Roanoke College’s Head Baseball Coach Brett Kaminski has announced the hiring of Chip Schaffner as the new Assistant Baseball Coach.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Chip Schaffner to the Roanoke College Baseball staff as our new pitching coach,” said Coach Kaminski. “Chip brings a wealth of experience, a passion for player development, and a competitive edge that will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff. His knowledge of the game and ability to connect with student-athletes will help take our program to the next level.”
Schaffner joins the Roanoke staff after a decorated military career and over 30 years of experience in the baseball world. After earning two Army Achievement Medals, the Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Wings, and being named NCO of the Year during years of active-duty and Ohio National Guard service, Schaffner transitioned his leadership skills to the diamond. He began as an assistant coach and adjunct instructor at Wright State University, shaping infield play, baserunning, and strength programs while teaching weight-training courses.
Schaffner’s eye for talent soon led him to co-found and direct Sports View On-Line, one of the first national digital recruiting services (1996-1999). He then joined Georgetown College as Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator before moving to the University of Virginia.
At UVA his 2003 staff posted the nation’s 11th-best ERA and ranked second in the ACC. Subsequent roles at Radford University (Pitching Coach), Mars Hill College (Assistant Coach; first national ranking in program history, 2010), and Emory & Henry College solidified his reputation for developing elite pitching and elevating entire programs. Most recently, he guided Ferrum College’s pitching staff from 2021–2024.
Schaffner has recruited and coached numerous players who advanced to the professional ranks, including more than thirty who reached the Major Leagues.
“I’m honored and excited to join the Roanoke College Baseball program,” says Schaffner. “I want to thank Coach Kaminski for the opportunity to be a part of something special. Roanoke has a strong tradition and a clear vision for the future, and I’m looking forward to working with our student-athletes to help them grow on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to work.”
