A Strategic Boost for the Bears' Pitching Staff
Cale Johnson has been appointed as the new pitching coach for the Missouri State Baseball Bears, a move that promises to reshape the program’s approach to arm development and strategic preparation.
During his time at Dallas Baptist University, Johnson’s staff posted a 4.01 ERA and ranked among the nation’s top twenty‑five in strikeouts per nine innings and strikeout‑to‑walk ratio in 2025, while guiding two All‑Americans and five players who earned MLB Draft selections.
His nine‑year professional coaching résumé includes roles with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals organizations, where he progressed from Minor League Assistant Pitching Coordinator to Pitching Strategist, overseeing the development of more than 40 pitchers who reached the Major Leagues.
Johnson’s playing background adds further depth to his coaching perspective; he starred at McKendree University, earned two‑time American Midwest Conference Pitcher of the Year honors, and was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 41st round of the 2009 MLB Draft before spending three seasons in their system.
The hiring is pending formal approval by the Missouri State Board of Governors, after which Johnson will join a coaching staff eager to apply his strategic insight and proven track record to elevate the Bears’ performance on the national stage.