Mike Roberts - Baseball Coach - Mississippi State

Mike Roberts

Title:
Director of Player Development and Scouting
Email:
mike.roberts@athletics.msstate.edu
Phone:
662-325-3597

Mississippi State head baseball coach Brian O’Connor has announced the hiring of Mike Roberts as the Bulldogs’ Director of Player Development and Scouting.

Roberts brings nearly 15 years of experience across college baseball, scouting and player development, including two stints under O’Connor at Virginia. He most recently served as associate head coach at James Madison in 2024 and 2025.

“Mike is a sharp baseball mind with a passion for development and preparation,” O’Connor said. “He’s played a key role in building elite-performing programs, and I’m excited for the impact he’ll have here at Mississippi State.”

Roberts helped lead James Madison to its first NCAA Regional appearance in 13 years during the 2024 season, working primarily with hitters and overseeing a dynamic offense that ranked among the program’s top 10 all-time in several categories, including home runs and stolen bases. Two of his players – outfielder Fenwick Trimble and catcher Jason Schiavone – were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft.

During his time in Harrisonburg, Roberts helped spark a resurgence for the Dukes, who finished as runner-up at the 2023 Raleigh Regional and reached back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. JMU’s offense set or approached multiple single-season records under his watch, including home runs, sacrifice hits, and stolen bases. Several position players earned All-Sun Belt honors during his tenure.

Roberts previously served on O’Connor’s staff at Virginia from 2014-18 as the program’s Coordinator of Video and Scouting, contributing to three NCAA Tournament appearances and the Cavaliers’ 2015 national championship. He returned to UVA in 2021 as Special Assistant to the Head Coach during another postseason run.

He also spent time coaching at the high school level and served as a firefighter and EMT in Henrico County, Virginia, from 2019-22 before returning to the college game full time.

Roberts began his coaching career at VMI under head coach Marlin Ikenberry from 2012–14. Prior to coaching, he was selected in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers and played five seasons in the organization, eventually serving as a player-coach with the Brevard County Manatees.

“This is a special opportunity to be part of Mississippi State Baseball,” Roberts said. “Coach O’Connor is someone I deeply respect, and I look forward to helping this program compete at the highest level by investing in our players’ growth every single day.”

A native of Virginia, Roberts is a 2012 graduate of VMI with a degree in history. He was a team captain during his collegiate career and brings a blend of professional playing experience, player development expertise, and analytical preparation to the Bulldogs’ staff.