Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza Joins Steel Sports Advisory Board

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Steel Sports, a social impact organization dedicated to putting Kids First and transforming lives through sports, today announced that Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza has joined the Steel Sports Advisory Board.

Piazza, who also managed the Italian National Baseball Team for five years and guided the Azzurri to a bronze medal in the 2021 European Championships, will advise Steel Sports’ leadership team as it continues to grow its reach and impact across the United States and internationally. His ongoing collaboration with Steel Sports in Italy reflects a shared commitment to forging a path of success for the next generation by putting kids first, instilling values, building character, and teaching life lessons through sports.

“Mike is one of the greatest players in baseball history and a strong advocate for youth development,” said Warren Lichtenstein, Executive Chairman of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and Founder of Steel Sports. “He understands that the power of sports extends far beyond the field. Having played for Tommy Lasorda — whose mentorship inspired The Steel Coaching System — Mike exemplifies the leadership, character, and heart that define Steel Sports. We’re proud to welcome him to our Advisory Board.”

Martin Brown, President of Steel Sports, added, “Mike represents everything we strive to teach through Steel Sports: passion, perseverance, and purpose. From his playing days under Tommy Lasorda to his leadership in international baseball, Mike has demonstrated how sports can develop not only great athletes, but great people. His partnership will help us inspire more kids to lead with character, confidence, and a growth mindset.”

Piazza’s connection to Steel Sports and to Lasorda’s legacy runs deep. Early in his career, he was given his first Major League opportunity by Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Dodgers manager whose mentorship helped shape his path. That same mentorship is at the heart of the Steel Coaching System, which formalizes Lasorda’s teachings through Conversation, Observation, and Participation (COP), a system that continues to guide Steel Sports coaches and athletes worldwide.

“I’m honored to join Steel Sports and continue a legacy that means so much to me personally,” said Mike Piazza. “Tommy taught me to believe in myself and to lead with integrity and heart. Steel Sports carries those same values forward — helping kids learn, grow, and reach their potential both on and off the field. I’m proud to be part of this mission.”

Through its programs and partnerships, Steel Sports has positively impacted nearly 100,000 children by providing opportunities to play, learn, and lead through athletics. Guided by The Steel Coaching System – The Lasorda Way, the organization sets a new standard for youth development grounded in values, mentorship, and lifelong growth.

About Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza, a 12-time MLB All-Star and Baseball Hall of Famer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive catchers in baseball history. Over a 16-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and other teams, he hit 427 home runs and earned a reputation for his leadership, dedication, and passion for the game. Piazza began his Major League career under the mentorship of Tommy Lasorda, who managed him with the Dodgers and remained a lifelong influence. Since retiring, Piazza has focused on developing baseball globally, serving as Manager of the Italian National Baseball Team from 2019-2024 and partnering with Steel Sports to expand access to youth sports opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.

About Steel Sports

Steel Sports, a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., is a social impact organization created in 2011 to put Kids First and change lives through sports. Its purpose is to forge a path of success for the next generation by instilling values, building character, and teaching life lessons both on and off the field. Through The Steel Coaching System, The Lasorda Way, Steel Sports provides kids with a positive and fun environment, empowering them to reach their potential and develop empathy, resilience, and leadership skills.

About Steel Partners Holdings L.P.

Steel Partners Holdings L.P. is a global diversified holding company with operations spanning industrial manufacturing, building products, precision cutting technologies, electrification, aerospace and defense, energy, supply chain management and logistics, banking, and youth sports.

Founded in 1990, Steel Partners is a long-term owner and operator guided by The Steel Way, which brings together its Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment; the Steel Business System; the Steel Coaching System; and Kids First to strengthen businesses, develop leaders, and help people reach their potential.