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Mitch Hoffman, Principal Owner / CEO
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:
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• Director of Athletics at St. Luke’s School, New Canaan, CT
• Head Varsity Baseball Coach at St. Luke’s School, from 1999 to 2005, Mitch has placed over 15 players in top collegiate baseball programs
• After creating Total Baseball & Softball’s 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, RBI’s, 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 team’s 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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Megan Hoffman, General Manager
A high school and collegiate All-American lacrosse player, Megan's skill set differs from her baseball and softball counterparts. With a passion for coaching and fitness, her accomplishments include:
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• Megan is an Ace Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Turbokick, PiYo, and Spinning Instructor;
• Megan has spent the last three years coaching the girls lacrosse teams for St. Luke's School, New Canaan High School and the New Canaan Lacrosse Association;
• With 10 years of gymnastics training, and nearly eight years of personal training experience, she is a well-versed fitness and lifestyle coach;
• Megan is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world for Bikini Models, having placed 1st at Ms. Bikini Atlantic, 8th at Ms. Bikini America, and 9th at Ms. Bikini Universe;
• Megan has appeared on the cover of Women's Health Magazine and has been featured in modeling advertisements for such companies as Under Armour and Nike. Megan does a lot of personal training at the facility and for more information on her go to www.meganhoffman.com
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Billy DiStefano, Director of Baseball Operations
Having given private baseball lessons for the last six years, Billy is a highly respected and accomplished instructor. Billy also recently concluded a successful playing career that earned him many accolades including:
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• Billy was an All-FCIAC selection (catcher and outfielder) at Norwalk High School where he led the team to the first ever undefeated season in FCIAC history;
• While starring for the Bryant University Baseball Team, Billy helped lead the team to a Northeast-10 Championship, and subsequent birth in the 1998 NCAA Regional Tournament;
• While at Bryant, Billy was named First Team All-New England in 1998, and twice named to the All-Conference Team;
• After being awarded Bryant University’s Athlete of the Year Award in 1998, Billy was recently inducted into the Bryant University Hall of Fame.
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Frank Ramppen, Special Instructor / Co-Owner
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:
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- 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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Kevin Murray, Instructor
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:
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- 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 Westport Jr. Legion team for the past three years.
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Mike Abate, Director of Baseball Instruction
One of the most celebrated athletes to come out of Fairfield County, Mike has had an illustrious baseball career that was cut short only by injury. Along with his valuable professional experience, Mike brings outstanding skills and an even more impressive baseball resume to BVSA:
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- 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
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Sam Colon, Director of Camps and Clinics
New to the Connecticut baseball scene, Sam is a highly regarded coach and instructor in Westchester County. He brings with him a strong baseball resume that includes:
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- Sam began his baseball career at Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, where he was named to the NY All-City team
- A 2002 graduate of Concordia College, Sam was a four-year starter twice being named captain and once earning All-American recognition for his outfield play
- Sam helped lead Concordia to four straight regional appearances and three NYAC Championships, while leading the school in a number of hitting categories
- In 2002 Sam received the NYCAC Scholar Athlete award along with three All-NYAC selections, and two All-Region selections
- Over the past three years, Sam has coached for the Diamond Buddies in the WBA and in 2005 served as the Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Harrison High School
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Mark Lacerenza, Director of Pitching Instruction
A starting left-handed pitcher for the University of Pennsylvania, Mark brings his great knowledge of pitching and the game of baseball to the academy. Mark recently completed his athletic playing career, yet continues to add to his baseball resume:
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- While at Westhill High School, Mark was named an All-FCIAC pitcher, while also being named a three-time All-American swimmer
- After high school Mark continued his baseball career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a four-year staple in the team's starting rotation
- Upon earning his B.A. from Penn, Mark played professional baseball in the Independent League circuit for two seasons and two different organizations (Joliet Jackhammers, 2002, Allentown Ambassadors, 2003) where he worked primarily as a middle reliever
- As a player and most recently as an instructor, Mark has spent the last six years studying under world renown pitching authority, Tom House, founder of the National Pitching Association
- In November 2005, Mark earned his Certification of Instruction from the National Pitching Association in San Diego, California
- Locally, Mark is heavily involved with youth and high school baseball programs throughout Fairfield County. In 2006, Mark established a 17 & Under AAU travel baseball team and college placement program based out of St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Ct.
- Mark presently resides in Stamford, Ct. and works as a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley in Greenwich, Ct.
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Jen Hadley, Director of Softball Instruction
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:
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- 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, while also teaching elementary education in the Greenwich School System
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Drew Bigda, Baseball Instructor
Drew is currently a left-handed prospect in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Organization. Having worked with a number of ex-big leaguers, Drew brings to the Academy a wealth of pitching knowledge and experience:
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- A 2001 graduate of Westhill High School, Drew was twice named All-State in baseball, and a three time All-State hockey selection
- Following high school, Drew attended Holy Cross College where he was a three-year starter at first base, as well as a starting pitcher
- After his junior season, Drew was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a pitcher in the 39th Round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft- After his junior season, Drew was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a pitcher in the 39th Round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft
- Having completed three seasons in professional baseball, Drew has worked under the likes of ex-big leaguers Nardi Contreras and Dick Bosman, both 10-year big leaguers and former big league pitching coaches
- Currently a student of Tom House and the National Pitching Association, Drew will continue to pursue his Major League Baseball career by reporting to spring training in March
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Bob Derula, Baseball Instructor
Graduated from Greenwich High School in 1992
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- All-State in Baseball
- All FCIAC in Baseball
Graduated from Eckerd College in 1996 with a degree in English Literature
- Played four years at Eckerd College (Div. II) as an OF/C
- Named to Division II All American Team 1995
- Named All Conference (Sunshine State Conference) 1995/1996
- Named All Region (South) 1995/1996
- Holds the mark at Eckerd College for the highest batting average for a single season .448
Professional Career-11 Seasons - Career Batting Average .315
- Known as a utility player and has experience at just about every position
- Very knowledgeable about hitting/base running
Milwaukee Brewers-signed as free agent in 2002
- Played with Milwaukee from 1996-2001
- Played at A and AA levels
- 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
- Played with Cincinnati from 2002-2004
- Played at AA and AAA levels
- Named to the AA Southern League All Star team as an outfielder
- Was AA southern League Batting Champion 2002
- Played for AAA Louisville Bats as an OF/1B/C
Baltimore Orioles - signed as a free agent 2005
- Played for AAA Ottawa lynx as an outfielder
- Finished fifth in the AAA International League in hitting in 2005
Bridgeport Bluefish - signed as a free agent
- played 20 games at 1B, 3B, LF, RF
- hit .358
Atlanta Braves - signed June 2006
- Played LF, RF, and 1B for AA Mississippi braves in Southern League
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Danielle Simoneau, Softball Instructor
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:
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- 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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Nicole Vitti, Softball Instructor
A former Stamford High School softball star, Nicole pitched the school to its first ever State Championship. With a wealth of experience, Nicole brings with her to the academy an impressive softball resume:
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- While in high school, Nicole earned many accolades, the most impressive being her two selections as an All-State performer
- After high school, Nicole went on to Holy Cross College where she made her mark both as a pitcher and hitter, setting a number of school career records on the mound as well as at the plate
- Nicole was named to the All-Patriot League team her freshman and senior years, and was a four-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recipient
- While at Holy Cross, Nicole was named team captain both her junior and senior years
- Nicole currently lives in Stamford and coached the 16-and-under Stamford Wildcats elite softball club in 2005.
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Emily Robustelli, Softball Instructor
A standout at both the high school and college level, Emily was fortunate enough to do what many softball players only dream of: play professionally. After a year of professional softball in Italy, Emily joins the staff of the Academy and brings with her an overwhelming resume:
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- Emily attended Trinity Catholic High School where she starred for the Volleyball and Basketball teams earning All-FCIAC honors in both, while gaining All-State notoriety in Volleyball
- On the softball field, Emily excelled, earning four straight years of All-FCIAC and All-State recognition while also twice being named Gatorade Connecticut and New England Player of the Year
- After her high school career, Emily was honored for her play, with the Alyson Rioux Memorial award along with having her Number 12 jersey retired by Trinity Catholic
- Emily brought her game to the next level when she attended University of Massachusetts where she was three-time All-Conference and a member of the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament team
- Emily capped off a stellar collegiate career in 2003 when she was named an NFCA All-American as well as Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP, and ECAC Player of the Year
- While at UMASS Emily led her team to four Atlantic 10 Championships as well as four NCAA Regional appearances
- After college Emily went on to play one season in the Italian Professional Softball League for the Macerata team, helping to lead them to the 2004 league championship
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Billy Casolo, Instructor
A former two-sport star at Williams College, Billy is one of Fairfield County's finest athletes. Having recently finished playing professional baseball in Italy, Billy possesses an impressive resume, which includes:
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- A four year starter at Westhill High School, Billy was an All-State selection as a shortstop and centerfielder
- After graduating from Westhill, Billy continued on to St. Johns University where he earned All-Big East Academic recognition
- After his freshman year at St Johns, Billy transferred to Williams College to pursue a more challenging academic experience, and also play two sports: Baseball and Hockey
- Billy was an All-NESCAC shortstop for the Williams Ephs, while captaining the team his senior year
- After Williams, Billy was invited to play for the Bollate Coil of the Italian Professional Baseball League, where he was their starting centerfielder
- After a long and successful baseball career, Billy is currently an middle school teacher in Stamford, and is working towards his MA in Education
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