Bio

Coach John Bates is entering his second year as Head Baseball Coach at Rust College. In his first season, he made history by leading the Bearcats to its second straight Tyson Foods Black College World Series appearance in Montgomery, Alabama, and best record since 2003 baseball season with a 17-15-1 record. In the World Series they beat Talladega College on a walk-off base hit by Hometown Hero D’Anfrenee Bonner who was also the winning pitcher. During the 2022 season through his tutelage Brytan Sampson was named Black College Small division 2nd Team Pitcher, Jalin Thomas was named 2nd Team All-Infielder, and Quincy McGraw was named 2nd Team Freshmen Player All-Black College Team. Khalil Robinson played in the HBCU All-Star Game. Prior to becoming head coach, he served as volunteer assistant coach the past 3 years. He was a 6 th grade Special Education teacher for a year and then, he worked as Admissions Recruiter at Rust College the last 2 years. While serving as assistant coach he helped with field renovations, and player development. He assisted in the administration of baseball operations, infield instruction and coaching 3 rd base. He supervised team study hall sessions, Bi-weekly progress reports and enforced academic discipline. As a result, the team maintained high academic standards. Their Team G.P.A. was 3.0 with an 80% graduation rate and 12 players named to Academic Team. He helped lead Rust College to their first ever HBCU Black College World Series appearance. Under his tutelage Dreylin Holmes, was named Freshmen Player of Year by the Black College poll writers and Sieas Elliot participated in the Inaugural HBCU All-Star game. Prior to coaching at Rust College, he was head baseball coach of the Portsmouth Yard Birds of the Tidewater Summer Collegiate League. He managed all coordinated operations efforts for the summer baseball team. Prepared players for each game; oversaw game management and maintained pitch count for players stay healthy. Developed and implemented a unique strength and conditioning program for all players that allowed for greater power and performance. Improved the team’s performance, reaching the semifinals of the Summer League Championship Tournament.

Prior to coaching at Rust College, he was head baseball coach at Lane College 2017-2018. As Interim coach in 2017 made great strides in turning around the Dragon program. He led the Dragons to their best season in many years. In his first full season, he led the Dragons to their first conference tournament. His teams improved several hitting and pitching categories. Under his tutelage Chris O’Neal was 2 nd Team all-conference. Several of his players were named Academic All-Conference.

A native of St. Louis, Mo Coach Bates graduated from Beaumont High School in 1986. He was Co-Captain of the 1986 Public High League (PHL) Championship team he led them to a record of 21-1. He received 2nd team All-League honors at First Base. After graduating from Beaumont Coach Bates played collegiate baseball at Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, Miss. He was Honorable Mention his sophomore year at First Base. Upon graduating with an A.S. Degree in Drafting and Design in 1989, Coach Bates played at Mississippi Valley State University under the late Clothea Wilson Jr. After one year in 1990 Coach Bates joined the Mississippi National Guard served three years before transitioning into the active duty in 1993. He retired from the US Army after 24 total years of service, which included five
combat tours to Iraq (3), Afghanistan (1), and Kuwait (1).

His awards and decorations Meritorious Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal (7th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), NATO Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (w/three campaign stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Developed Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, and US Army Recruiter Badge.

Coach Bates began his high school coaching career at Sierra High School as a volunteer assistant in 2011. After a break while deployed to Afghanistan, he returned to coach at Sierra. He was assistant with the baseball team until the spring of 2014 when he took over the baseball program. During his tenure he was responsible for six players achieving off season honors. He also took over the softball program in fall of 2014. He has also coached internationally in Belgium while stationed there. He served for many years as a volunteer coach in several youth leagues. He also coached in Special Olympics where his softball teams won Gold Medals.

He received his B.S. Degree in Education through Liberty University. He has a B.A. In Theology through University of Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. He is Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle leader at Rust College. He is a member of American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). Coach Bates is an Ordained Deacon at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist in Jackson, Tn. He is a father of two adult children Je’Nel and son John Jr. He has six Grandsons Aiden, Ashton, Josiah, Tobias, Lorenzo, and Julius. Coach Bates currently resides in the Holly Springs, Miss Area.