For Justin Mozinski, baseball has always been about more than the game itself. It has been a source of lifelong memories, a way to bring people together, and now, an opportunity to share something he loves with his own children and the young athletes he coaches.

Growing up in Ardoch, North Dakota, Justin played baseball throughout his childhood and high school years before continuing with Midway-Minto Legion Baseball. Some of his favorite memories came from those summers on the diamond, and the experiences helped shape an appreciation for the game that has stayed with him ever since.

Today, at 35 years old and with two years of coaching experience, Justin is creating a new set of baseball memories—this time from the dugout.

“Getting the opportunity to coach my son and daughters is pretty amazing,” Justin says. “I love being able to share a game that has meant so much to me with my kids and watch them learn, compete, improve and, most importantly, have fun.”

Justin and his wife, Morgan, have been married for about 10 years and have three children: Hudson, 7, Harlow, 5, and Hazel, 10 months. With the kids involved in everything from baseball and basketball to wrestling, dance and gymnastics, life stays busy. But for Justin, being involved, practicing with his kids and coaching whenever possible is time well spent.

That commitment to helping others extends beyond the ballpark. Professionally, Justin has worked as a nurse practitioner in Sanford’s Neurosurgery Department for the past four years. He also serves as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps and supports the Navy Reserve in San Diego aboard the hospital ship USS Mercy.

Whether at work, with his family or on the baseball field, Justin believes growth comes from consistency and effort.

His coaching philosophy can be summed up in three words: practice, practice, practice.

Justin believes the habits players develop during practice eventually show up during games. Rather than expecting perfection, he focuses on fundamentals, repetition and finding creative ways to keep players engaged.

“The game itself is not the most important part,” Justin says. “The consistency of showing up, working through drills, learning the fundamentals and having fun over time is what ultimately helps players improve.”

But improvement isn't measured only by hits, runs or wins.

Baseball is a game filled with failure. Strikeouts happen. Ground balls get missed. Errors are made. For Justin, those moments offer some of the sport's most valuable lessons.

He wants his players to learn how to leave the last play behind and focus on the next opportunity. By doing so, he hopes they develop resilience and confidence that extend well beyond baseball.

That approach also requires understanding that no two players are exactly alike.

Some athletes need encouragement. Others are highly competitive. Some process mistakes emotionally, while others learn best through a completely different approach. Justin believes one of a coach's most important responsibilities is getting to know each player and figuring out how to help that individual succeed.

“You cannot coach every kid the same way and expect the same results,” he says.

Justin takes a similar approach to building a team. During practice, he intentionally rotates partners so players aren't always playing catch or completing drills with the same teammates. It's a simple strategy designed to help kids communicate, develop new friendships and learn to work with everyone on the roster.

He also constantly reminds his players that everyone has a role.

A baseball team isn't successful because of one or two players. Success can come from a big hit or an outstanding defensive play, but it can also come from making the routine play, backing up a teammate or offering encouragement from the dugout. Justin wants every player to leave the field knowing their contribution matters.

Keeping those players excited throughout a long season means getting creative. Justin regularly researches new drills, games and activities through social media and other baseball resources. Practices often combine fundamental work with competitions and games that reinforce what the players have learned.

His goal is straightforward: work hard, compete, learn and have fun.

Justin credits his dad and brother as two of his biggest influences, and the values they've helped instill are reflected in the coach he strives to be.

One of his favorite coaching memories came during a tournament when his team made a run and nearly reached the championship game. While getting close to the title was exciting, what stood out most wasn't the final result. It was seeing how much the players had improved—and watching them begin to truly believe in themselves.

That's the kind of progress Justin hopes his players remember.

For anyone beginning their own coaching journey, Justin's biggest piece of advice is simple: have patience.

And when his coaching days eventually come to an end, the legacy he hopes to leave is equally simple. He wants his players to remember the importance of hard work—showing up, practicing, learning from failure and continuing to move forward.

For Justin, those lessons are bigger than baseball.

The game gave him countless memories growing up. Now, he has the opportunity to give some of those same experiences to Hudson, Harlow and, someday, Hazel, along with the many other young athletes he hopes to coach in the years ahead.



And if his players leave the season with a strong work ethic, the confidence to overcome challenges, and a lasting love for the game, Justin will consider that a true coaching victory.