I’m playing 12u baseball and constantly being told that my size will limit me on the big field, so much so, that I should try to master the right side of the infield, because I have little to no chance to succeed at shortstop. Fast forward this story 10 years and I was the everyday shortstop my entire career at William and Mary, finishing my senior year 5th in the nation in double plays turns.
Corrective criticism is a powerful potion and I used it as a motivator. Infield play was something I prided myself on in high school and I used it as a tool for my recruitment. I set a Perfect Game Atlantic Coast record throwing 91 mph across the infield. I played all four years of high school at shortstop, two of which were flawless defensively with zero errors. I trained not only to develop a big arm, but to also move my feet and hands like some of the best big leaguers in the world. Defense has been my bread & butter since as far as I can remember!
Off the baseball field, my degree was from William & Mary is in Kinesiology & Health Sciences, but I also interned as part of the college’s strength & conditioning program. During my short breaks, I was employed as a strength coach by Power Train Sports Institute, and I paid my own way to train in Jupiter Florida at Cressey Sports Performance. I am now the former Bishop O’Connell Infielder Coordinator and current George Mason Infield Coach.
All of the aforementioned has helped shape my current passion and goal of developing youth defenders in the Mid-Atlantic Region! There are no secrets, but there are key ingredients which I believe can separate players from the pack. It’s not always “what” we prescribe to our players, but rather, “when” and “how” that can help infielders shine. In a camp setting, team environment, or private instructional format, I look forward to drawing from my high school mentors, college coaches, and teammates. I’m thrilled to give back during camps, team workouts and private lessons; all of which permit me to routinely share my passion for the game with those who, like myself, have a desire to learn infield play.