Chad Bitler grew up in a small central Ohio town where he was a multi-sport athlete and a three-year letterman in baseball - earning All-League and All-District honors as a junior and senior.
Some of his favorite memories on the diamond included playing American Legion ball for Lancaster Post 11 during the summers. It was during this time that he learned the value of playing with top-tier talent, which can elevate and bring out the best of every player on the team.
Chad’s prep baseball success earned him an opportunity to play baseball at Division II Concord College (now known as Concord University), in Athens, West Virginia.
With eight-plus years of coaching experience, most recently within the Midland organization, Chad has learned the value of communication, setting clear expectations, and promoting a “Culture of Accountability” that starts with the coaching staff and works its way down through the players and even the players’ parents.
Chad and his coaching staff share a philosophy revolving around player development that focuses on the physical skills needed to be successful, and the mental approach required to deal with failure – both equally important in the game of baseball. Physical development includes fundamentals as well as the strength and conditioning required for arm-health and player well-being, which are paramount.
In addition to skills, Chad and his staff believe in fostering a supportive environment that enables players to thrive and grow. They firmly believe that strong work ethic, discipline, and teamwork are the cornerstones for success both in baseball and in life.
As a coach for the PF Flyers, Chad is committed to upholding the organization’s mission and guiding principles. He instills in his players the values of sportsmanship, integrity and perseverance, while also emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and character development. He firmly believes that baseball serves as a platform for personal growth, teaching valuable life lessons such as teamwork, resilience and leadership.
When not coaching baseball, Chad works at the Greenacres Foundation as the director of research and feels fortunate to have a job that doesn’t feel like work. Chad holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Cincinnati.
In his spare-time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and going fishing with his two boys who, like their dad, are both avid outdoorsmen. Chad lives in Milford with his wife Stacy, sons Connor and Carter, daughter Charlie Ann and cat Chase (who the kids named after Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase).