Top hitting instructors

Todd Poe in Southern Illinois at the Future Swings Academy.

Marty Patterson, Todd Fine, and Steve Hayward are among the best.

Mark Hayward at the Ballyard in Elmhurst.

Todd Fine and Marty Patterson

Pat Whealy and Jim Donovan at Strikes.

This is always a great thread. But my vote always go's to Steve Hayward at Strikes Baseball Acadamy. I always leave Strikes knowing that I am a better hitter than when I got there. Thanks Steve for all you have done for me.

Are Steve Hayward and Mark Hayward related?

The newest fellow with the best instruction is Joe Mazzuca. One of the best hitter's in Illinois HS history is giving lessons @ Mother Guerin on weekends. He can be contacted @ (708)227-4819

Soxnole- Is Joe still affiliated with a team?

Sox...agreed. Joe is certainly one of the best and the kids respond well to him. Bobby Stevens has improved greatly working with Joe, as have others. Anyone interested in getting lessons from Joe can call the number that Sox provided or PM me.

stickwatcher, Joe has received offers and is evaluating them. He has a few options as he asked for and received his release from the Florida Marlins.

il2008
How many miles are you from Stikes?

lol...In my opinion, when you hit .207 and strike out 1 out of every 4 times to the plate and you're 22 or so, they release you, you don't ask them for a release.

MLB organizations are real harsh on college players who they deem to be "organizational players" and don't produce immediately...Their attitude: let's see what we get in the next draft.

I was a hamburger, I know. All of you in high school hoping to get drafted and then give up some college and college money for $750 per month (for 3 months and then you have to get a real job) and a couple of coupons to McDonald's.

That is why school/college is so important for high schoolers...Can take away your dream of playing professional baseball, but they can't take what you have in your mind away from you.

Pony Mom- We come from Batavia to go to Strikes, it's about 35 minutes on a Sunday afternoon so it's about 30 miles. It's worth it!

Just Curious if the following take hitting lesson's and with who?
R.O'connor- oprf
D.Cales ss- mt.carmel
B.Steven's Holy Cross
M.Stalowy JCA.
N.Mitidiero Lockport.
J. Benson Jca.
k.Smalley St.Charles

I have been to strikes, and Steve is great. Right now i have been going to MVP in Lake forest for my lessons.

I believe Cales, Powers and Brewer work out at Strikes.

Ruairi O'Connor has worked with Pat Whealy @ Strikes for the past 8 years.

Stevens - works with Joe Mazzuca and at WSA with Marco (sorry don't know last name), but he has worked with many pros including A-Rod.

David Cales hits 3 or 4 nights a week from Nov to the end of Feburay at line drive . Works out with John Malee once a month for the past two years went he's in. Also had about 5 lessons with Steve at strikes.

batboy - hope all is well. I know David & Zagone signed with Mizzou but I never saw the rest of their class, do you have any info on that. Thanks

Hope every thing going well with you. I can't wait for is final year of HS baseball to start. Hope your son the best.This is what i found . Missouri Signing Class
RHP Aaron Crow - Wakarusa, Kansas (Washburn Rural)
LHP Ron Martin - St. Louis, Missouri (Forest Park CC)
C Dan Wise - Olathe, Kansas (North)
LHP Rick Zagone - Crystal Lake, Illinois (Prairie Ridge)
INF Kyle Mach - Chesterfield, Missouri (Parkway West)
RHP Brett Reynolds - Pea Ridge, Arkansas (Crowder CC)
2B Clay Ivy - Knoxville, Tennessee (Farragut)
LHP Ryan Lollis - Houston, Texas (Houston Christian)
RHP Jeff Duda - British Columbia (Central Arizona CC)
LHP Cory Lambert - Bryant, Arkansas (Bryant)

There are a lot of great hitting instructor's in the Chicago area. Here are my pick's to hit.
Jim Donovan Strikes
Jack Perconte Jack Perconte sports acadmy
Mark Hayward Ball Yard
Todd Fine
Pat Whaley Strikes
Joe Rodeghero USA
Jim Hall
Shaun Sanderson
This is just a few of the great instructors that are in the Illinois area.

You're being too modest Steve. Steve Hayward should be on that list...

Right at the top of the list!

i take lessons from steve hayward at strikes

ConPow, you have a PM.

CON POW....
Who are you ?and what school do you play for?

connor powers, benet academy 06

Connor Powers,
Saw your article in the New HS baseball Mag. COngrats on being rated the best junior in the state! I have seen you play in the summer, and think you mite be the on of the best hitter's in the State!!!
Boy! that Truth baseball mag. is awesome!

thanks huskie

Conner,

Keep up the good work.
You are one of the nicest & most humble young men that I've had the pleasure to get to know.

Give "party Patti" our best.

Steve Sonen

il2008;
How old is your son? Does he play travel ball?

new2thisite- My son is a freshman at Batavia and played for Wasco 13's last summer. This summer his playing with the Wisconsin Diamond Kings as well as the high school summer team. If your from LT do you work out at Strikes?

New- Sorry just read your profile, thought you might be a player. Any chance your son's are players I've heard of?

i hit with steve hayward 2 to 3 times a week. He makes me a 100 time better hitter. I've been hitting with him since i was a Sophomore. Steve is the man. Ummm BOP Steve!!

If lt-brew-ss is Dan Brewer I just wanted to say my dad saw you play, and said your the best short-stop he has seen since he played against Paul Petrulus of Oak Park,back a while ago . He say's you are a better hitter but he gives the edge to petrulus in fielding so work on your fielding lol, my dad told me to write this.

There are many more geat hitting instructors, most of the ones people have named i have seen work with other and they really dont do anything they just throw short toss and thats it. I have never ever seen any of them throw farther back than that.

Pitch12......

I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but doesn't it stand to reason that if you were standing further away from the hitter, wouldn't it be more difficult to properly see the swing. After all, wouldn't the tosser/pitcher be trying to avoid being hit by the batted ball (we know there is some sort of screen being used)?

Have you ever tried tossing or pitching from behind a screen from some far distance (more than 15 feet), get it over the plate, and still be able to evaluate the hitters swing. I DON'T THINK SO!!!

If you can do this, let me know, because I would love to see this. I will even be more than happy to have my son take a lesson from you.

More . . .in regard to tossing BP versus throwing from sixty feet.

Logic says, If a batting coach is giving a lessons every 1/2 hour for six days a week, it would not be tooo long before a coach had no arm left.

pudge 72 i just wanted to say thanks for the post. ive been working on my fielding a lot this year. i know i need to improve on that more. but tell your dad thanks.

The hitting instructor at the White Sox Academy is Marco Fajardo. He worked directly with Charlie Lau Sr. for many years and is still affiliated with Charlie Lau Jr.

Charlie Lau from what I have read was one of the best hitting instructor's in the major league's

Where is Strikes located?

Yes, also wondering where strikes is at. Also how much per 1/2 hour or so, prices, thank you in advance

Go to:

www.strikesbaseball.com

Should give you all the info you need.

Jack perconte is very good instructor and played in the Major Leagues with the Mariners.

I was just wondering if Dan Brewer and Connor Powers who take lesson's at Strikes,Play on the same Travel team?

Pudge, they are both playing for top tier this summer. Conpow will do what Bisnette and I did last year and play for 17's and 18 year old team.

Id have to go with my instructor Todd Poe at the Future Swings Academy. He has helped me get my rythym back after I tore my PCL and I am now a better hitter than I ever was before. I give many thanks to Todd and his crew for helping me get to where I am now, otherwise I probably would not have gotten a scholarship to college. By far Todd Poe is the best hitting instructor I have worked with.

I agree, there are many outstanding hitting instructors in the area. Steve Hayward is great. Also a big fan of Phil Apostle at the StrikeZone in Glenview.

To k13:
Are you a coach ?

Yes, I am a high school pitching coach.

I would like to add a name here. I took my son to work out last night with Wes Chamberlain, the former Phillies player.

He's a class act and has a very interesting insight on hitting. I was very impressed with him and he was an immediate help.

He is working at the "Triple Crown Academy", in Schererville, IN.

I thought that my swing was getting too long, so I went to see my favorite hitting instructor . The results speak for themselves.
8 for 15 with 3HR last 5 games.
Steve Hayward RULES!

Bret25, that's great, keep up the good work!!!

oach Steve Haywood is the name on the street as the best, plus he is a loyal American and wears great hats. (Steve, we met this summer in Indianapolis. You watched my son pitch against and beat a humbled Rawlings National team in 8 innings). One special hitting coach who is not associated with a private school is Al Liermann. Al is currently a coach for Addison Trail and has a son Ryan who was drafted by the White Sox and plays for Rockford I believe. Al understands hitting.

Good pitching beat's good hitting all the time!

Beenthere: I would love to hear your top 5 hitting instructor's. Since I think your one of the most knowledgable baseball men on here.

Is there a web Site listing for Jack Perconte's? It would be sweet if there was a listing of all the Baseball instructional place's,in Illinois.

Jack Perconte was one of the best player's I have ever seen! His baseball Academy number is
630-416-8666. 550 Indrustial Dr.Naperville 60563
Another Joliet player who made it to the Show!

LT-ss-Brew-3
Me and my dad saw you play against Lyden,your hitting was awesome! and my dad said your fielding was awesome too! You still taking lesson's at strikes? We want to see you hit. Plus do you know if Cf from Montini hits at strikes?? we have read about him on these post's and in the Tribune?

Waste of money instructors are go to the batting cages like I used too!

i hit with steve hayward at strikes.. i have been hitting with him for 3 years and he is the reason i have had 3 successful hitting seasons for montini. hitting with steve has been my best investment so far.. whats the good of going to the cages if u have a poor swing?
i reccomend steve to every gradeschool/highschool and college ball player.. he is the best

nl fan. What major D1 program or M.L.B. franchise did you play for?

Soxnole,
You took the words right out of my mouth.

Good one SoxNole

instructors take your money and could care less about how you do

NL fan:
The kid from Texas really did fly from Texas to Strikes for just a lesson!!He hit at llpm sat nite june 4th, and had a game today june 5th at 3pm today! Dan Brewer hit with him last nite, and Dan was named SUN-TIMES First Team Short-Stop, Along with Connor Powers of Benet,who was named First team first baseman!

Can any one tell me the Hitting Instructors who teach at White Sox Academy?

nlfan..............you must either own Stella's, have been living in a cave or....your just CHEAP!

O.F.04....The instructor's at WSA run the gamut. Many of ther better fellow's with good current hitting thought are now off for thier pro season. You really need to go to the WSA and pick someone out..they have several former player's and some excellent people to choose from. As I have noted on the board previously, the WSA is really about membership, which is hard to come by. IMO, if membership is unavailable, then Strikes would be a far better venue. Ask for Pat,Jim or Steve. You'll be glad that you did!

those who can hit,hit! Those who can't teach hitting!

lets hear it nlfan. what's your reasoning behind the vitrol?

NL fan,

Who are you and what kind of hitter are/were you? Your ignorance is crystal clear.

nl fan.
Jim Donovan was one of the best hitter's I have ever seen!! Jack Perconte ,great hitter! now if your talking about me? guilty,you must have been one of my coaches

Steve....you are way too humble

I know for fact there are quiet a number of players who wouldn't be the hitters they are without your help.

Stand up and take some deserved credit!!

It is quiet obvious that nl fan has no clue about the game and what it takes to be successful. @0 years ago...guys just knew how to hit...but the game has evolved and to be successful, smart players..."even those who know how to hit" fine tune with the help of someone who has a keen I.

I personally wouldn't lose any sleep by postings of nlfan

All the coaches. keep up the great work...the player value your services

I agree with you 100%.

I applaud everyone who has the skill and patience to teach kids.

Watch out for Hinsdale Central,Pat whaley is working with most of the hitter's. Has perfected the Home Run Swing .

I hate to admit it but there hitters, this summer, seem to be improved and maybe better than last years team. And this is coming from an LT dad.

BUT, don't let it go to your head to quickly! You still have to play all of the games, and you have seven months to wait!

Hinsdale Central, was shut out by an average pitcher from Benet, on 2 hit's. Home run hitter's do not win many game's for team's.

Good hitters don't always make great hitting coaches. I've been going to Perconte's for 6 years now and Jack has helped out a ton. I think it is important that the player gets along with the instructor also. Perconte was a good hitter, triple A batting champ, but also has a great knowledge for the game.

eastbaseball7, are you saying Perconte wasn't a good hitter? I thought he was a very good hitter!

nl Fan

I agree with you, there are a lot of Hitting Instructors out there that are bad, and just want your money. But there are a select few that are good, and who would probably do it for free if they could. If you or your child was not happy after a lesson, it may not have been the instructors fault. Athletes have to want to learn, they have to be coachable. If the kid does not have the drive and determination, you are right, don't waste your time or money ... because you darn well aren't going to get anything out of it.

Everybody wants to point a finger instead of looking in the mirror.

I would love to know if these good hitter's take lessons.?
Benson JCA
Powers BENET
Dispensa ST.RITA
Bookford GBW
Cerven minooka
Johanns Naperville
Weston L.T.
Courtwright lincoln Community hs.

Dispensa and Powers hit at Strikes.

To me, a good instructer is somebody that was a combination great hitter/ pitcher,and who played a high level of the game. Thats not to say guys who didnt play up can not be good. With experience comes knowledge and I think longer you play the game or coach the game the more you learn from the Coaches you play for. Jack Perconte would be a guy I would feel real comfortable sending a kid to. He was given many different philosophies from many different coaches and used what worked for him. There are alot of guys out there with great credentials, my advise is to use the good ones but don't stay with the same guy all the time. Get as much knowledge from as many different creditable people as you can. Much of being a good teacher is making the player beleive that what your telling him works. There are a whole bunch of different ways of getting it done. Being confident and beleiving in what your doing at the plate or on the mound is a big a part of game as any. Get your lessons and your Reps, what about the guys that played 20 yrs ago, Lessons? This isnt a lesson basher message, I have done a few, I beleive in giving some of the info back, just get blown away with the way people talk about whos the best. Am I the only guy who thinks this way? To the last guy , I beleive Powers is a strike guy, Weston is a Sam Sorci guy, Tommy Cervin I know has worked with John Cangelosi, The kid Courtright I beleive is better known for the leather and the speed and i couldnt tell you who he works with. Despensa is a strikes guy.

Bookford and Johanns take lesson's at Strikes.

Does anybody have an opinion regarding Dick Canan -- I think he gives lessons at Line Drive when it is open.

How many instructor's have Dispensa,Powers,Bookford,Benson,Johanns worked with? and when did they start?

Duecedoc; did you pitch and hit in college?

NL fan,

I hit a bunch of fungos in college. Them days ended for me when they introduced the deuce. Pitched in the Big 8 -12

NL fan , I see where you are coming from, I wasnt saying I hit / pitched in college, just saying whatever the instructer you are looking for I think you A- should have done it a a high level, B- can teach it at a high level. Pleanty of good players and instructers out there just find one that makes you happy and better.

I think Pat Whaley of strikes is the best at teaching the HOME RUN SWING!!!

I believe Wente is the best hitting instructor in the country let alone Illinois, though he is a stroke

chris hall out of playball usa is really good

I want to support all of the great hitting instructors out there. Wente must be the best bang for the buck..his lessons are free!

Wente is free? I thought he was at the Ballyard? I know he's a hell of a good guy and good baseball man too.

Wente is one of the all time good baseball men in the Chicago area. I was unaware he was @ the Ballyard.

Bill Zanon at PlayBall USA is an excellent hitting instructor. My son has worked with Bill for the last few years and has helped him tremendously. Wouldnt take him to anyone else.

Jack Perconte is one of the top hitting instructor's in the state! Jim Hall lockport, is very good too, look at his team every year leading the state in team batting avg!

Jack is excellent, highly recommended and you can't go wrong.

Is over 9,700 view's a record? Never seen a topic with so many view's.

Tony Tichy is outstanding, he is a true hitting technician. He has worked out of Gurnee and North Shore Baseball Academy. This guy knows every technical aspect of the swing. I have to rank him with the very best in Chicagoland!

i'd have to agree with upandin. Tichy is an excellent hitting coach and a great guy to be around. He knows so much about hitting. He is also the coach of a very good Niles North team

Jim Donovan is the man!!

mom of baseball player: Let's go for 10M!

I am not sure it is possible to ever name "the" man. There are, however, a number of very good ones. Jack Perconte, Steve Hayward, Tony Tichy, and Phil Apostle, just to name a FEW. I know there are a number of other tremendous hitting instructors out there. Find the guy that is "the" guy for you--and stick with it!

I restarted this thread way back when the first one was wiped out. I hope that it continues to serve a purpose and help players and parents get connected to someone who can help them get better. It was never intended to find out who the best was but to let people what's out there for them. From the looks of things there are a lot of great options.

One side topic about this. I've noticed a few high school coaches named. Who do people consider the better high school hitting coaches? In other words, guys not charging $ but as a general result of coaching their HS team produce good hitters.

Well said K13

Thanks deuce! And, il2008, of course I am partial, but Pete Drevlin (currently the assistant/hitting coach at New Trier and formerly at Hersey) is outstanding!

IS there a web site for Playball USA?

Ron Cacini at Play Ball USA in Des Plaines, IL. This guy will get you to the next level.

Play Ball USA - http://www.playballdirect.com

John Cangelosi

He instructs in Tinley Park for sure, and maybe elsewhere.

Chris Hall out of Playball Usa

Cubs and Astos, need to see some hitting instructor's!!

I would like to wish a HAPPY 39th BIRTHDAY to one of the best, Steve Hayward. See you soon.

Try Frozen Ropes. Their video sysrem combined with their philosophy of hitting is worthwhile.

Happy Birthday to Steve!!!! You don’t look a day over 35…. OMBA…That’s Right.



"Gear yourself to hit the ball away and let the inside pitches take care of themselves." ~ Charlie Lau

Garrick from the BallPark baseball academy in
Mokena....the guy knows his stuff, that's for sure.

Steve is the man.


BANNER

Eric Welsh - Mokena. Played at NIU and in the Reds orginization, power hitting lefty who also knows his stuff.

Chris Hall is the man......

Steve Hayward without a doubt!

JACK PERCONTE!!! Plus he played for the SOX,and helped Joe Cowley get his no hitter,with a great pivot and throw from second to end the game on a double play.

CHRIS HALL

Frozen Ropes!

cales = overrated DELETED unless he pores into some potential that i dont really know about

My vote is also for Steve Hayward. The break down of the total batting swing at his place of employment is outstanding. Thousands of photos on the wall. Not only from today but from years ago illustrating various places in a hitter's swing

weenie skinny bopper what paper or organization do you write for??

Frozen Ropes does a detailed frame by frame video analysis on computer of your swing. Right next to it they can show 3 major leaguers at the exact same point in the swing to show 7 crucial points in the swing. It has been very helpful to my son.

My good friend jca pops and I think the top hitting insructors are Todd Poe SI bullets and Steve Heyward. Also Todd is one the best coaches in Illinois. Steve, Todd is also looking for a second basemen and you know you never have enough pitching.Bill Sing is also a great guy to hit with. My son loves to hit with all three of these guys. They all have the same concept about hitting the baseball. Aso the next great hitting instructor will be styles(Mike Stalowy) Hes a great student of the game.So in ten or fifteen years I will take my grandson to him for free.But the main thing about a hitting instrutor is your kid most connect with them.

Agree jca fan,
When Styles is ready we'll be in line. State is lucky to have such a competitor.
Agree about Bill too, Jr played for him a while back. He knows his stuff.

hey jca fan(stan craven) and jca pops ( big renell) you guys need to stop hanging out on the east side of joliet.... and you know im charging you double for your lessons... i do agree with you about connecting with the kid you are working with, you have to make them laugh and make them feel comfortable around you in order for them to be succesful... the younger they are the more " positive sandwiches" you need to feed them... the older the hitter the more serious you can be

Steve Hayward is the man. Finds flaws in your swing and corrects them quickly. In a short amount of time you will notice a huge improvement.

Styles, I don't need any lessons. The only resson I hang out on the east side of Joliet is to find you a girl friend.On the serious side I hope everything is going good for you on at ISU. Tonight I'm gonig to drink it up with the old friends from UDC. I hope they can hang with the crave.

The top high school players seem to gravitate toward Strikes Baseball Academy in Broadview. The feedback we receive indicates Steve Hayward, Jim Donovan and Jason Shelly (making quite an impact with the younger 08 & 09's) are the go-to guys for hitting. Scott Nelson and Alvie Shepard for pitching. Many people relay that the areas top instructor is Sam Sorce (Prairie Gravel) when you can book him at Line Drive in Chicago. The Sox facility has several great instructors.

Sam Sorce is "the man". Nothing against Steve, he is a good hitting instructor but, Sam is the man in Chicago. My son owes him everything. he was there at such an early age to teach him every aspect of the GAME. He should charge 100 bux an hour. And you still couldn't get in with him. He knows the game thru and thru. Alot of kids in the area owe him a huge debt. And if they are going to college to play ball they should call him and say thanks,in my opinion. That is the least they could do. I thank you sam sorce from the bottom of my heart. I beleive you are the reason that Danny is the player he is. Thanks so much and I'll see ya down at ISU. Good luck to Danny sorce this spring at ISU.

Sweaty,

your choking me up... Think its good that people like yourself appreciate the time Sam spends with kids like Dan. I take my hat off to Sam as well.. Its hard to find good baseball people. He is very good.

quote:

Line Drive in Chicago

The place on 63rd street that is owned by Mr. Casey?

If so, that gives them 3 high-quality batting instructors (the other 2 being Dick Canan and Pat ? that played with Boston).

I've heard of Sam Sorce. What kind of lessons does he give? How can I reach him? Is he really hard to get in with? Who are the great instructors at the sox facility?

You can attempt to contact Sam Sorce at PrairieGravel@aol.com or visit his web site at http://www.PrairieGravel.com. Sam is not taking a 15U team this summer. He is hard to get in touch with, however feel free to send us PM and we will work to to get you some more contact info. Sorce is a legend and this guy has the pedigree to back it up. He pitched for Miami, beat the Rocket and won a World Series. His Prairie Gravel teams command respect on the national scene and from what we hear the parents line up to get their kids on his teams.

With all do respect. I wouldn't say parents are lined up to have their kids play for Sam Sorce. Your correct though that Sorce is tough to get a whole of. If you leave him a message and tell him you have a check for him, then you'll be able to get a whole of him. His PG teams were strong years ago when my son played. Now they're still good but far from great. The 14 and 16u teams last year were weak nationally. He's not coaching a 15u team this year. I'm not surprised.

Irish, with all due respect...I'm sure you meant to say get a hold of....Yes they (parents) do line up my friend. Sorce runs a fall camp/league in Burr Ridge and I can tell you this (as fact) the parents line up and in some cases beg for a spot on one of his summer teams. The comment about having a check is a cheap shot, but that seems to be the norm on this site. Let's review your other comment, his teams were weak at 14 & 16?? OK , the 14's won both the 54/80 & 60/90 State Championship, qualified for two World Series events and it is reported that Sam could have dominated many teams but chose instead to develop ALL the kids on his roster. Apparently the win loss record and plaque on the wall seems less important to this individual. The 16's also had an impressive team that certainly doesn't deserve the weak comment. The people in the business know that Sorce can put together teams that can compete on the national stage. We saw all the top teams in the country last season and guess what....Sorce's 14U team last summer was rock solid, Chris Briggs 08 Varsity Montini, Barrett Serrata 08 Varsity at West Chicago, Connor Duckhorn 09 Hinsdale, Ryan Pacyga 09 probable Varsity as a freshman , Rich Zajewski Hinsdale. When Sorce wanted to win, which he did at tournaments..They did!

I have coached against Sam over the years and from my opinion he had the most fundamentally sound team from any program that we played against. He also looked like he developed the palyers instead of just spending his time recruiting.

Take a look at the 04,05,06 guys that Sam has coached and how many of them are playing college baseball....I'd venture to say there aren't too many guys that can claim so many college ball players off travel teams from the state of Il...The man can teach the game...

I was just mentioning what I heard from last year. Both teams had some unhappy parents that were promised alot more from Sorce. As for his teams last year, Prairie Gravel didn't beat any top teams or win any big time tournaments under Sorce's coaching. One parent told me he wasn't even at half of the games, or he came late to some of them. I mentioned his teams in the past were very good. Last year PG took a major step back especially at the 14 year old level. Many have said it. That's not a cheap shot, just a fact. He's a good coach. I never said he wasn't, but there's many very good coaches out there. As for developing his entire roster. I would sure hope he does, considering the money involved. Most of the top 14u players didn't play for Prairie Gravel last year, an I can also verify that alot of the top 16u players played on better Illinois teams as well. Nothing personal, have a nice day.

Lineshot, that might have been true in the past, although over the last two seasons Prairie Gravel recruited more than anyone. It's just that they didn't have alot of success in doing so. Maybe Sam doesn't do the recruiting personally, but Prairie Gravel reps sure did. Many southside teams top players were recruited by Prairie Gravel last year, luckily for those players they stayed with their current team and had a good season. Those teams are still going strong in 06, and Praire Gravel's team folded this summer.

Irish you make some valid points. We have received numerous emails since posting here. Several from parents that had kids on said 14U team. You are correct in the assessment that several were expecting more and that Sam seemed a little less focused than in prior years. I guess the bottom line is that this guy is a very respected baseball coach who has demonstrated in the past that he worthy of such praise. It seems unfortunate that he is letting things slide. This guy could potentially run a national powerhouse program. I know you will bat that down with reference to his alleged failure at drawing the top talent. This we disagree with, we know there was a waiting list for his teams and that if this guy put some effort into this, he would be successful at building a top notch program. You again mention that his 14's & 16's were weak, unless you saw them as we did, we again disagree with this perception. They had a powerful lineup with decent pitching. We are not saying they were a national championship team by any means, however they looked as though they could give anybody a game. We underscore the games we observed, Sorce could have gone for the jugular and without hesitation he would follow his own plan regardless of what the parents may have wanted. That being said, when you mention that he didn't beat any top teams, we must ask the question: did Sorce care about that or was he more interested in something far more important. When we scout these teams we look at the players, how they react, respond and even how they warm up, we don't focus on the win loss record, rather we target the kids that are emerging as impact players. Apparently we are on the same page with Sorce. (the cheap shot referenced the comment about a check in hand) Kevin Thomas

Sam Sorce is a good man. Sorce is a talented coach and helps a whole lot of young players improve their game. Enough said.

Corky well articulated! Here is some local baseball news: The Illinois USSSA 14U State Champ Dupage Diamondbacks picked up 4 new players for 2006. The new leadoff off man; (John Kurpiel) is a real burner, the other is a big kid (Brian Krolikowski) 6'2" 200 pounds. Brian is one of the top 10 hockey players in the country for his age, he was also the starting halfback for his football team. He runs fast, has tremendous power and on top of that he is a frontline pitcher. They also picked up Chris Briggs and John Carlson from Illinois CABA State Champion Prairie Gravel. This team is talented enough to compete with the top teams in the country. They will be participating in the Travel Ball Select Tournament of Champions. Their coaching staff has bought in Jared Folley asst head coach Waubonse Valley HS (Mike Bowdin's old HS coach) as their hitting coach and Mike Palmer one of the top pitching coach/ physical conditioning in the Chicago area to help with pitchers. They were honored at the Pheasant run baseball seminar over the weekend in St. Charles. The D-Backs were named 2005 14U team of the year by USSSA Baseball. The awards ceremony included the Illinois State Champs from age 10-15. Each boy was presented with a personalized medal and each team presented with a plaque.

Pre HS

Briggs and Carlson have now played on almost every travel team in the area.

Irish not only were the prarie gravel reps recruiting the south side kids for last years 14 year old team, they went after north siders as well.

Sulltiger, you are also correct. The PG reps were a formidable and well financed group! They wanted to build a machine and again apparentlty they were not on the same page with Sam. Our contention is, if Sam were the one picking up the phone and recruiting players the outcome would have been far different. To be honest, we are surprised the PG Reps (kind of like the Notre Dame Alumni organization) didn't buy Sam out, hire some new coaches and carry on the name. KJT

I'm a little disappointed reading a thread with such negativity towards a long-standing top-notch program as Prairie Gravel. As if that wasn't enough, reading about one year's teams that possibly weren't up to the usual Gravel standards and people are questioning Sam Sorce.

Take this from a northsider, when Sam asked my son to join the Gravel 15U two summers ago after seeing him at an indoor showcase in Mokena, the feeling in our home and by my son was that he had been offered to play for Stanford. I don't know anything about this recruiting stuff that I'm reading, but I cannot imagine a quality player turning down a chance to play for such a great teacher of the game. JMO.

To Travel Ball Select; you make some good points, although so do I. Like I said Sorce had good teams years ago. Last year the PG program thought they could build a contender and they failed big time. That's probably a big reason they're NO more! The one weak CABA tournament they won last year. Who did they beat in that tournament? How did they far against the top elite teams in Illinois last year. What was their record against the Diamondbacks, Seminoles, Bulldogs, and Sparks. Anyways, Sorce's a good coach, let's just leave it at that. The point is there's many very good coaches and much better programs. That's been proven loud and clear especially over the last two seasons. There's a handful of 16u teams that were much better last year as well.

I meant to say how did they fare. Itsrosy, I understand your point. I'm just commenting on the last two years. I meant no disrespect. Though I've talked to a few very angry parents that were on Prairie Gravel last year. It does seem like Sam lost focus, and wasn't really concerned about that team last year, and in effect lost the team. There's alot of good talent and good coaching in Illinois.

Itsrosy im with you on this one. Seems like the people who have negative things to say about Sorce have no idea about the reputation , respect and tradition that the gravel program has built up over the years- something that a lot of these other programs would love to have . Gravel has always been geared toward putting together teams at the older levels, not the younger ones( 14s, 15s, ) . The 15 year old team folded- so what? angry parents- what team doesnt have any angry parents? Because one team within the organization didnt work out, wont stop PG from continuing to put quality baseball teams ( at whatever age group) on the field for years to come.

I think the oldest PG team, the college age kids, won the Connie Mack national championship in New Mexico this past summer.

Quite an impressive feat considering the competition level.

Beenthere thats something that gravel has done quite often over the years. Something that these negative posters need to realize before shooting off at the mouth . I dont think that any of the other people making comments here about gravel know anything about their history and their track record of producing quality teams . I doubt that any of the other teams that irish mentioned will come close to gravels longevity.

BeenthereIL:

Which Gravel team won the Connie Mack national championship? Did Gravel have a college age team last year?

Got...I thought it was the Connie Mack in Farmington.

Turned out it was the NBC...

(taken from the Illinois State archives/website)...

Anetsberger and Bolt played together for Prairie Gravel of the Chicago Suburban Baseball League. Prairie Gravel competed in the National Baseball Congress World Series, winning the tournament in dramatic fashion for their first NBC title. Anetsberger, the tournament MVP, finished the year with a .376 average while leading the team in RBI's (18), slugging percentage (.561) and total bases (37). Bolt, the 2005 Illinois State MVP, hit .231 while tying for the team lead with 19 RBI's. Illinois State recruit Dan Sorce also played for Prairie Gravel, appearing in four games with a 1-0 record and a 2.70 ERA.

Did Anetsberger and Bolt take lesson's from Sam?

BeenthereIL:

Thanks for the info.



2003cubs:

That's a good question...anyone know the answer?

gotwood4sale,

To answer your second question, Prairie Gravel did not have a college team last year but did have their usual men's team consisting of some college talent.

Strikes (Scott Nelson Inc,) is emerging as the place to go for the "Best" hitting instructors, all the top players seem to be heading there, traveling as far as Joliet to the Broadview based Academy....Sam Sorce (Miami Hall of Famer) Line Drive is one of the most respected names in the game and don't forget Jack Gallo (drafted by the Yanks back in the day!) from Elmwood Park!
Big following!

Travel ball select;Do you coach? you are a very good baseball man! As for Strikes, you were right as usual,I believe they have had 8 first team All-State player's since since 2002,take lesson's there,and I know there were more before 2002. Bolt and Anetsberger both took lesson's at Strikes, and my brother told me his son hit with a kid who come's in from Hammond Indiana . I think that's farther than Joliet

quote:

Strikes (Scott Nelson Inc,) is emerging as the place to go for the "Best" hitting instructors, all the top players seem to be heading there,

It isn't "emerging" as anything.

Been that way for 10-15 years...or however long Steve Hayward has been teaching hitters.

Simple as that.

TBS is the one who has been "emerging"

Steve Haywood needs to warned...he is an emerging as a top hitting instruction in the area. He may be labeled as a liberal threat or a Cub fan on the next post.

Steve Hayward not Haywood. Charge the mistake to the next lesson.

I'm the kid from Hammond, IN that goes to Steve Hayward at Strikes -- he is the best, hands down. Well worth the trip! I've been taking hitting lessons for many years and switched to him this off-season. I think that Steve is the best one I've ever gone to -- he's improved my power and I have also had a few laughs while working out there.

Hey, I dont know who this Irish83 person is, and i dont know why your being so negative about the prairie team. i dont know if its just that your upset because you or your son hasnt been getting all the attention they or you need but i think you should stop with the comments that your making, because i know sam sorce personally and if you make comments about him than your pretty much making comments about me to so if you want to keep making comments like that to make yourself feel better than go ahead, but if not, than quit this ****

Pitcher4,
Welcome aboard,
Pay no attention to the trolls. They can certainly be aggravating, we're all better off ignoring them in the long run. Maybe Santa will be kind enough to bring him a real "board" game or something to better occupy his time.

Pitcher4 Its pretty easy to figure out who it is . What egotistical person has a history of mouthing off at other managers and teams that he feels are inferior to his on various message boards? Im sure traveldad also knows who it is ...its pretty obvious

Sulltiger24,
The "WHO" behind the posts is not the important issue. The integrity of what we are all here for, IS. I suggest that everyone that wants to make issue with the "WHO", do it with PM's to him. We can identify the trolls when they reinvent themselves so our newer members won't get sucked into their black holes. At least that is what I do.

My son Gage has been to Steve Hayward, Marty Patterson and Todd Fine. I think they all are equally great instructors. I personally like to "switch it up" a little because one may find something that another has missed. As far as High School Coaches, I can not say much about here in Illinois as my older son attended Florida High Schools but one of the best I have seen is Rich Hoffman of Westminster Academy Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The guy is fantastic with the kids and one of the most knowledgeable baseball men you will meet. Oh yeah, he also coached some kid named A-Rod in High School.

Baseball14
Tell Gage the real slim shady (#14) and family say hello and good luck in FL.

Traveldad in most instances i would agree with you, but in this case where some of the things that were posted by Irish were mean spirited to go along with some outright lies , i think it wouldnt be a bad idea to reveal the identity. You know who it is. Youve been around him long enough . How can you tolerate it? Why stay quiet instead of speaking out against him if you truly care about this board the way you say you do ? I know a person of your integrity and how you go about teaching your kid goes against everything he stands for. Enough is enough.

quote:

Baseball14
Tell Gage the real slim shady (#14) and family say hello and good luck in FL.

I definately will! Right back at ya and thanks!
Check your email.... I sent you a message.

Sulltiger24
This discourse belongs somewhere else, so I applologize to anyone who is looking for the holy grail of hitting instuctors and comes across this garbage. This will be my last post here in reference to this.
It wasn't too long ago the same thing was being asked of me about your "friend" and sponsor to this site. I considered it because of the verbal assault, name calling, and outright lies that were being sent my way about me. I'm glad, now, that I did not. What little shred of friendship that was left was more valuable to preserve than destroy. And ultimately, I would have gained no satisfaction at the unmasking and the humiliation of another. The real loser would have been me(I still shave in the morning) not to mention that person, his family, his kid, and the TEAM (HELLOOO!)his kid plays for.
Please, if enough is enough for you, deal with it privately.

I hope this is OK? If not, please go ahead and delete my post. But I figured I would add links to the websites of the instructors that I listed in my previous post.

Rich Hofman's Hofbal Academy

Strikes Baseball Academy (Steve Hayward)

MVP Training Center (Todd Fine & Marty Patterson)

14
glad you did! I'm toying w/the idea of changing up myself or doing more than a single instructor too. Judging from the 1k's of posts any of these are great.

chris hall is the man

Yeah, i just want to know who this irish83 thinks they are, i just want to know the reason they have to say stuff like this and i want to know who it is. At least i have the balls to tell them who this is, I am his son Danny. I tell you this, he knows more about the game than any of the instructors out there. He will not only give you lessons that will make you better, but lessons on how to play the game from different sides, and how to be better than what they are now. Hes nrot there to take your money either, he does it to develop better ball players both on the field and off the field, i hope you can see that from the players hes had and the players to come. So next time you want to make a negative comment think again.

Pitcher4

I think it is admirable that you come defend your dad. I met him briefly 7or 8 years ago at Strikes where I teach. I don't claim to know him at all. What I do know is that many think very highly of him as a baseball man. He did very well as a player and has also done well as a coach. I also know some don't think very highly of him. I think there are probably a variety of reasons for that and I think the same is probably true for any really good coach. You can never please everyone. You just have to take the bad with the good. I don't know, but I don't think your dad is losing any sleep over what this guy is saying.

I have never met you but have seen you pitch several times against my boys from Oak Park River Forest. I always knew they would have a hard time beating you but it was fun to watch. You definitely know how to pitch a game(I'm guessing your old man may have had some input in that). Your poise and courage on the mound was impressive. Good luck in college.

Jim Donovan

Pitcher4 you have a PM

Boys, we're going to keep all of this civil. It is refreshing to see that some have loads of class! Promote the good in hitting instructors. I can relate to the one posts that basically reflects that every instructor is good for many but not all. Such is life. You will find those that touch upon that one concept that you never understood and bingo a breakthrough. It didn't mean that another instructor wasn't attempting to do the same. It's just that one found that way through to understanding. I've always stood by the theory that all teachers are good. All coaches are good. Good because you learn something. Sometimes that something is how you don't want to act or be. It then makes you a better person. JMHO!

quote:

Originally posted by lsc59:
Steve Haywood needs to warned...he is an emerging as a top hitting instruction in the area. He may be labeled as a liberal threat or a Cub fan on the next post.

59 Steve is not only one of the finest hitting instructors in the area but one of the most motivated Republicans you will meet and a certain threat to the liberals out there.