouldn’t complain. Also, roster rule limits, only players who were active and eligible for post-season in the prior or current seasons should be allowed to play.
The current extra inning rule gives the home team a slight advantage. And should not be in effect for the Final Four series.
MRBB: Every coach has his own philosophy. What is yours?
MH: As a head coach, I feel it is important to stay calm, confident but also aggressive. I manage and treat the players with respect and realize that each individual is unique. In knowing their personalities, strengths and weaknesses I am able to better manage each player to reach their highest potential. At higher levels, I coach to win and I hate to lose. At lower levels, the focus is on development. In short, work hard, believe in yourself and respect the game of baseball.
MRBB: After three years with the Heidekoepfe you are leaving. Why and what are your plans for 2011?
MH: Managing two teams within the Heidekoepfe Club has been a great experience but I have always been interested in working at a national level and that opportunity has not become available within Germany. In 2011, I have a strong interest in continuing in Europe as a head coach with possibilities of working with a national team. If an opportunity does not become available, I will look forward to furthering my coaching experience in the United States.
Photo: © Heidenheim Heidekoepfe