Best Overall Training Facility

Gees...pitchdoc...Getting some of that free publicity for the WSA...

It is a nice facility but the location is the worst!

What was it before the White Sox got involved? Tennis?

There is a place in McHenry that I go to for lessons, and they also have 5 batting cages, 4 pitching tunnels, and a huge open area for long toss and fielding. I think Norwood is going to work there in the off-season

Hey Chase,

Is that the place in McHenry that Meitzler has a piece of...didn't he used to be a Blue. I heard they also have an infield. The Blues heading up to Mchenry.

did not mean to give free pub to anyone, simply comparing facilities. obviously, strikes and WSA are totally different, offer different services. might i add, i do not work for either of those two places, or any other facility for that matter.

where is this place in mchenry? what is it called?

The Training Facility in McHenry is called The Training Grounds, we rent to teams only for our portion of the 25,000 sq. feet. (4 tunnels, 1 iron mike,10 tees, and full 90 ft. infield ) Pro Player Consultants gives player lessons, in there part of the building.
The # is 815-245-3600

does the training grounds have a web site? who are some of the instructors there>?

I'd throw in Fox Valley Sports Academy at I-90 and Rte 25 in Elgin...6 machine cages, 6 tunnels....great Lighting, not a dark spot in the place. Tunnels pull back to create an open area...well kept

strikes has got to be on of the best. i was there for hitting and the place is loaded with knowledge. It is the best baseball atmosphere ive ever worked in. So many great pictures to learn from, they prove to be great examples while under instruction. It even has baseball music playing. This is like a family place with the best instruction you can get.

posters,

Some other top places,

Swingtown-not alot of room in there, but about 5-6 cages and a longer area in the back for longtoss. I don't know how necessary a huge open space is for the offseason anyways, use a gym.

Major League Beginnings- not sure if the company is still around, Mr. Puffer ran it. But they had a pretty cool place in South Holland I think off of 294 S. It's a baseball/indoor s****r facility, with the fake grass turf.

Pitchdoc 24,Free publicity aside, the White Sox academy is far and away #1 as far as facilities are concerned. As an added bonus for $160.00 per month (if you are fortunate enough to become a member which is limited to 100 baseball players only) you get 24 lessons and Mark Crabtrees speed/explosion classes as part of the deal.Cages are almost always available at no charge to members and their video opputunites are very good as well. Having said that, if you are flush and a good or great prospect you'll still need to work w the Whealy's, Nelson's and Haywards, but at a much lower over all cost. ($55 per hr @ Strikes Vs $160.00 per month is really no contest) Finally it is very hard to join as a member at WSA. I would suggest a call to them regarding the wait list. Soph's and Juniors especially.

soxnole -

Although I will agree with you in part, the White Sox facility certainly has the features one might expect for paying such a high premium. You are not getting your monies worth. Period!

As for Strikes, if you can secure the time needed for a lesson, which is usually a half hour (some instructors won't do an hour, it cuts into their daily earnings), you will receive some valuable instruction, and that's all. Outside of poor scheduling of lessons, or forgetfulness, you should have a good experience there, if you are selected.

C.F.Swingtown is probably the best around. They are the most professional, courteous, helpful gentlemen you will work with. Mr. Sinnes in particular, who was recommended by a friend, took the time away from a meeting to explain and give me information. And he did it in a very friendly manner. At some other training venues, they can be condescending, and make you feel as if you are interrupting them when you call to schedule a lesson, or if you stop by to make an appointment.

"Sherman...set the Waybac Machine for......"

Mr. Peabody, What high premium are you talking about? Lets do the math. 160.00 X 12 = 1920.00 @ WSA. At 40.00 per half hour lesson that equals 48 lessons. At 55.00 per hour that equals 35 lessons. So....if you hit 2-3 times a week like my son does, eliminating for the most part 3 months of the year for the HS season that would be approximately 90 lessons and he hits for about 45-60 minutes give or take which would be 55.00 X 90 = $4,950.00!!!!!!! On top of that the WSA provides 24 free lessons per year (pitching,defensive or hitting) and 2 free 12 week explosion classes w a top notch instructor (Mark Crabtree). Believe me when I say that if you are a serious ball player you'll get your $ worth @ the WSA. On the other hand I do wish that Pat Whealy was @ WSA because I spend 55.oo per hour anyway 12-18 times per year. My total $ spent are about 2500.00 to 2800.00 Vs approx 6K if you include the Explosion classes.

In other threads, the arguement of "Strikes produces all-state players" was debated. You have to look at what the WSA actually offers...hitting, pitching, conditioning, etc. More than just hitting. Yes, Strikes is a very successful place and helps a lot of kids get to the next level (whatever it might be), but kids need the all-around training. Whether they go to Strikes or WSA or wherever, the top players are 5-tool. It is not just their hitting, but their arm and speed. I am not saying that WSA "does" produce all-state players, I am merely using what soxnole said as an example. His kid goes to both places which only helps him get that much better. So spending $2,500 a year, maybe about $7,000+ over the course of 4 years of high school, and you can turn that into a free college education, or at least maybe 1/2 of what it would have cost. Again it sort of brings up the idea of competing with players from the warmer states. Northern players almost need to spend the extra money to be able to compete with players who have the opportunity to play 365 days, outside, in a game situation.

Exactlt PD24. Except that the southern guys do need some help also. But the difference in $ spent is signifigant.We spend more because of the demand for indoor facilities.

agree on the demand for indoor facilities. there are a lot around the chicago area, but not sure if one really stands out as being the overall best in regards to services offered. i guess the question would be, is there a single facility where a kid can go to improve all 5 tools?

soxnole -

Either your son has the "tools" (or some of them), or he doesn't!!! You can spend all the money you want, it won't make him a pro!

Now, having said that, I agree that 'us folks' uppper here in the Midwest and Chicagoland need to prepare somewhat differently, and with more intensity, than the kids from the warmer climates. Still doesn't get you anywhere if you can't, or don't play the game. You need to PLAY THE GAME!

Mostly all of the schools coaches could care less about helping your son, or even daughter, get to the next level (pro ball or college). They all talk a good game, or brag about their own personal accomplishments, but in reality, they don't care. They have to justify their own existence with the AD, Principle or Superintendent. Does that mean winning games and championships???? MAYBE!!! But I don't think so. Look at the 'good ole boy' network in the pros, colleges, in any sport, and tell me where and what the coaches are doing. They are all jockeying for positions, or trying to suvive.

So, now that you have spent so much of your sons educational money on one of these baseball "gurus", what about your sons academics? Top 10% or 15% of his class? Is a great student you say, and athlete, terrific, because then I have nothing more to say, and neither should you.

"Sherman...set the Waybac Machine for......"

Not so fast Pea, I disagree, they ALL do care. I've coached many teams and tried to help every kid i've been involved with. scott pat,jim and steve care.i've known every one of those guys before strikes came to be.I know that they care.The OPRF. coaches care---A LOT! Academics are #1 @ OPRF and should be everywhere.Who said i want to spend $? You were the one that said I was not getting my moneys worth and I explained clearly why I was.simple math.FYI My son was lucky enough to get a ship and those coaches and instructors you are bumrapping helped him get it and in the long run saved me a lot of money!

Been to alot of baseball schools,with out a doubt Strikes is the best! My son hits live there and has no problem seeing the ball,I have seen pitcher's throw in the 90's and catcher's have had no problem catching them. The staff is the best around,the atmosphere there is the best,and the baseball music is ok lol.And the thousdand's of pictures make this place a baseball school to visit even if your not taking a lesson.

soxnole -

First of all, nobody mentioned OPRF specifically. If you feel that they care, or have first hand knowledge of them caring, good for them and you!

Reading is a skill, and if you read what I said, I mentioned that "most" school coaches don't care. That is my opinion based on years of watching and following high school sports in the midwest. That subject is even mentioned on this website on occasion. Also, I didn't say anything about your friends, so get your facts straight!

Was your sons scholarship an academic or athletic one? You never did answer that question? Remember, top 10%-15% academically, or was it athletics!!!!!!

"Sherman...set the Waybac Machine for......"

Hi Pea, 1) You said"mostly all coaches". I was simply pointing out some of the best people I know in the coaching and insructor professions. I realise that their are stinkers out there but take your own advise and use that "skill" you claim to have and reread your post. "Mostly all" and even on your second try "most" paints too many people w/ the same brush. My son by the way will receive a signifigant academic scholarship however as well as well above avg. athletic $.He hits the books as hard as the baseball.He is still considering Harvard as well.

sox...Best baseball in the Ivy League is played at Princeton with Coach Scott Bradley (former major leaguer).

...And I'm not just saying that beacause my son has committed to Princeton, Class of 2008 (lol).

BTIL,Let me respectfully disagree with that post. Harvard prior to last year when Princeton did win the Ivy, beat Princeton 3 straight years in a 1 game playoff for the Ivy Championship. Harvard is coached by highly respected Joe Walsh. Joe is a wonderful guy, a great recruiter with real insight when it comes to finding an Ivy type guy. I'm sure Coach Bradley is a fine gentlemen, however I have heard that some recruits think he is a little too preppy and stiff in his approach. I think back to Dave OConnell and Kristufek (forgot the 1st name) of OPRF. Each played for me in the good ol days and my recollection is that they played for winners. On top of that are you aware that Harvard got to the final game in 1 college world sreies and was in another back in the 70's. I have a good freind who pitched for those teams and he recruits Chicago. Additionally Harvard go's south to Fla + Texas almost every year and plays a hellacious scedule year in and year out.They beat Miami a couple of years ago (Fla) and are the only team that has won a series from Texas at Austin in something like 10 years. Crimson Baseball is pretty darn good.

...ox....

Last time, "most high school coaches"!!! Could be 51% or 99%, most coaches.
If you know coaches that aren't like that, GREAT, godbless them, but most coaches don't care. End of story.

Now, regarding your son, Education is what counts. He could blow-out his knee next week, but he still has his brain.

I send my most highest praise and good wishes to him. Not that it matters to you.

"Sherman...set the Waybac Machine for......"

Wow, the '70's. Days of Elvis and ????

Know very little of their recent history. Only going by RPI...Princeton at 77; and, Harvard at 170. Do know that Harvard and Princeton are usually the teams to beat in the Ivy League.

I don't get excited about going down South and playing Miami or Texas. I'm sure that Miami and Texas didn't hold their "studs" breathlessly awaiting the arrival of the team from the Ivy League. You know and I know that teams, during the year, use pitchers that they believe can beat a given team..don't want to use the big guys against relatively weak competition. NCAA tournament time is a bit different story.

I'm just cheering for all of the kids from Chicagoland to do well.

BTL, ME Too! If Dave Bach And Ryan win a couple of titles each that would be great. I do believe though that if the Noles or Longhorns or Canes play either Harvard or Princeton they will use theie frontline guys. These teams are well respected and rightfully so. Texas is not happy about losing that series.

Mr. Peabody, I have figued out your 1st name. It has to be Alzheimer because you cannott even recall your post yesterday AT 4:21PM.Go back and read it. (its a skill you know)I am quoting "mostly all the schools coaches" Not very well said I admit,somewhat confusing this "mostly all" but definetely much closer to 99% than 51%. The real point is Mr.P why bash coaches at all? Without their dedication and hard work our boys would be s.o.l.

soxnole.....

I've watched you and Mr. Peabody "bicker" back-and-forth for several days now, and to a point, I must agree somewhat with Mr. Peabody!

Let me give you a discreet example, there is a certain high school coach that doesn't like a certain hitting instructor. Why, don't know! Some kids on that coaches team have been told that he doesn't like the way their swing looks/mechanics! Keeps telling the guys to do something different, that the instructor doesn't know what he is doing. (If you like, I can P.M. you the instructors name).

Now, if I were a coach, and someone was trying to help improve my players skills, I would be happy since maybe I can't devote all the necessary time to helping each individual player. I might even call, or go visit that instructor at his training facility and see how he conducts his lessons. Me personally, I'm always open to new ideas, or maybe simpler, better ways of doing things. That's just me.

Maybe Mr. Peabody is being a bit to open in his opinions/evaluations about coaches in general, maybe not???? My son is only a sophomore, so I can't comment on any negative experiences he has had thus far, he hasn't had any. They have been "ag" (all good). He really liked his freshman coach.

IMHO

"You observe a lot by watching."

Boomer,I think I know who you are speaking of and there are 2 sides to it. 1) the vast majority of HS guys would be better off with a Nellie Fox/Charlie Lau approach.2)Those special players with outstanding talent can learn to hit for power. I really see both sides and as long as I've been around I could relate successes and failures on both sides.There is NO doubt though that the wrong kid trying to be the wrong kind of hitter can really hurt his team with the wrong approach at the wrong time. Team comes 1st and trying to jack a ball when runners need to be advanced makes/confirms a selfish ballplayer.

I really found this topic very interesting,wish these place's were around where I live.

I would say Strikes is the best. Most of the Lyons Township player's took lesson's there.From Matt Bolt, Kevin Diete, to Jordon Baughman,Andy Cannon,Dan Brewer,and many more.

Playball USA in Des Plaines is very good for training

Just from reading all the player's who take lesson's. you got to go with Strikes at the top place in the state.

Play Ball USA in Des Plaines, IL is easily excessible at the corner of Rand Rd. and Graceland Ave. Ron Cacini has a bunch of quality instructors who actually care more about educating the players than picking up a pay check. Their services are 2nd to none. Just check out their website http://www.playballdirect.com to see that they have it together.