Mark Hays rejoins the Hawks as the team’s pitching coach for the 2023-2024 season.
For the past three seasons, Hays distinguished himself as a pitching coach/coordinator within MLB China, operating across three pivotal development centers in Nanjing, Changzhou, and Wuxi. During his tenure, he played a important role in nurturing the talents of the nations top 75 players, employing a comprehensive program encompassing mechanical refinement, velocity enhancement, and meticulous arm care protocols. The efficiency of his methods was evident as incidences of arm injuries within the development centers markedly decline, while both velocity and pitching accuracy witnessed a notable upsurge. Such success has led to the adoption of his program at the national level, resonating across various other Asian Nations.
Hays' impact extended beyond the boarders of China, as evidenced by his instrumental role in propelling four MiLB prospects to signed contracts, alongside the talents of 22 collegiate athletes who now play in the United States. His commitment remains as he continues to travel Asian counties, imparting his wealth of knowledge through coaching clinics.
Prior to his tenure with MLB China, Hays served with distinction for seven years at Rockhurst University, where he assumed the mantle of JV head coach and varsity assistant coach. His tenure at Rockhurst was characterized by a prolific output of talent, with numerous players securing coveted spots on both first and second team Great Lakes Valley Conference rosters, including the development of a Gold Glove shortstop. Under his tutelage, the JV team flourished, with a multitude of freshmen transitioning to become key contributors on the All-GLVC teams, with some even ascending to professional baseball ranks.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Hays is a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2011 where he played baseball for three years.
Hays and his wife Kendall have two children, Bhode and Berkley.
