Coaches/Trainers
Coaches and Trainers
Tom Urbani
Tom Urbani played his collegiate career at Long Beach State and was a participant in the 1989 College World Series. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1990 in the 13th round. He made his major league debut in 1993 and spent 3 years in the major league, including a short stint with the Detroit Tigers in 1996. After retiring, he then spent a year in Italy where he was part of a championship team with the Rimini Pirates, posting a 11-1 record with a 1.75 era. That same year he helped the Italian National team qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games, beating France twice, with a no hitter in the first win and a one hitter in the second.
Tom has been giving private and group instruction for over 15 years and has helped advance many kids to the college ranks and on to the pros. He also owns Lefty Righty Sports and is the creator of the “Curveball Trainer”. A tool that has shown great success in teaching youth of all ages proper grip, proper wrist action, and strengthening of the pitching arm. You can visit his website at www.curveballtrainer.com.
Don “Doc” Ritterbusch
The founder of Benchmark Baseball and has been involved in organized baseball at the youth, high school, college, and professional levels as a player, coach, instructor, and a major league scout for over 35 years. Doc is widely regarded as one of the region’s leading baseball instructors, especially in the areas of pitching and catching, having been a catcher himself during his 16 year playing career and as a life-long student of the game. During that time he has played for, worked with, and learned from some of the greatest and most successful coaches in the game. Doc has coached successfully himself at the youth level, where his teams finished as back-to-back USSSA runner-up and state champions; at the high school level for Colorado Select All-Star teams in both the Senior and Junior Phoenix Fall Classic; and for years at the college level, where he has coached in the National Baseball Congress College World Series. Doc’s extensive knowledge and experience are possibly only surpassed by his passion for the game and his ability to successfully connect with and teach young players. Over the years he has aided many of his students and players to improve their mental and physical skills, obtain college scholarships, and train and prepare for college and pro competition. Doc is currently a scout with the Cleveland Indians. You can contact Doc directly at dfritt@aol.com or 303-522-0888. http://www.benchmarkbaseball.net/
Dave Hajek
Infielding/Hitting – Baseball
Currently Minor League Hitting Coach in Colorado Rockies organization. The former infielder signed as an undrafted free agent after his senior year at Cal Poly Pomona and went on to play 10 seasons professionally with the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies. Reaching the Major Leagues for parts of 2 seasons with the Houston Astros. Has been giving professional instruction for the past 15 years. Dave is currently in season with the Tulsa Drillers (Rockies AA affiliate) Email Dave Hajek
Mark Perdew
Mark Perdew has been involved with the Rocky Mountain Soccer Camps as a coach and director since 1986. In addition to being a successful coach at the High School level in Colorado, Mark has also served as the
Director of Coaching for the Stingers Soccer Club in Evergreen, Colorado, and for the Denver Kickers in Golden, Colorado.
Mark’s playing career included a 3 year stint as a professional player with the Colorado Comets of the United Soccer Leagues, which won 2 outdoor championships and 1 indoor title from 1989 through 1993. He was
voted to the USL All-Star Team in 1992.
As a coach and director of youth soccer players, Mark’s creative and innovative activities, practice formats, and training programs have been recognized nationally as outstanding methods for the technical, physical and personal development of young soccer players.
Byron Embry
Byron was drafted and signed by the Atlanta Braves in (1997) and his career took off like a rocket in his first season. Known for his high power fastball that exceeded speeds of 102 miles per hour, Byron kept his eye on the ball and ended up being signed with the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners, where he spent two seasons. He has spent 12 years playing baseball professionally.
Contact Byron through Game Day Training @ info@cosgamedaytraining or call (719)434-3423.
Evan Willliams
