Union University Athletics

Tommy Sadler has spent the last 36 years working at Union University, his alma mater. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Sadler graduated from South Side High School before coming to Union as a student-athlete to play baseball. 

After starting off at Union in the fund raising and media relations office, he transitioned to a newly created position as the Associate Director of Athletics. He worked in that role for 15 years before stepping into his current role of Director of Athletics in 2008. 

During his time in athletics, Sadler has been awarded numerous opportunities to serve at the conference and national level. He currently serves as the Gulf South Conference Baseball Liaison. He has served as a voting member of the NCAA Division II South RAC Committee for two years, the D2 South RAC Committee Chairman for four years, and the NCAA D2 National Baseball Championship Committee for four years. He also served as the Chairman of the NCAA D2 National Baseball Championships Committee in 2019. He has served as NCAA Site Representatives at numerous baseball conference and region tournaments. He has also been named the TranSouth Conference AD of the Year.

Sadler led Union through the transition from NAIA to NCAA over the three years of 2011-2014, earning high praise for the Union Athletic Department from the NCAA.  

He has also been very instrumental in fund raising efforts for each athletic facility addition or remodel since the campus moved to its current location. This includes Fesmire Baseball and Softball fields, Fesmire Field House, Smith Memorial Soccer Complex, and four renovations to Fred Delay Gymnasium. 

Sadler also pitched for the Union Bulldog baseball team, earning the Best Pitcher Award and Team MVP in 1975. He pitched in 25 of the teams 33 games. Sadler held the school record for appearances in season for 37 years. He played baseball, football, and one season of basketball at South Side High School and was named Most Outstanding Pitcher in 1972.