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Mitch Hoffman,
Principal Owner / CEO
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Mitch, born and raised in Stamford, earned a BA from Lafayette College as well as an MA from Columbia University in Educational Administration. In addition to being named to the 1990 Patriot League All-Decade team, his accomplishments include:
Director of Athletics at St. Lukes School, New Canaan, CT
Head Varsity Baseball Coach at St. Lukes School, from 1999 to 2005, Mitch has placed over 15 players in top collegiate baseball programs
After creating Total Baseball & Softballs Camps and Clinics in 2001, Mitch expanded the enrollment from 50 to 300 players
As a four-year starter for the Lafayette College Baseball Team, Mitch set school career records for Hits, At-Bats, RBIs, Doubles, Triples, Total Bases and Games Played. In addition, in 1996 Mitch led the team with a .985 fielding percentage.
In 1998 Mitch was honored as an All-American both athletically and academically
In 1996 Mitch was elected by the Patriot League and Lafayette College as their representative for all student athletes on the NCAA Student Athletic Advisory Board
In 2000 Mitch was honored by the Patriot League with a place on the All-Decade team as a catcher. He was the only Leopard that earned this honor in the ten year period
During his time at Lafayette, Mitch not only excelled athletically but was named the teams captain his Senior year
Mitch is certified by the NPA, National Pitching Association, as a pitching instructor and teacher with Board Members including but not limited to: Bobby Valentine, Tom House, Nolan Ryan, Dusty Baker and Randy Johnson
Mitch is a member of a The Fairfield County Sports Commission representing the town of New Canaan, CT
In 2006 Mitch was asked to join EO, and serves on the Board of the following charitable organizations:
o JBI Foundation
o The Umbrella Club
o Irvin Moorin Scholarship Foundation
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A longtime friend of Bobby Valentine, Frank recently reached the international pinnacle of baseball, having acted as bench coach for the 2005 Japanese and Asian Champions, The Chiba Lotte Marines. Frank possesses an impressive baseball resume which includes:
Frank was a four-year starter at Rippowam High School where he earned All-County and All-State honors
Frank starred at third base for the University of Tampa baseball team and after three stellar years, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins
Frank was a member of the Twins organization for four years, his career highlighted by a California League Championship while playing for the Visalia Oaks
After his professional career came to an end, Frank returned to Sacred Heart University to earn his BA in Business Management
Frank has owned and operated baseball clinics in Brandon, Florida while assisting Bobby by coaching and organizing his camps and clinics
In 2004 Frank was hired as the infield, base running and first base coach for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball)
Having helped all four of his infielders win Gold Glove honors, Frank resumed his duties as the bench coach, assisting Bobby in the quest to repeat as champions
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Mike Abate,
Director of Sports Instruction
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One of the most celebrated athletes to come out of Fairfield County, A two sport star, Mike has had an illustrious baseball career which was cut short due to injury, only to be followed by a stellar football career. Along with his valuable professional experience, Mike brings outstanding skills and an even more impressive baseball and football resumes to BVSA:
As a four-year starter at Norwalk High School, Mike was named to the All-Conference team three years in a row, while twice earning All-State recognition.
After his career at Norwalk High, Mike was drafted by the California Angels, but he felt it was more important to continue his athletic development.
Mike took his passion for baseball to Norwalk Community College where he quickly amassed a number of honors including included two-time Northeast Player of the Year, two-time First Team All-American, and 1998 Rawlings National Junior College Player of the Year.
After setting a number of school records at NCC, Mike decided to sign with the Seattle Mariners to pursue his professional baseball dream. However, Mike only played in the Mariners organization for three years, before his career was cut short by injury.
After his professional career ended abruptly, Mike enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University where he did what many people would consider impossible. Showing the drive that made him such a phenomenal baseball player, Mike fulfilled his dream to play college football by first earning a position on the SCSU football team and subsequently becoming the starting quarterback.
Not only did Mike make the successful transition to football, but he again demonstrated his significant athletic talents, twice making the All-Northeast 10 team, as well as finishing his two-year stint having shattered a number of school records.
Mike then took his football passion to the next level, signing to play quarterback with the Manchester Wolves of the Arena Football League.
In his first year as head coach of the Greenwich Canons American Legion program, Mike led the Canons to a 30-4 record, winning both the State and Regional Championships which led to his being named 2008 Coach of the Year.
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Jen Hadley, Director of Softball Operations
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One of the most celebrated softball players in all of New England, Jen comes to the Academy with a wealth of pitching and softball knowledge. Having excelled at the University of Massachusetts, Jen's resume includes:
A native of Bristol, CT, Jen attended Bristol Eastern High School where she was an All-State selection in Softball (State Champions her Junior year), Basketball and Volleyball
Jen was also a member of the Pony National Championship team in 1999 and was selected MVP
After a stellar softball career in high school, Jen moved onto UMASS where she went on to set a number of school career and single-season records.
While at UMASS Jen was twice named Atlantic 10 All-League, Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year, and All-America in her senior year.
Not only was Jen a force on the mound, but she was also named team captain three years in a row.
Jen currently instructs and works with some of the best softball pitchers in the Northeast.
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Kevin Murray,
Baseball Instructor
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Having been named the NJCAA World Series MVP in 1998, Kevin brings a wealth of baseball knowledge and experience to Bobby Valentine's Sports Academy. Already a successful instructor, Kevin's baseball accomplishments include:
Kevin began his baseball career at Brien McMahon High School where he was twice named to the All-FCIAC team
Kevin's collegiate baseball career got off to a fast start when he enrolled at Norwalk Community College. In his second season with the team, he earned All-New England, All-Tournament, and All-Region honors for his role in leading the Panthers to a World Series Championship. He was also selected the MVP of the NCJAA World Series in 1998
After completing two seasons with NCC, Kevin earned a full scholarship to Siena College, where he led the team to a MACC Championship and subsequent berth in the 1999 NCAA tournament
As a Senior, Kevin was named co-captain for his leadership role on the team
Since completing his playing days, Kevin has coached the Stamford Jr. Legion team for the past three years
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Michael Megale,
Baseball Instructor
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Michael Megale is a native of Stamford, Ct. Mike was a three year starter for the Stamford Black Knights, while earning numerous awards and recognitions for his stand-out play. Mike brings to BVSA not only his stand out resume, but knowledge and respect for the game.
A 3 year starter for the Black Knights, Mike went on to earn 3 time all FCIAC honors as well as being honored with ALL-STATE twice.
Mikes senior years stats included a .481 average, 7 homeruns, 34 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases.
Mike played at Hutchinson Community College as well as the Community College of Rhode Island.
After two years playing college ball, Mike was offered a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Mike decided to go to the University of Pittsburgh instead of taking the free agent contract and went on to start for the University of Pittsburgh.
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Danielle Simoneau,
Softball Instructor
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As one of the most storied softball players in Westhill High School history, Danielle recently reached the apex of high school softball when she not only had her number retired at Westhill, but was recently inducted into the Connecticut Hall of Fame for Women. Her other accomplishments include:
A former member of the Stamford Wildcats elite softball team, Danielle played at Westhill High School where she was named First Team All-State all four years
Following high school, Danielle went on to the University of Hartford, where she earned All-American honors as a pitcher, while also playing the outfield
While at the University of Hartford, Danielle set a number of records, both as a pitcher and a hitter and was elected into the Alumni Hall of Fame
Danielle currently possesses a dual certification in Regular and Special Education and is a fourth grade teacher at Julia A. Stark School in Stamford
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Bobby Derula,
Baseball Instructor
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A Greenwich native Bobby graduated from Greenwich High School in 1992 and went on to play baseball at Eckerd College. After an illustrious baseball career Bobby now teaches in the Greenwich Public School system. His accomplishments include and are not limited too;
While in High School Bobby was All-State and All FCIAC in Baseball
Graduated and played four years at Eckerd College (Div. II) and graduated in 1996 with a degree in English Literature
Named to Division II All American Team 1995
Named All Conference (Sunshine State Conference) 1995/1996 and named All Region (South) 1995/1996
Holds the mark at Eckerd College for the highest batting average for a single season .448 and was inducted into the Eckerd College as well as the Sunshine state Conference Halls of Fame
Professional Career-11 Seasons - Career Batting Average .315
Signed free agent deals for the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, and the Bridgeport Bluefish.
Named to 1997 pioneer Rookie league All-Star team as a catcher
Named to 2000 A Mid-West league All-Star team as an outfielder
Cincinnati Reds-signed as free agent in 2002
Named to the AA Southern League All Star team as an outfielder
Was AA southern League Batting Champion 2002
Finished fifth in the AAA International League in hitting in 2005
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Jason Schofield,
Baseball Instructor
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A native of New Jersey and baseball and football standout for Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. Prior to separating his shoulder Jason was one of the top 10 ranked outfield prospect in the state. Jason is continuing to rehabilitate his shoulder and is also pursuing a professional career in baseball.
Three year varsity starter and Varsity Captain for Ridge High School Red Devils, ranked in the top 20 of New Jersey each year.
.396 career average with Red Devils and was only caught stealing 1 time in 96 attempts.
Went on to County College of Morris Titans in Randolph NJ
Two Year Varsity starter for the Titans as well as All GSAC and All American for the Titans both years
.354 career average leading the League in triples both years with 16
Recruited to play Center Field for University of Richmond Spiders
Played beginning of the season with the Spiders before re-injuring his shoulder against UVA, which proved to be season ending
After numerous re-injuries of shoulder decided to take a year off and finish degree
Has worked as both group and individual level instructor prior to joining the BVSA family
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Antonio Conte,
Baseball Instructor
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A native of Stamford, CT, Anthony graduated from Trinity Catholic High School. Anthony played on the Trinity baseball team at the Varsity level for 3 years. Anthony brings his passion for the game and knowledge of pitching and catching learned under the tutelage of Mark Lacerenza. His accomplishments include but are not limited too;
Catcher for Trinity Catholic baseball team
Currently coaching the elite FURY baseball team
Currently coaching Stamford Legion
Specializes in pitching and catching lessons
Anthony continues to add to his resume through being actively involved in baseball in the Fairfield County area.
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