Mark Fanning, the longtime head baseball coach at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, announced his retirement this week after nearly three decades at the helm of the program.
Over his 29‑year tenure he compiled a career record of 626 wins and 324 losses, a winning percentage that placed him among the most successful coaches in Mississippi high school baseball history.
His teams captured five Mississippi High School Athletic Association South State titles and two state championships, the first coming in 2018 when his 3A squad hoisted the trophy, and the second in 2024 when the 2A team completed an undefeated season.
A new chapter begins
Josh Newell, who served as an assistant under Fanning for the past several seasons, will step into the head coaching role, bringing with him the same disciplined approach and deep knowledge of the program.
Fanning will not leave the school entirely; he will continue to serve as the director of athletic facilities and will remain involved in various capacities within the athletic department.
Earlier this year, Fanning was inducted into the Crossroads Diamond Club Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the sport in the region.
His achievements have also earned him two Mississippi Scoreboard All‑Metro Jackson Coach of the Year honors and the Mississippi Association of Coaches Baseball Coach of the Year award in 2025.
The school community and former players alike have expressed gratitude for Fanning’s dedication, and many look forward to seeing how Newell will build on the foundation he has laid.