As a youth growing up in Buffalo, N.Y., Mike Power loved baseball. That much was certain early on.

His mother, Florence, gave Mike her blessing as a youngster to take to the diamond. And over the years Power developed into a talented middle-infielder, where he was team captain for the University of Buffalo in 1983.

Some opportunities to play at the pro level would follow. But Power would soon embark on a career path he believed he was destined for. And in 1986, he transitioned from the field to the dugout and began coaching.

“Oh yeah, I always wanted to coach,” said Power, who began his career as an assistant under Dave McDonald at Wheeler High School. “I knew that. It’s just something I always wanted to do.”

Twenty-four years later – 19 of which he has served as a head coach – Power has achieved a milestone most prep coaches do not reach in a lifetime. Roswell’s opening day triumph on Feb. 26 gave Power his 400th career victory, another feather in his distinguished cap of coaching accomplishments.

“He came to me and there was no question he had great knowledge of the game,” recalled McDonald, who is in his 30th year as Wheeler’s head coach, and whom Power cites as one of his inspirations along with his late mother, who passed away in 2007.

“It’s a challenge everyday, and Mike’s worked hard at it.”

Throughout his tenure, Power has compiled an overall record of 404-135 (.750) as a head coach at Harrison, Daphne (Ala.), Northview, and Roswell – where he has been with the Hornets since 2004.

Power has three state titles to his credit, and has helped 15 former players to be drafted by Major League Baseball.

“I just think his mind-set is go out there and work as hard as you can,” said Zane Evans, a Roswell senior. “The work ethic he teaches everyone really helps.”

As a teacher, Power said his players’ success is more rewarding than numbers in the victory column.

“What’s special is seeing the kids that are really serious about the game improve their skills to where they get an opportunity to play college or pro baseball,” he said. “You keep in touch…Those kids come back to see you. That’s the rewarding part.”