​                                                          - My Influences -

 

My journey with baseball started when I was four years old and picked up a wiffle ball bat for the first time. There was just something about it — the feel, the motion, the challenge. I was hooked from that moment on. As a left-handed hitter with an open stance, I remember watching Chipper Jones on SportsCenter and trying to model my swing after his. He played the game with grace, toughness, and longevity — a grinder and a superstar. That left a mark on me.
 

Growing up in Southern California, my family had season tickets to Dodger games, and I still vividly remember watching Kirk Gibson’s home run in the ’88 World Series. That moment lit a fire in me. It wasn’t just about baseball anymore — it became a passion that shaped how I viewed life.
 

I was fortunate to grow up as a multi-sport athlete at Camarillo High School, where I played football, basketball, and baseball. Competing in three sports helped keep me sharp and passionate. I played AAU basketball, traveled for football, and helped our baseball team win the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 title — the first ever for a Ventura County team. I broke the county record for triples and the section record for runs scored, but what I remember most from those days is the camaraderie and the competition.
 

Baseball always felt like the path I was meant to take. I was surrounded by some incredible talent — including my neighbor and teammate Delmon Young, the eventual No. 1 pick in the draft — and we often played in front of dozens of scouts and college recruiters. I had the opportunity to play in showcases like the Area Code Games with future big leaguers like Ryan Braun, and that helped open the door to college ball.
 

​                                                          - The Next Level -
 

I chose the University of Arizona because I believed in the coaching staff and the opportunity to make an impact right away. I was honored to be named an All-American as a freshman and eventually played two seasons in the Cape Cod League, where I was named an All-Star in 2005. Those years helped prepare me for the next step: professional baseball.
 

After being drafted by both the Seattle Mariners and later the San Francisco Giants, I began a 10-year professional career that took me through multiple organizations and included time at nearly every level of the minor leagues. I had the chance to play with some incredible teammates — Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Pablo Sandoval, and Brandon Belt, among others — and I learned a lot from the grind of it all.
 

I got close to the majors, but injuries set me back at key moments. I fractured my knee in Triple-A and later dealt with a hamstring injury during a run with the Twins organization. I call myself a journeyman — a player who experienced the highs and lows of the minor league grind. Looking back, I realize I was often my own toughest critic. Perfectionism can be a strength, but it can also be a weight.
 

​                                               - Becoming a Hitting Instructor - 
 
Eventually, that perfectionism led me down a different path — coaching. I’ve always been obsessed with hitting. I still remember the day my dad gave me a copy of The Science of Hitting by Ted Williams. That book, and later my introduction to hitting coach Craig Wallenbrock, changed everything. Craig was a pioneer, and his ability to break down the swing inspired me to dig deeper into the mechanics and mindset of great hitters.

 

Today, I’m fortunate to work as a private hitting instructor with athletes at every level — from youth players hoping to earn college scholarships, to MLB stars like Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun, and Mike Moustakas. I also mentor top high school prospects and rising professionals, including Blake Rutherford and Weston Wilson, both of whom reached the major leagues in 2023.
 

Being there for their MLB debuts — Rutherford’s in Cincinnati and Wilson’s in Philadelphia — was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I’d spent years working with them through ups and downs, sometimes just the two of us in an empty park during the pandemic. To see them live their dream — and to play a small part in that journey — was incredibly meaningful.
 

I believe every hitter is their own artist. No two swings are the same, and part of my job is helping each athlete understand what makes them unique. Hitting is like solving a puzzle. Sometimes it’s about finding the right cue or visual, and other times it’s just about helping a player believe in themselves again.
 

My goal is to be a guide — someone who’s been through the grind and can help others navigate it. Whether you’re a young athlete trying to break through or a pro looking to refine your edge, I’m here to help you take the next step.