Bobby Spain
Hitting Coach
Bobby Spain returns to the Gary SouthShore RailCats in 2018 for his third straight season as the team’s hitting coach. Since being named the team’s hitting coach in 2016, Spain has had three position players have their contracts purchased by a Major League Affiliate — infielder Jose Sermo, 2016 (Boston Red Sox/Kansas City Royals); catcher Jose Gonzalez, 2016 (Minnesota Twins); infielder Ryan Fitzgerald, 2018 (Boston Red Sox).
Spain played four seasons of professional baseball (three affiliated, one independent). Spain’s professional baseball career began in 2007 after being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma City University. Spain spent three seasons in the Pirates organization, reaching as high as Lo-A. A native of Colorado Springs, Colo. Spain was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 39th round of the 2004 MLB Draft out of Norman High School but didn’t sign.
Spain is also in his fourth season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma City University. Spain resides in Norman, Okla.