KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan head baseball coach Billy Gernon announced the additions of Adam “Spud” Goodwin and Derek Mitchell to the coaching staff on Friday.
Goodwin will be a volunteer assistant with the Broncos while Mitchell will work as a player development coordinator.
Adam “Spud” Goodwin comes to WMU after a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State. While at SVSU, Goodwin assisted in day-to-day operations of the Cardinal program including executing practice plans, coordinating travel, preparing scouting reports and summer ball placement.
Goodwin’s brother, Alex, played at WMU and was a part of the 2016 MAC Tournament Championship, the first in program history. Prior to SVSU Goodwin was an assistant coach for Midland Berryhill Post 165, finishing runner-up in the American Legion World Series in 2014.
Coach Gernon on Goodwin: “Adam ‘Spud’ Goodwin brings an insatiable desire to coach and mentor. During the interviewing process he vibrantly demonstrated that he wanted to be a Bronco and would do anything to help us win another championship. We had a prior relationship with Adam through his brother Alex and have always respected his genuine respect for the game and his servant mentality towards the game and players. He is a tremendous addition to our existing culture.”
Derrick Mitchell will work as a player development coordinator for the Broncos after spending nine years in the minor leagues, three of which spent at the Triple-A level. Mitchell was a 23rd round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2005, playing both infield and outfield at the professional level.
Mitchell played football at Western Michigan from 2014-17 and was a member of the 2016 MAC Championship team that earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl.
Coach Gernon on Mitchell: “Derrick will be a great addition to our staff as he brings a vast wealth of knowledge and playing experience. He will help evaluate our player’s strengths and weaknesses and make valuable recommendations to our staff. It’s clear he still has a burning passion for the game he played for many years and we look forward to having him on our staff.”
