Coaching Staff
Bob Fannin | Assistant Coach
Rogers State Baseball and head coach Chris Klimas have announced the addition of Bob Fannin to the coaching staff as the top assistant coach on Wednesday, July 8, 2020.
Fannin will bring a wealth of baseball knowledge to the Hillcats, having coached in the collegiate game for nearly two decades, including a national championship, all after a playing career that saw him drafted and play professionally after winning another national championship in college.
“We are beyond thrilled to land such a quality coach and leader to help build upon the success that we have enjoyed here at RSU,” said Klimas. “When Coach Brown decided to step away from coaching, the consensus in our building was to immediately call Bob Fannin, and fortunately for us, that was the only call we had to make.”
Fannin comes to College Hill after a shortened season at Vernon College in Texas. Prior to his time in Vernon, Fannin spent 18 seasons at Lubbock Christian, helping guide the Chaps to a NAIA National Championship in 2009.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity that Rogers State has granted me,” said Fannin. “I look forward to working with a longtime friend in coach Klimas to help continue Rogers State’s winning tradition.”
During his time in Lubbock, Fannin was very instrumental in the success of Lubbock Christian, helping coach the Chaps to three Heartland Conference Regular Season Championships, three Sooner Athletic Conference Regular Season Championships, two Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Championships, three appearances in the NCAA Tournament, 11 appearances in the NAIA Tournament and four trips to the NAIA College World Series, including a runner-up finish to go along with the nationals championship in 2009.
Fannin also helped develop players for the next level, recruiting and coaching 18 MLB Draftees and more than 40 signed professional contracts in 18 seasons with Lubbock Christian.
“His track record as a teacher and elite recruiter at the NAIA and NCAA levels speaks for itself,” added Klimas, “but he is an even better individual and one of the most widely respected coaches in the region.”
Recently among his successes with LCU, Lubbock Christian was one of the most powerful teams in Division II during the 2018 season, leading the conference in slugging percentage and ranking 27th nationally in that category. The Chaps also led the Heartland in doubles (29th nationally) and home runs (32nd nationally). The Chaps ranked fourth among NCAA Div. II in 2014 with a conference best .346 batting average and their conference leading 44 home runs ranked 11th in the nation. They led the conference in hits (569) in 2017.
“His experience as a former catcher at both the collegiate/professional level, and a decorated 18 years in college coaching, his background in working with both pitchers and hitters will be an outstanding addition to our program,” said Klimas. “We are extremely excited to welcome Bob to the Hillcat Family!”
As a player, he was a product of Monterey High School playing under the winningest coach in history, Bobby Moegle, from 1976-78. He made a pair of trips to the state tournament, including a trip to the state title game in 1978. A junior college transfer from Ranger (where he was a 19th round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 1981), Fannin was a part of LCU's 1983 National Championship team and he was drafted later that summer by the San Francisco Giants in the 16th round. In 1984, Fannin was named an NAIA 1st-Team All-American and was drafted once again, this time by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round.
Fannin served as an assistant coach under College Baseball Hall of Famer Larry Hays at Lubbock Christian and began his head coaching career in 2001 when he became the head baseball coach at Trinity Christian High School in Lubbock, Texas. He held that post for two years before moving on to Midland Christian High School in Midland, Texas, where he coached for a year before returning to LCU in 2003.
Jeff Losornio | Assistant Coach
Bio Coming Soon!