Pioneers hire Miller as coach

(Spartanburg Methodist graphic)

Tyler Miller has been named the baseball coach at Spartanburg Methodist, replacing the late Tim Wallace. 

Miller played at Anderson University, where his father Joe was head coach for 23 years. Grandfather Clyde Miller won 835 games in a career that included stints at Newberry and Gardner-Webb.

Tyler Miller has served as an assistant coach at USC Sumter, USC Aiken and Carson-Newman.

“We’re excited to welcome Tyler Miller as the new leader of our baseball program,” said Megan Aiello, SMC's athletic director,  in comments released by the school. “Stepping into the role after a coach as respected and accomplished as Tim Wallace is no small task, but Coach Miller brings the experience, vision, and integrity that will honor our proud tradition while moving the program forward. We are confident our student-athletes will thrive under their leadership.”

"I am honored and excited to have been chosen to lead the baseball-rich tradition of Spartanburg Methodist College,” said Miller in comments in a news release by the school. “A special thank you to President Scott Cochran, Athletic Director Megan Aiello, and the entire search committee for believing in me to lead this program and giving me this opportunity.  My promise to SMC is to work tirelessly to build a program that represents the school and alumni that excels on the field, the classroom, and in the community, a standard that has long been in place as set forth by Hall of Fame coaches, Lon Joyce and Tim Wallace.  I am grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get to work."

Wallace was preparing for his 33rd season at SMC when he began experiencing health issues last  fall. He took a leave of absence as coach to get treatment for what was ultimately diagnosed as brain cancer, then retired in April.  He died May 16.

Assistant coach Riley Nelson served as interim coach in 2025, guiding the Pioneers to a 20-29 record in their first season as a four-year school after decades as a junior college power. The release announcing Miller's hiring did not address Nelson's status.
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