Yard East Instructors

Tom Waddell

Pitching and Hitting

  • Led Indians in saves in 1985
  • Set Cleveland rookie record for appearance in 1984 with 56
  • In 1984 opposing batters hit .193, second in AL to Cy Young winner Willie Hernandez
  • Signed by Hank Aaron
  • Worked with Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson and Hall of Famer’s Bobby Bonds, Johnny Sain and Luke Appling

Tony Diaz

Hitting

  • Current Rockies Hitting Instructor
  • Colorado Rockies Player Development Man of the Year 2002

Fredy Ocasio

Hitting and Defense

  • Current Rockies Hitting and Fielding Instructor
  • New Mexico State University – Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Oklahoma State University – Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Colorado Rockies ‘Class A’ 1994 – 1996
  • NCAA Division 1 – Oklahoma State University 1991 - 1994

Blake Eager

Pitching and Hitting

  • Flowing Wells High School - 2000
  • Eastern Arizona - Studied under Jim Bagnell
  • Northwood Summer collegiate league All-Star 2002 & 2003
  • Metro State at CU Denver 2003-2004
  • Drafted by the New York Mets in 2004
  • 2006 Pitcher of the Month - Florida State League
  • Worked with Rick Perterson, Rick Waits, Roger Clemons, All-Star Ricky Bones, Hall of Famer Gary Carter, and Hall of Famer Bob Feller

Helen Smith

Softball Hitting and Defense

  • 2005 Big East All Conference
  • 2005 Rutgers MVP and Coaches Award winner
  • 2005 Lead Rutgers in BA (.344), RBI’s (23), HR (8) and Doubles (10)
  • 2005 fielded .952 at 3rd base
  • 2004 Academic All-District II

Mike Ferris

Catching and Bullpens

  • Eastern Arizona Community College – 2003 - 2004
  • Buena High School – All-City 2003
  • Worked under Jim Bagnell (former UA All-American)