Rodney Batts is in his 13th season as an assistant coach after serving the 1999-2000 seasons as a graduate assistant. His responsibilities include coaching the infielders and hitters.
The former Delta State second baseman returned to his alma mater in 1998 after spending two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies Minor League system.
Batts hit .334 with 24 doubles, eight triples, 10 home runs, 86 RBI and 39 stolen bases during his DSU career from 1995-1996. He was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection under Bill Marchant and was named to the 1996 All-South Central Regional Tournament team.
He etched his name in the Statesmen history books when he hit one of the most dramatic home runs in Delta State and Gulf South Conference history. A three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning to defeat Alabama-Huntsville and deliver DSU the 1996 GSC Baseball Tournament title. The Statesmen went on to win the NCAA South Central Regional and finish fourth at the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship Tournament in Montgomery, Ala.
The New Hope native graduated from Delta State with a B.S. degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1998 and received his master's in HPE&R from DSU in 2000. Batts is married to the former Scottie Moore of Senatobia (DSU 1998, 1999, 2002). The couple has two sons, Austin and Reed.
