Newspaper clippings of past victories and photographs hang on the walls in Coach Mike Littlewood’s office, representing the reward of hard work and dedication. There’s no doubt that winning is something on Littlewood’s front burner, something he wants to be on every player’s mind everyday.
Jeremy Thomas, the BYU pitching coach, has known Littlewood for 13 years.
“He sees things about the game before it happens,” Thomas said. “Coach Littlewood is a winner, and he’s a proven winner. … In 16 years at Dixie, he didn’t have a losing season.”
“That school’s done more for me than I’ve ever done for it,” Littlewood said.
Even with the accolades he’s received and impressive winning seasons he’s had, Littlewood maintains a humble attitude and keeps the spotlight on his players, assistant coaching staff and support systems.
Before Littlewood came to Dixie, he played for BYU from 1985 to 1988.
He explained that the timing worked out perfectly for him to return to BYU, this time as the head coach.
“I want to see us become a perennial top-20 team. That’s where we need to be. That’s where we were when I played,” Littlewood said.
His plans to make that happen include bringing in the best players he possibly can, as well as pushing players to be the best they possibly can be and maintaining a theme of hard work.
“Come out every single day, and play as hard as you can … every single minute you’re out there,” Littlewood said.
Chunner Nyberg, a junior pitcher on the team, has known Littlewood since high school because he grew up in St. George, where Littlewood previously coached.
“He focuses on how to get the most out of every individual,” Nyberg said.
He explained that Littlewood is a player’s coach and that ever since he came to BYU he’s brought a confidence to the team that has rubbed off on everyone, and there’s no wasted time at the ball park.
“There (haven’t) been any questions asked,” Nyberg said. “It’s just what he says, it’s like gospel to us.”
While at Dixie, Littlewood had the opportunity to coach two of his oldest sons, Tyson and Nathan.
“I got to spend four to five hours a day with them on the baseball field. Who could ask for more?” Littlewood said.
Littlewood explained that his kids did not get special treatment, and he’s not the type of coach to favor players.
“Sometimes I was harder on them than other players,” Littlewood said.
Whatever coaching style he did use paid off, as his youngest son, Marcus, was drafted out of high school in the second round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners.
Chris Howard, a senior pitcher on the team, approves of and appreciates Littlewood’s coaching style.
“He’s unlike any coach I’ve ever had. … He can turn any average program into a great program,” Howard said. “He runs a tight ship, once we got started it was all or nothing. … That’s a big thing for him.”
Trent Pratt, Jeremy Thomas and Brent Haring, who worked at Dixie State with Littlewood, all joined the BYU coaching staff with Littlewood.
Littlewood explained that even though the coaching duties are spread among the assistant coaches, he likes to be aware of and know what’s going on with everyone.
“My hands are in everything, but I give my coaches autonomy,” Littlewood said. “If I’m doing a drill with the infield, and I see a kid with an untucked shirt in left field, I’m going to let him know about it.”
Jaycob Brugman, a junior centerfielder on the team, has noticed the coaching style and the fire Coach Littlewood brought with him when he came to BYU.
“It’s good to have a coach that will get on you a little bit,” Brugman said.
Littlewood’s goals for the program include making BYU baseball relevant in the national spotlight, maintaining a national top-20 team status and making BYU baseball the top choice for prospects.
“When we walk on the field, we expect to win,” Littlewood said.
With that attitude, there may be more newspaper clippings to hang on the wall in the future.
