Turning Setbacks into Success: How Steve Armenia’s Passion for Baseball Inspires the Next Generation
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From the moment Steve Armenia picked up a baseball at just six years old, he knew the game would be a huge part of his life. He dedicated years to training, competing at an elite level, and pushing himself to be the best. His grit and determination led him to play at the Division II collegiate level, but during his sophomore year, an injury changed everything. Being sidelined due to a torn rotator cuff that went improperly treated was one of the biggest challenges he had ever faced.
However, Armenia refused to let this setback define him. Instead, he turned it into an opportunity. Shifting his focus from playing to coaching and mentoring, Steve became the director of baseball operations for the New York branch of Phenom Baseball. His resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, and we’re honored to share his story.
Baseball has always been more than just a sport for Armenia—it has been both a passion and an escape from life’s challenges. Coming from what he describes as a ‘broken family,’ he found comfort and belonging on the field. 'I always used baseball as an escape,' he shares. 'Being with my friends and coaches helped me develop as a player, as a man and be around others who supported me.'"
Now, Armenia is paying it forward by helping young athletes develop their skills and pursue their dreams of playing baseball beyond high school. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that even when life throws unexpected hurdles, better days are always ahead, sometimes you just have to change your mindset and make your current situation work for you.
Armenia’s passion for coaching deepened when his oldest son, Rocco started playing Little League at five years old. He took on the role of coach, and when his son wanted to play travel baseball, Armenia saw another opportunity—this time, to build something bigger. He created a competitive travel organization made up of other players who shared the same passion as Rocco, which eventually became the foundation for Phenom Baseball NY.
Phenom Baseball, originally based in California, is an organization dedicated to developing young athletes and helping them reach their full potential as players as well as individuals. The organization holds special meaning for Armenia and his family, as it was his oldest son who inspired him to start it. His goal was simple: to guide young athletes and give them the support he never had.
“When I was playing, I didn’t have much guidance,” Armenia shares. “I didn’t know much about the recruiting process or what came after high school. My lack of guidance led to some bad decisions along the way, and it cost me opportunities at both the college and pro levels.”
Now, as the leader of Phenom Baseball NY, Armenia is committed to being the mentor he once needed. His primary focus is helping young players navigate their baseball journeys, both on and off the field. “If I can help even just one player, point them in the right direction, and give them advice that may change their future, then I’ve reached my goal,” he says.
Armenia’s journey hasn’t been easy, but he is thankful for both the struggles and the successes, as they have helped him grow professionally and personally. One of the biggest obstacles he faces is competing with other organizations in the highly saturated world of travel baseball.
“The world of youth travel sports has become a huge business,” Armenia explains. “It’s tough to compete with larger organizations on the island.” He acknowledges that many families are searching for the "golden ticket" to a college scholarship, and unfortunately, some fall into the trap of organizations that make big promises but don’t deliver results.
“Everyone is looking for that golden ticket, but most people realize the hard way that it doesn’t exist,” he says. “They end up wasting a lot of time, effort, and money on the wrong organizations.”
Phenom Baseball on the other hand, delivers results through the structure and practicality of their program. As of this year, Armenia has helped 32 players reach their dreams of playing college baseball—including his own son. Rocco has played 12 games as a sophomore for the University of Bridgeport at the division 2 collegiate level. Rocco is a direct result of the Phenom baseball program and we know he will continue to dominate at the collegiate level and beyond. Steve describes the Phenom as “an overwhelming success so far” and is already working on expanding his program even further to accommodate and mentor even more young athletes.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Armenia’s professionalism, leadership, and dedication set him apart. His ability to push himself—and his players—to be the best versions of themselves reflects the core mission of Better Days. Armenia shares, “As an athlete, you always face daily battles—working harder to get better, pushing through struggles, and grinding to achieve success.” His perseverance through adversity has helped Phenom Baseball NY gain an impressive reputation.
Through love for the game, hard work, setbacks, and great success, Armenia finds baseball to be one of the most rewarding parts of his life. The friendships he has built over the years, both as a player and a coach, hold deep meaning for him. He shares, “My best memory playing was pitching a complete game to win the conference championship in my freshman year of college.”
But more than anything, watching his son develop into the player he is today and seeing him play college baseball has been the most fulfilling experience of all.
Armenia’s story is proof that resilience, passion, and a commitment to helping others can turn life’s challenges into opportunities. His dedication to mentoring young athletes and guiding them toward success is at the core of what Better Days is all about—because no matter the obstacles, better days are always ahead…. If you put the work in and get after it!
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