Chris Fletcher enters his first season as Manager of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks in 2026. A seasoned coach and respected baseball mind, Fletcher is the founder and head coach of the Moberly Area Community College baseball program in Missouri. He brings 12 years of collegiate coaching experience, including five years as a head coach, and a reputation for developing talent and building high-character teams.

At Moberly, Fletcher launched the program from the ground up, leading recruiting efforts across the state and creating strong community ties. His college coaching path includes six seasons as an assistant at William Woods University, one season at Truman State University, and two seasons as head coach at William Woods. A former college player, he brings a teacher’s approach and a clear plan for player growth.

Fletcher is a Moberly native. He and his wife, Rachael, have two sons, Brooks and Baylor. He will lead the Battle Jacks on the field with a competitive edge and a strong team identity from Opening Day forward.

To inquire about playing for the Battle Jacks or to contact Coach Fletcher: manager@battlejacksbaseball.com

Tim Brown joins the Battle Creek Battle Jacks in 2026 for his first season as pitching coach. A veteran of the college game, Brown brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience with a reputation for developing pitching staffs and recruiting high-level talent.

He most recently served as an assistant coach at Ohio University, where his pitchers earned Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District honors while delivering standout performances in conference play. His career also includes stops at Eastern Illinois, South Carolina Upstate, Lincoln Memorial, George Washington University, Mount Saint Mary’s, Coppin State, and Siena College. Along the way, he coached future MLB Draft pick Will Klein and guided multiple programs to winning seasons and postseason success.

A former pitcher at Lindenwood University, Brown graduated with a degree in physical education and sports management. He brings a teacher’s approach, deep experience, and a steady presence to the Battle Jacks dugout.

Darian Sandford joins the Battle Creek Battle Jacks coaching staff in 2026 as an assistant coach, bringing elite speed, defensive excellence, and professional experience to the player development program. A former professional player and respected coach, Sandford adds a dynamic skill set in multiple phases of the game.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Sandford was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2010 MLB Draft and went on to enjoy a 13-year professional career, playing in the Royals and Washington Nationals organizations as well as the Independent league. Known as one of the game’s most dynamic base runners, he amassed more than 750 stolen bases during his professional career and earned multiple Gold Gloves for his defensive work as both an outfielder and infielder. In 2010, he led the NAIA in stolen base percentage, cementing his reputation as a true impact player.

Sandford has since transitioned into coaching, currently serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Justice University in Arizona. His coaching background also includes time as a hitting coach with the Alton River Dragons of the Prospect League, where he focused on offensive development, base running, and defensive versatility.

At the Battle Jacks, Sandford will work closely with players on offensive approach, base running, and defensive fundamentals, helping athletes maximize their athleticism and compete with confidence.