Book Private Baseball Lessons with Coach Al

With over 25 years of baseball experience, my journey has been defined by a series of incredible accomplishments across multiple levels of competition. Starting in travel ball, I developed a deep passion and skill for the game that carried me through high school, where I earned a four-year varsity letter and was named to the All CIF Team. I was honored to be selected to the All-Area 1st Team three times, as well as to the All-Area 2nd Team once. In 1997, I had the privilege of competing in the prestigious Area Code Games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where I was also selected for the All Latin All-Star Team. My college career at the University of Southern California was marked by winning two PAC-10 championships and making three World Series appearances, showcasing my commitment and leadership on the field. I then had the honor of playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, where I continued to elevate my game until my retirement in 2005. These experiences have shaped me both as a player and a person, leaving a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the game of baseball.

Baseball is a game that demands mastery of many facets, with each position offering its own unique challenges and responsibilities. As a mentor, I believe it’s essential to understand that playing baseball goes far beyond the technical aspects of the game—it’s about life skills that transcend onto the field. My mentorship focuses on building a strong foundation for players, not just in baseball, but in becoming leaders in our society. Whether working with pitchers to develop mental toughness, infielders to improve agility, or outfielders to sharpen focus, I emphasize the importance of accountability, discipline, and resilience. My wealth of baseball knowledge, combined with my experience as a certified executive chef, allows me to offer a well-rounded approach. With over 15 years of food preparation expertise, I also provide meal support and food mentorship, teaching players how proper nutrition and meal planning can fuel both their bodies and their performance. In this way, I guide players to not only excel on the field but also to make decisions that will support their success in all areas of life.

Training sessions are personalized to fit the unique needs of each athlete, depending on their position and specific goals. I create tailored plans that address both skill development and overall conditioning, ensuring that every drill and routine is designed to optimize your performance. Each session runs for an hour and a half, and is a complete workout from start to finish, focusing on three key areas: mental preparedness, physical preparedness, and technique-driven routines. We begin with mental exercises to help athletes get in the right mindset, followed by physical warm-ups to ensure the body is ready for action. Then, the session transitions into position-specific drills that emphasize refining technique and building muscle memory. Throughout the session, I focus on not only physical skill development but also the mental toughness needed to execute under pressure, ensuring that athletes leave the field more prepared, confident, and ready to achieve their goals.

The three best coaches I’ve ever had each played a vital role in shaping me as both a player and a person. First and foremost, my dad was the foundation of my baseball journey. His love for the game and his commitment to teaching me the right way to play set the tone for everything that followed. He emphasized respect for the game, always playing with heart, and maintaining mental toughness in the face of adversity. He was my biggest fan and my harshest critic, pushing me to be better while instilling the importance of always having an open mind. After my dad laid the groundwork, I was fortunate to have two incredible high school coaches: Frank Llanes and Ben Meza. They truly pushed me to discover my limits, teaching me strategy, mental resilience, and the value of being a good teammate. Above all, they instilled in me the importance of integrity, leadership, and accountability. They taught me that to lead a team, you must first hold yourself accountable, setting the example both on and off the field. These coaches not only made me a better player but also helped shape the person I am today.

Above all, my love for God and my family is the foundation of everything I do. I am a dedicated, God-fearing man, husband, father, and professional, and my faith guides every aspect of my life. In coaching, as in life, I hold onto the belief that no matter what challenges we face, God will never give us more than we can handle. This mindset has shaped my approach to both the game and to life. Baseball, to me, is not just a sport—it’s a living, breathing organism with a soul that reveals who is truly giving their all. It’s a reflection of one’s character, commitment, and work ethic. I believe in being true to the game, respecting its history and its challenges, and committing to your future both on and off the field. Just as I teach my players to honor the game, I live by the same principles, always striving to be better, to be honest, and to stay grounded in faith.