(Spearfish, SD) – The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Ryan Bachman will return as an Assistant Coach for the 2025 season.

Ryan spent the past four seasons in the Sasquatch dugout as a player, and now he is transitioning into a coaching role for the club.

“As a player, Ryan brought a lot of talent to the field, setting numerous records over the span of his tenure. More importantly, Ryan developed into a strong leader for us, both on and off the field. It’s only natural for us, that he progresses from player to coach and to continue his legacy here in Spearfish.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“I am extremely excited to return to Spearfish again as an assistant coach next summer! The Spearfish community and the Sasquatch organization both hold a very special place in my heart, so it was an easy decision to accept when Coach Scott offered me the opportunity. I look forward to being in the dugout assisting with the development of the players, as well as interacting with the fans at the ballpark again!”
Ryan Bachman – Sasquatch Assistant Coach

Bachman is from Rapid City, SD, where he attended Rapid City Central High School and played for Post 22 Baseball from 2018-2020, becoming an All-State Selection in 2019 and 2020. Following High School, Ryan played in 50 games and batted .312 from 2021-2023 at Minnesota State University-Mankato before transferring to Mount Marty University in 2024. In 49 Games with the Lancers in 2024, Bachman batted .280 and led the team in base on balls with 30. Ryan is entering his final year of collegiate play this spring and will be graduating in May with a degree in Recreation & Tourism Management.

In addition to his collegiate career, Ryan spent the past 4 summers (2021-2024) as a prolific member of the Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club. In that time, Bachman set several Sasquatch career marks including games played, hits, runs scored, doubles, home runs, base on balls, hit by pitch, & runs batted in. He was an All-iLB Team Selection in 2022, 2023 & 2024.

"Ryan has shown an investment in our program here. There are steps and levels that we take in this profession, and this is a great opportunity for Ryan," said Schmidt. "We appreciate the effort that he gives with his knowledge of the game and the overall experience he brings to help guide our program into the future."

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“Watching Ryan interact with his teammates and the younger players showed he is a natural coach; he knows the game and what it takes to be successful. Ryan is part of the Sasquatch family and the loyalty shown from his end and the fans in return is special. Plus, I get to hear the "Ryan Bachman" chant for another summer.”

Justus Scott – Sasquatch Head Coach

The Spearfish Sasquatch and Independence League Baseball will begin their 2025 campaign in late May. For more information on Independence League Baseball visit www.independenceleague.com and for more information on the Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com.