About
I have 20+ years experience in working with youth at many capacities including, coaching baseball, football, basketball and soccer. I worked in the public school system with ages 5-18 as an after school counselor and substitute teacher for 5 years. I have played and coached baseball at all levels for a living up until 2015 when I moved to Clearwater for a job as a Firefighter. I ran 3 successful travel ball teams ages 9-16 which attended and placed in Cooperstown dreamspark as well as the ESPN Winter Classic. I focus on development of individuals and athletes both on and off the field including character and integrity with many success stories of former players I’ve coached who’ve went on to play college and profession baseball as well as developing them into strong-minded, strong-willed men. Many of which I keep in contact with to this day. Winning is always the goal however, it will never take precedence over character and athletic development. My goal is to prepare kids for the next or highest level they want to achieve as well as prepare them for life, growing up, and its challenges.
I most enjoy seeing the development and growth of the individuals I work with. The bond that grows as they slowly become their own person and turn onto the athlete or man they want to be.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I get to know my student’s and their personality first and foremost. It is important to understand the student to see what to start with, how they learn, how to get the most out of them, and what their goals are.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 20+ years coaching youth sports including 20 years coaching baseball in all ages from 4 year old tee ball, little league all star teams, to 10-16 year old travel ball, to high school and college private lessons as well as playing and coaching a military team through a summer collegiate season. I myself played through high school going on to play on Puerto Rico and eventually traveling the U.S. playing barnstorm baseball. I specialize in all positions on the baseball field from pitching, fielding, catching and hitting.
I ran a youth soccer program at the YMCA consisting of 350 youth players ages 3-16 making up 25 teams, 2 of which I coached.
I have experience playing and coaching football with 2 years as a head coach for a pop warner team ages 7-10 on the east coast of FL.
I have experience playing and coaching basketball with 10 years of youth basketball ages 6-16.
I have also had the pleasure of working and teaching in all levels of public and private school from ages preschool to high school.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I don’t have a standard pricing as each individual situation is different. I am more than willing to work with families in every capability.
How did you get started teaching?
I was pitching in Puerto Rico and my hometown got word of my success. When I returned my younger brother was little league age and I was asked to come work with the team and share some knowledge and experience. I had such a great time when my brother outgrew the team and moved on I stayed on as a coach starting my career in coaching baseball in 1997.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all students from all walks of life. From families who are very fortunate, to families that need much assistance. I will never turn away a child who is hungry to learn and gives me 100%.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently traveled back to the east coast of FL to see family for Christmas and was contacted by a former player I coached who was in town on break from his college in Tennessee. He asked if we could go hit in the cages, so I met him at the old field I used to coach him on when he was 11 years old. Now 20 years old, I threw him batting practice and it felt like we were in a time machine. It brought back such fond memories of how we grew together through the years I coached him from 11-15 years old.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the coach has You and only You in their best interest. I don’t do this for the money, and no other coach should. As difficult as it may sound, find a coach with out an ego who can safely develop you with your best interest in mind, not winning or money.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask about the coaches background, where they played, where they coached, what their knowledge is of the game and the human body. You want to develop while doing your best to prevent injury. Start small, with small, simple goals, and take it one day at a time.