Mike Roberts, Volunteer Assistant Coach
2013 marked the first full season as VMI's volunteer assistant coach for former Keydet catcher Mike Roberts. Roberts worked primarily with the catchers, including Second Team All-Big South honoree Matt Winn, and the baserunners, including outfielder Brandon Angus, who had the eighth-most stolen bases in a single season in Keydet history. He also assisted with outfield work on game days and fulfilled a variety of other roles throughout the season.
Roberts joined the VMI coaching staff following a professional career with the Milwaukee Brewer organization, a career that began after being drafted in 2008. Roberts hit .270 with Helena in rookie ball that year and would go on to spend the majority of the following three seasons with the Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League (Class A).
He returned to spring training with the organization this year and played in extended spring training, including at least one appearance against his brother Sam Roberts '11, a former VMI teammate and current member of the Oakland organization.
The former Keydet catcher returned to VMI in the fall of both 2010 and 2011, serving as a student assistant coach while completing his degree.
“I am very excited to have Michael join our staff," said VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry. "It is always nice to have a recent alum that has the desire to get in college coaching profession. He will bring a great deal of energy and knowledge to our program. Michael was a student assistant the last two fall seasons while finishing up his degree, and has also been a player in the Brewers organization. He knows our program inside and out, which will make for a easy transition. He was a tireless worker as a player and I know he will be the same as a young coach."