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.
"Dan was my biggest supporter. He encouraged me to be involved on campus, hired me as a career ambassador, and helped me build connections," Steiner said.
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For current students dreaming of a career in professional sports, Steiner emphasizes the importance of networking and gaining real-world experience.
"Do something that separates yourself," he said. "Have a good support system, connect with people on campus, and get on LinkedIn. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a job right out of college—get an internship every summer and build your resume."
While his current contract with the Dodgers is for one year, Steiner is already looking ahead. He hopes to continue growing in baseball operations, following in the footsteps of industry leaders who have built championship-winning teams.
"SEMO set me up for success by giving me the experiences that really matter," he said. "If I hadn’t gone to college, I wouldn’t have had access to all the opportunities that came with it."