Book Private Baseball Lessons with Coach Greg

Throughout my career, I've been deeply involved in baseball at various levels, from playing professionally with the Atlanta Braves MiLB organization to coaching and instructing at academies like G.O.A.T.S. Baseball Academy, The World Golf Village Baseball Academy, and Thunder Baseball School. As a player, I honed my skills in strategy, teamwork, and community engagement, attending meetings, workouts, and charity events to support the organization and promote the sport. Transitioning to coaching and instruction roles, I've excelled in player development, program management, and customer service. From evaluating mechanics to coordinating camps and managing budgets, I've demonstrated a knack for organization, communication, and passion for the game. My collegiate background in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville further solidifies my commitment to the sport's advancement and education. Whether on the field or behind the scenes, my dedication to excellence and fostering a positive environment for players and participants remains unwavering.

With my extensive experience as a Professional and Collegiate Baseball Player, Assistant High School Baseball Coach, Camp Coordinator, and Hitting/Pitching Instructor across various organizations, I offer a multifaceted approach to improving your game.

As a former pitcher with the Atlanta Braves, I bring insider knowledge and expertise in pitching mechanics, grips, and strategies. Whether you're looking to refine your pitching accuracy, velocity, or control, I provide personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs. My ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses, coupled with targeted drills and video analysis, ensures continuous improvement.

Moreover, my roles as an Account Manager and Salesperson at G.O.A.T.S. Baseball Academy and Assistant Facility Manager at World Golf Village Baseball Academy have equipped me with exceptional organizational and communication skills. I excel in planning and coordinating comprehensive training programs, camps, and events. From player recruitment and assessment to implementing player development plans, I focus on maximizing your potential while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Additionally, my experience as a Hitting and Pitching Instructor at The World Golf Village Baseball Academy and Thunder Baseball School enables me to offer specialized coaching across all skill levels, from professional to middle school. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, I provide tailored instruction in proper mechanics and implement effective hitting and pitching drills to enhance your performance.

With a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, coupled with my collegiate baseball experience as a pitcher, outfielder, and first baseman, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game to every coaching session. Whether you aspire to play at the highest level or simply want to improve your skills, I'm committed to helping you achieve your goals.

PITCHERS:

Warm-up: Begin with a series of dynamic stretches and light cardio exercises to increase heart rate and loosen muscles.

Throwing Progression: Start with short-distance throwing to warm up the arm, gradually increasing the distance and intensity.

Pitching Mechanics: Focus on proper pitching mechanics, including wind-up, arm slot, and follow-through. Work on maintaining balance and generating power from the legs.

Pitch Grips: Practice different pitch grips, including fastball, curveball, changeup, and slider. Work on consistent release points for each pitch.

Drills: Incorporate various pitching drills to improve accuracy, velocity, and control. This may include bullpen sessions, target practice, and pitch location drills.

Video Analysis: Record pitching sessions to review and analyze mechanics. Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Pitch Selection: Discuss pitch sequencing and strategy based on different game situations. Develop an understanding of when to throw each pitch for maximum effectiveness.

Strength and Conditioning: Include strength training exercises focused on building core strength, shoulder stability, and overall conditioning. Emphasize exercises specific to pitching, such as rotator cuff exercises and forearm strengthening.

Cooldown: Finish with a series of static stretches to improve flexibility and prevent injury. Focus on stretching the shoulder, back, and lower body muscles used during pitching.

Mental Preparation: Throughout the session, emphasize the mental aspects of pitching, including focus, concentration, and confidence. Encourage visualization techniques and positive reinforcement.

HITTERS:

Warm-up: Begin with dynamic stretching and light jogging to increase blood flow and prepare muscles for activity.

Tee Work: Start with hitting off a tee to work on swing mechanics and hand-eye coordination. Focus on proper stance, grip, and swing path.

Soft Toss: Progress to soft toss drills with a coach or partner, focusing on timing and contact point. Work on hitting the ball to different areas of the field.

Front Toss: Move to front toss drills, where the coach stands in front and tosses balls to the hitter. Practice driving the ball with power and consistency.

Batting Practice: Take live batting practice against a pitcher or pitching machine. Work on recognizing pitches, timing, and making solid contact.

Hitting Drills: Incorporate various hitting drills to improve specific aspects of the swing, such as bat speed, plate coverage, and pitch recognition. This may include stride drills, hand drills, and off-speed pitch recognition drills.

Video Analysis: Record hitting sessions to review and analyze mechanics. Identify areas for improvement in stance, swing mechanics, and timing.

Pitch Selection: Discuss and practice pitch recognition and plate discipline. Develop an understanding of the strike zone and when to swing at pitches.

Strength and Conditioning: Include strength training exercises focused on developing bat speed, power, and rotational strength. Emphasize exercises that target the core, hips, and forearms.

Cooldown: Finish with light jogging and static stretching to reduce muscle tension and promote recovery. Focus on stretching the muscles used during hitting, including the shoulders, back, and legs.

Mental Approach: Throughout the session, emphasize the mental aspects of hitting, such as focus, confidence, and approach at the plate. Encourage positive visualization and mental preparation for game situations.

Choosing the best coach I ever had is a tough call, but if I had to pick one, it would be Leo Mazzone, the pitching coach with the Atlanta Braves organization. His emphasis on aggression and enjoying the moment resonated deeply with me. Mazzone instilled in me the importance of not giving hitters too much credit and embracing every opportunity as a professional baseball player. His coaching style cultivated a competitive spirit and taught me to cherish the fleeting moments of success in the game. Additionally, Matt West, another pitching coach with the Braves, played a significant role in my development. He focused on the fundamentals of pitching mechanics and provided invaluable insights into the nuances of fastball grips. Moreover, West's emphasis on health and nutrition laid the foundation for enduring a grueling professional baseball season. Together, Mazzone and West shaped my mental fortitude and physical prowess on the mound, leaving a lasting impact on my career and approach to the game.

Athletes and parents should know that I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As a former professional baseball player with the Atlanta Braves, I've been immersed in the strategic, data-driven world of the sport. My role as an account manager, instructor, and camp coordinator at G.O.A.T.S. Baseball Academy equipped me with a holistic understanding of player development, from mechanics to mental approach. At Bearden High School, I honed my coaching skills, specializing in pitching mechanics and game strategies. Additionally, my tenure at Ozzie Smith Sports Academy and World Golf Village Baseball Academy showcased my ability to organize and facilitate top-notch camps while prioritizing participant safety and satisfaction. Whether as a hitting and pitching instructor or a camp coordinator, my dedication to excellence and passion for the game shine through. With a background in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, I blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience to provide athletes with a comprehensive training experience. Rest assured, I am committed to your success and will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals on and off the field.