2014 was the second full season as VMI's volunteer assistant coach for former Keydet catcher Mike Roberts. Roberts continued to work with the catchers and baserunners, and both saw a great deal of success. Starting catcher Matt Winn, according to unofficial listings, ranked second in Division I in caught stealing percentage, while Brandon Angus stole 29 bases and moved into the top five all-time at the Institute in that statistic. Angus also earned Second Team All-Big South honors. Roberts also assisted with outfield work on game days and fulfilled a variety of other roles throughout the season.
In his first year, Roberts helped tutor Winn to Second Team All-Big South and Johnny Bench Award semifinalist honors, as well as working with the baserunners.
Roberts joined the VMI coaching staff for his first post-graduate collegiate coaching role in August of 2012, following a professional career with the Milwaukee Brewer organization, a career that began after being drafted in 2008. Roberts hit .270 with Helena in rookie ball that year and would go on to spend the majority of the following three seasons with the Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League (Class A). He returned to spring training with the organization this year and played in extended spring training, including at least one appearance against his brother Sam Roberts '11, a former VMI teammate and current member of the Oakland organization.
The former Keydet catcher returned to VMI in the fall of both 2010 and 2011, serving as a student assistant coach while completing his degree.
“I am very excited to have Michael join our staff," said VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry at the time of the hiring. "It is always nice to have a recent alum that has the desire to get in college coaching profession. He will bring a great deal of energy and knowledge to our program. Michael was a student assistant the last two fall seasons while finishing up his degree, and has also been a player in the Brewers organization. He knows our program inside and out, which will make for a easy transition. He was a tireless worker as a player and I know he will be the same as a young coach.”
Roberts is currently engaged to Kathryn L. Nash of Blackstone, Va.
