After attending Kentucky State University, Strode was selected as a pitcher by the Kansas City Royals in the 4th round of the 1980 amateur draft and played in the minors from 1980 to 1988.

[1][2] After his playing career ended, he was a longtime pitching coach in the Chicago Cubs farm system.

[3] Strode served as the Cubs bullpen coach from 2007 through 2019, under managers Lou Piniella, Mike Quade, Dale Sveum, Rick Rentería, and Joe Maddon.

He was a member of the 2016 coaching staff for the Cubs that led the team winning the World Series.

[4] In December 2006, Strode was chosen as a member of the Warren County (TN) Sports Hall of Fame.