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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
Book Lessons

Steve Lewis

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Derek Craft

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Matt Tatum

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Dalton Dunagan

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Steve Lewis

Steve Lewis has been with the Tyler Spartans since the very beginning. He is a passionate coach that gets the most out of his players. After one year as a member of the Mt. San Jacinto Jr. College baseball team (San Jacinto, CA), Steve joined the Air Force and proudly served our country for 4 years. In 2013, Steve moved to Flint, Texas where he continued coaching youth baseball. Coach Lewis brings a wealth of baseball knowledge as a former varsity assistant baseball coach at Brook Hill High School (Bullard, TX). Along with working full-time and managing 2 Tyler Spartans teams, Coach Lewis gives private baseball lessons in his free time.

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.