Chris Rodriguez was hired as head coach of the Illinois Springfield baseball program in May 2025, after previously serving as an assistant coach with the Prairie Stars. During his time as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Rodriguez played a key role in building a team that advanced to the 2025 GLVC Tournament Championship game and finished second in the conference standings.
In 2025, the Prairie Stars led the GLVC in home runs and doubles, while ranking near the top in batting average, runs scored, and RBIs. UIS also led the conference in fielding percentage in back-to-back seasons (2024 and 2025). On the mound, the team posted a 5.62 ERA and held opponents to a .270 batting average. UIS allowed the fewest hits and home runs per game in the conference. Several players earned postseason accolades, including three all-region hitters and three All-GLVC pitchers, two of whom were first-team selections.
Nationally, the Prairie Stars ranked in the top 10 in several offensive categories, including 7th in total home runs and 8th in home runs per game. They also ranked 13th in slugging percentage, tied for 17th in doubles per game, and finished top-35 nationally in batting average, total runs, and runs per game. Defensively and on the mound, UIS led the nation in fewest sacrifice bunts allowed and ranked 34th in strikeouts per nine innings.
Rodriguez arrived at UIS after a diverse coaching journey that included stops at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Wright State, where he served as a volunteer assistant before being promoted to director of player development. He later held the same role at Central Florida before joining the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in 2020 in a player development and video assistant role, where he contributed to scouting, data collection, and pitch design for minor league affiliates. Following his time in professional baseball, Rodriguez worked at Jacksonville University as director of baseball operations and contributed to pitching development.
In addition to his work in the U.S., Rodriguez gained international coaching experience with the Lithuanian National Team. He helped guide the team to a Pool B Championship in the Confederation of European Baseball, overseeing pitching, scouting, and conditioning duties during the tournament run.
Rodriguez also has a track record of helping players reach the next level, including UIS pitcher Jacob Newman, who played under Rodriguez in 2024 before signing professionally with the Windy City ThunderBolts.
As a player, Rodriguez began his collegiate career at Spring Hill College before transferring to Volunteer State. He then stood out at Kishwaukee College, posting an 8–2 record with 97 strikeouts in 74 innings, earning NJCAA All-Region IV honors and leading his team to an Arrowhead Conference title. He concluded his career at Wright State, contributing to a 2018 Horizon League Championship and NCAA Regional appearance.
Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Wright State University and a master’s degree in kinesiology from Jacksonville University.
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