Exciting news out of Abilene today as the 2027 Flying Bison manager is announced for the collegiate summer ball team’s fourth season.
Meet Mike Spears
Mike Spears, currently the Pitching and Player Development Coach for Chattanooga State Community College, will join Abilene’s baseball team next summer. The Flying Bison are members of the Texas Collegiate League, which is familiar to Spears, who was a member of the coaching staff for the Baton Rouge Rougarou during the 2026 season.
In addition to the Baton Rouge Rougarou, Spears has coached in the Northwoods League (Wisconsin Rapids Rafters), Pioneer League (Glacier Range Riders), West Coast League (Victoria Harbourcats/Port Angeles Lefties), San Diego Christian College, Johnson University, and is the owner of Spears Pitching Development.
Before dedicating himself fully to baseball coaching, Spears served as a law enforcement officer with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. He received the department’s Medal of Honor as well as the California State Medal of Valor for his service. Spears law enforcement experience shaped a leadership philosophy centered on discipline, preparation, communication, accountability, teamwork, decision-making, and performing under pressure.
Spears brings those same principles to baseball. He believes that great players are developed through consistent preparation, intentional practice, accountability, resilience, and trust. His experience in both law enforcement and professional baseball has given him a unique perspective on leadership, adversity, and the mental demands of competition.
John Stark, President and General Manager of the Flying Bison, had this to say about Spears joining the organization:
“I absolutely could not be more excited to introduce Mike Spears as the next manager of the Flying Bison. Coach Spears brings an abundance of baseball knowledge to the table but will also be able to share his life experiences off the field to pour into our players and make them more well-rounded individuals.
He is ready to embrace the Flying Faithful and the community as a whole as we move into this next era of Flying Bison Baseball.”
Spears brings a unique combination of professional baseball experience, player development expertise, advanced pitching analytics, and proven leadership from his distinguished career in law enforcement.
The Abilene Flying Bison are excited to have Mike Spears join us next season and can’t wait to kick things off in June of 2027.
Click here to read Mike Spears full bio. Contact Info@AbileneFlyingBison.com with any questions or media inquiries.