Bobby Spain returns to the Gary SouthShore RailCats in 2017 for his second straight season as the team’s hitting coach. Since being named the team’s hitting coach in 2016, Spain has had one position player have their contract purchased by a Major League Affiliate (C Jose Gonzalez, 2016).

Spain played four seasons of professional baseball (three affiliated, one independent). Spain’s professional baseball career began in 2007 after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma City University. Spain spent three seasons in the Pirates organization, reaching as high as Lo-A. A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., Spain was selected by the Sand Diego Padres in the 39th round of the 2004 MLB Draft out of Norman High School but didn’t sign.