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Tyler Spartans Staff

CHRIS MCFARLAND - OWNER

BIO

Chris McFarland is a born and raised East Texan out of Lufkin, Texas. Chris graduated from Lufkin High School in 2011 with a scholarship to play baseball for the legendary Wayne Graham at Rice University. That summer, Chris was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the MLB draft and decided to begin his professional career. Chris played from 2011-2017, reaching the Double AA level as a middle infielder.  In high school, Chris played for some of the best travel organizations around such as Team Citius (Dallas Panthers) & Banditos Baseball Club. His goal was to bring a prestigious organization to East Texas, and in 2019 the Tyler Spartans formed their 1st baseball team. As one of the few pro players around East Texas who played the field and hit, he specializes in hitting, fielding, & base running instruction. In just a few years, the Spartans have put together talented teams and a talented coaching staff. 

CAREER RESUME

  • 2010 – Under Armour All American
  • 2010 – Texas Rangers Area Codes
  • 2010 – Team USA Tournament of Stars
  • 2010 – Texas High School North Scout Game
  • 2010 & 2011 1st Team All-District
  • 2011 – Ranked #8 in the state of Texas, #79 in the nation
  • 2011 – D1 Signee (Rice University)
  • 2011 – MLB Draft Pick (Milwaukee Brewers)
  • 2014 – Midwest League Player of the Week
  • 2015 – Florida State League Midseason & Postseason All-Star
  • 2014 & 2015 – Milwaukee Brewers Organizational All-Star (Top 2nd Basemen)
  • 2022 – Present – New Balance Future Stars Series Player Development Staff

Derek Craft

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Matt Tatum

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Dalton Dunagan

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Zach Young

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Brett Wagner

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Harrison Lee

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Brett Jackson

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Derek Craft

Coach Craft is from Hawkins, Texas. He graduated from Hawkins High School in 2015 and went on to play Division-1 baseball for the UTSA Roadrunners from 2016-2018. He was drafted in 2018 by the New York Yankees and is a current pitcher for their Double AA affiliate, Somerset Patriots.

Coach Craft was a two-sport athlete at Hawkins High School, playing baseball and basketball. He concluded his senior season tossing 67.1 innings and registered 39 hits, 24 runs (13 earned), 21 walks, 114 strikeouts with a 1.351 ERA. He threw two no-hitters and earned several superlative awards, including district newcomer of the year, district defensive MVP, district pitcher of the year and district MVP in 2015. He helped lead the Hawks to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2014 and 2015, including a district championship in 2014.

Matt Tatum

Matt Tatum began his coaching journey as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Texas at Tyler from 2011 to 2014. Tatum played an instrumental role in shaping the team’s success and honing the skills of emerging talent.


Transitioning to Brook Hill High School from 2015 to 2017, Tatum continued to impart his knowledge and passion for the game, contributing to the growth and development of young athletes. Now, as a valued member of the Tyler Spartans coaching staff, Tatum’s expertise and dedication are instrumental in guiding the team toward victory on the diamond. His unwavering commitment to excellence serves as a beacon for aspiring players within the organization.

Dalton Dunagan

Dalton Dunagan, an integral coach for the Tyler Spartans Baseball Club, honed his skills at Hallsville High School before showcasing his talent on the collegiate stage at Jarvis Christian College from 2019 to 2021. Renowned for his exceptional speed, Dunagan’s prowess on the basepaths and impeccable fielding skills set him apart on the diamond.


As a coach, Dunagan channels his passion for the game and his firsthand experience as a player to mentor the next generation of athletes. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his deep understanding of the sport, makes him a valuable asset to the Spartans organization. Dunagan’s dedication to developing well-rounded players ensures that the Tyler Spartans continue to excel both on and off the field.

Zach Young

Zach Young, a Deer Park, Texas native, made a strong impact on the mound throughout his collegiate career. Standing at 6’7”, he was known for his powerful, heavy fastball and commanding presence. Zach pitched at Galveston College before transferring to UT Tyler, where he overcame a surgery setback to return to form. His resilience and dedication made him a valuable asset to his teams and a respected competitor on the field.

Brett Wagner

Brett Wagner, a distinguished baseball talent, made his mark first at Brookhaven College, where he earned the 2021 NJCAA Division III All-American Second Team honor, was named NJCAA All-Region First Team, and received multiple accolades including NJCAA and Dallas Athletic Conference Player of the Week.

Continuing his collegiate career at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU), Brett was named ASC Newcomer of the Year (2022), earned ASC First Team and ABCA All-Region Second Team honors, and was selected to the ASC Blue Bracket All-Tournament Team. Brett’s impressive record showcases his dedication and skill, making him a valuable asset both on and off the field.

Harrison Lee

Harrison Lee, an Austin, Texas native, showcased his talents as a right-handed pitcher at both Stephen F. Austin and UT Tyler. After a season at SFA, where he appeared in 16 games in relief, Harrison joined UT Tyler and made 13 appearances, including 7 starts. He compiled a 4-1 record, pitching 44.1 innings and striking out 41 batters while issuing only 15 walks. Known for his competitive drive and relentless work ethic, Harrison was a valued presence on the mound throughout his college career.

Brett Jackson

Brett Jackson, originally from Pflugerville, Texas, is a seasoned baseball coach with a deep commitment to player development and a wealth of experience in competitive baseball. Brett recently joined Henderson High School as their pitching coach, bringing 15 years of expertise in select and travel baseball. For 8 years, he served as a head coach and high school operations director for Canes Southwest, where he honed skills in every area of the game—hitting, pitching, and defensive strategy.

Additionally, Brett has college-level experience as a volunteer assistant at Huston-Tillotson University, where he focused on hitting and outfield defense. His well-rounded approach and dedication make him a respected leader in youth baseball.