A New Chapter for Pelham Baseball
Pelham High School announced this week that Joe Sparacino will join its baseball program as an assistant coach, a move that blends his deep playing background with a new focus on player development and special education.
Sparacino spent three seasons at the helm of the Calera Eagles, guiding the team to a 43‑43 record and a Class 6A Area 5 championship in 2025, a milestone that cemented his reputation as a builder of competitive programs.
A Thompson High School alumnus, he played collegiately at Jackson State Community College before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned All‑County honors as a first baseman in 2006.
His coaching journey began as a middle‑school head coach in Thompson, later serving as an assistant at Helena Middle School under Bobby Cummings before returning to Thompson as an assistant in 2015, a period that sharpened his instructional approach.
Sparacino holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Montevallo, a credential that now informs his role in Pelham’s Special Education Department, where he will continue to support students beyond the diamond.
He credits Pat Hamrick, his former head coach, as a pivotal influence on his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of shaping young men as much as athletes.
In his new position, Sparacino aims to sustain Pelham’s tradition of excellence while fostering character and academic growth, a vision that aligns with the school’s broader educational mission.