As director of minor league operations for the Los Angeles Angels, Mike LaCassa says that yes, of course, developing players for Major League Baseball is the goal. “Each time a player moves up a level and especially when they make their Major League debut, it really makes us feel proud of all the work they put in, because none of it comes easily,” the 32-year-old said.

But the job is more than that, he said. “Not all players in our system will achieve that, so it’s also important that we provide them with the experiences and personal growth opportunities to be successful beyond their playing careers.” LaCassa is in his fourth year in his current role and in his eighth season with the Angels, for which he oversees all aspects of the player development system.