About
I enjoy passing on the knowledge and expert instruction that I received throughout my playing career at the collegiate and professional levels. Please see my credentials:
*St. Xavier High School Team MVP (2001).
*Four Year Starting Catcher @ Miami University (OH).
*Rawlings Division 1 All-American Catcher (2004).
*Team Captain of MAC CHAMPIONSHIP Team. (2005.)
*All-Star Catcher for Two Summers in Cape Cod Baseball League (Yarmouth-Dennis, 2002; Harwich, 2004).
*Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates (2004), and San Diego Padres (2005).
*Elected Member of Miami University Baseball Alumni Board. (2006-present).
*5 years of experience instructing youth catchers and/or hitters (Ages 10-18), who aspire to play collegiately. (2013-present).
I enjoy working with yoing men who have a desire to get better and are coachable. I use a methodology that is, "Case by case," instruction. Each player has different skills and should be trained separately, as opposed to the, "Cookie-cutter," training that is often used by other area instructors. I enjoy the interaction with each player and their parents/gaurdians and am passionate about making my players gain skill and confidence in their abilities.
The catcher's position requires both physical and mental attributes to be successful. By nature, the position is a leadership role. I enjoy helping the player learn how and when to use on-field verbal directions, along with learning how to handle a pitcher/pitching staff effectively. It is quite obvious that I have a passion for the catcher's position and the game.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
During the first sessions, I meet with the player and one of his parents/guardians to discuss strengths, weaknesses and goals. We then develop an action plan for the coming lessons. Players will be provided with plenty of things to do on their own time to supplement in-lesson instruction.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
*****Please see my credentials regarding my playing career and the top knotch instruction that I have received*****
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
This will be discussed with the parents/gaurdians after we make sure that I am the correct ionstructor for their player. I qualify each player as much as they qualifty me. It must be a good fit and a working relationship to optimize our time together.
How did you get started teaching?
I was approached by several coaches and individuals within the local youth baseball network. They had seen me play and knew my characteristics would be prime for instruction/coaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with 23 different area players ranging from ages 10-18. All of these players had a desire to play at an elite level in their current leagues. They also had dreams of playing collegitely and/or professionally.
I have had 11 players receive scholarships. Many of my players are still in local leagues and are not 18 years old yet. I enjoy keeping in touch with as many of them as possible.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My family and I had a nice Easter celebration on 4/1/18. I am blessed to have a large extended family presence here in Cincinnati.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise the player to make sure they keep the game fun and let their passion for the game thrive. At their age especially, baseball should never be a chore. They should feel comfortable speaking directly with the instructor and should realize that no question is a bad question. That player/instructor transparency is critical.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First they should make sure that pursuing baseball is something that they(Not Dad or Mom), want to pursue. If yes, they should evaluate their past experience and identify their strengths and weaknesses. They should also list anything that they may not understand about the game or the position of catcher.