Sanchez Named Inaugural Manager

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Joplin Baseball, proud members of the MINK League, today announced the hiring of Octavio Sanchez as the team's first Manager. Sanchez comes to the organization from Missouri Southern State University.

"We are excited for Coach Sanchez to lead our team in our inaugural season," Joplin Baseball General Manager Donovan Harns said. "He has experience coaching summer baseball and had a fantastic playing career. He's a coach who believes in helping players develop, while putting a top quality product on the field. We cannot wait to have him in Joplin!"

Sanchez has previously served as a Graduate Assistant Baseball Coach at Rogers State University in 2025 and as pitching coach for the Spearfish Sasquatch of the Independence League Baseball (ILB) in Spearfish South Dakota. His pitching staff ranked in the top three in multiple categories including ERA, WHIP, batting average against and strikeouts en route to a league championship. In the fall, Sanchez accepted the position of Assistant Baseball and Pitching Coach at Missouri Southern State University. 

"I'm excited and extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these young men in the summer and represent the City of Joplin," said Sanchez. "I can't wait to get started and look forward to building strong relationships and competing at a high level."

Prior to starting his coaching career, Sanchez played his collegiate baseball at Rogers State from 2021 to 2024. During his playing career, he earned 2x MIAA Honorable Mention honors and his collegiate saves ranks second all-time at Rogers State and third in the MIAA conference.

Tickets for the inaugural season of Joplin Baseball in the MINK League will go on sale after the New Year as will the new team's name and identity. To join the priority list, visit joplinbaseball.com.

About Joplin Baseball
Joplin Baseball, LLC was formed in 2025 and competes in the MINK League. The team provides a fun and affordable summer time activity for families and friends in the Joplin community. For tickets, merchandise and any other team information, visit joplinbaseball.com.