Baylor School announced this week that Michael Brent “Butch” Chaffin will lead its varsity baseball program as the new head coach, tapping a veteran whose name has become synonymous with Tennessee baseball excellence.
A Legacy of Leadership
Chaffin arrives with a career ledger of 552 wins and 281 losses, a record built over nearly four decades of coaching at the high school, college and professional levels.
His journey includes a 25‑year stint at Cookeville High School, where he also taught social studies, three years as an assistant at Tennessee Tech, and a four‑year tenure scouting for the Kansas City Royals. Since 2006 he has been a fixture with USA Baseball, rising to roles that include talent scout and coach of the 2017 12U gold‑medal squad.
Beyond the dugout, Chaffin helped devise the pitch‑count system adopted by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, and he has contributed to rule discussions that shape the sport’s future.
Athletic Director Mark Price praised the hire, noting that Chaffin’s ability to connect with student‑athletes and his respect for Baylor’s traditions make him an ideal fit for the Red Raiders.
In his first remarks, Chaffin expressed enthusiasm for immersing himself in the school’s culture and for building on the program’s rich history.
His induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2023 underscored the respect he commands among peers and players alike.