Vanguard University

The athlete: Mike joins the Vanguard baseball program after spending two years at Bakersfield College…competed for coach Tim Painton…played for Tony Silver at North High School in Bakersfield, California…was a three-time All-League player in high school…also played football at the high school level…Sparks will provide veteran leadership to the Lions…he will see a lot of playing time in the infield…hard working player…battling for the starting shortstop position…very competitive spirit…has a real passion for the game…look for Mike to play an important role this year as a Lion…capable of putting up some good offensive numbers.

The person: Mike was born in Bakersfield, California on January 31, 1983…son of Toby and Deanne Sparks…has the “coolest brother in the world”, Cody…nickname is “Sparky”…is an Exercise Sports Science major…loves to eat lasagna…favorite movie is “Tombstone”…roots for the Atlanta Braves…sports hero is Cal Ripken Jr…best thing about this year’s team is the chemistry…sports has taught him that hard work will always pay off…would like to be a P.E. teacher and baseball coach.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard University because of the location and the athletic program. The people on the campus are great.