Southeast Missouri State University alumnus Jason Steiner graduated in December 2024 and was offered a dream job in professional baseball only a few weeks later. With a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in computer science, Steiner joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in player development. His journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the strong foundation he built at SEMO.
Raised in Wentzville, Steiner recalls watching baseball games with his dad and dreaming of working in Major League Baseball. SEMO provided the academic flexibility and extracurricular opportunities to help him forge that path. With his father and uncle as alumni, he felt confident that the university was the right place for him.
While on campus, Steiner took advantage of leadership and professional development opportunities. As president of Sigma Nu, he helped the chapter achieve national recognition for academic excellence, philanthropy, and leadership. He was also active in student government, the Sports Management Society, and the Greek life honor society Iota Ki.
“SEMO really tries to prepare you for life after college,” Steiner said. “I finished high school with a 2.7 GPA, and in college, I graduated with a 3.7. They make it affordable, and the experiences you gain on campus are invaluable.”
Even before college, Steiner was strategic about his future, working part-time to save money while seeking hands-on experience in sports management. His time as an MLB scout liaison and head of baseball operations for the Cape Cod League provided real-world exposure to professional baseball.
His big break came when he was invited to Dallas for the MLB Winter Meetings, a four-day gathering of Major League Baseball representatives. On January 1, 2025, he received a job offer from the Dodgers, and few weeks later he was in Arizona for spring training, working hands-on with players, coaches and analysts.
As an affiliate development associate, Steiner is responsible for setting up TrackMan technology, capturing ball metrics, using Edgertronic high speed cameras and charting live games. These tools provide essential data for player evaluation and development.
He credits much of his success to the mentorship and support he received at SEMO. Dr. Bruce Skinner, recognized as Sigma Nu’s National Advisor of the Year, played a significant role in his leadership development. Assistant Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Dan Presson also helped Steiner expand his professional network and navigate opportunities in the sports industry.
Related: Family, fraternity and baseball: SEMO graduate Jason Steiner’s path to dream job with LA Dodgers (Southeast Missourian)
