Sarbaugh attended Lamar University, where he was an all-conference shortstop, graduating with a degree in kinesiology.

Additionally, he appeared as an extra in the 1994 movie, Major League II (as J Michael Sarbaugh), playing a shortstop for the Pirates.

He next moved on to the Columbus RedStixx of the South Atlantic League in 1996 and 1997 then was back to Kinston in 1998 and 1999 and also served as the hitting coach for the Akron Aeros from 2000 to 2003.

[3] On October 31, 2023, the Guardians announced that Sarbaugh would not be returning as a member of the major league coaching staff for the 2024 season.

[4] In November 2023, Sarbaugh was hired by the New York Mets to be their third base coach for the 2024 season.